Meta less expensive and

[KarlMars]

less trouble?

[FTMax]

Maybe, to both questions.

If you're using insurance to pay for surgery, you will probably end up paying the same amount for phalloplasty as you would for metoidioplasty at least in terms of the initial stage. Phalloplasty is typically done in multiple stages though, so depending on donor site choice and what "extras" you're getting, you may end up with greater expenses. If you're paying out of pocket, metoidioplasty will definitely be less expensive.

As far as troublesome goes, for me, going through the increased complications for phalloplasty is less troublesome than ending up with genitals that aren't what I want them to be. I would much rather deal with that increased risk and not have to consider coming back years in advance to "upgrade" my equipment if I'm ultimately not happy with it.

With bottom surgery, you've really got to sit down and think about what you want and what your expectations are. Concerns over complications and expense should be a secondary thought process to figuring out what is most appropriate for you.

[KarlMars]

Maybe, to both questions.

If you're using insurance to pay for surgery, you will probably end up paying the same amount for phalloplasty as you would for metoidioplasty at least in terms of the initial stage. Phalloplasty is typically done in multiple stages though, so depending on donor site choice and what "extras" you're getting, you may end up with greater expenses. If you're paying out of pocket, metoidioplasty will definitely be less expensive.

As far as troublesome goes, for me, going through the increased complications for phalloplasty is less troublesome than ending up with genitals that aren't what I want them to be. I would much rather deal with that increased risk and not have to consider coming back years in advance to "upgrade" my equipment if I'm ultimately not happy with it.

With bottom surgery, you've really got to sit down and think about what you want and what your expectations are. Concerns over complications and expense should be a secondary thought process to figuring out what is most appropriate for you.

I was thinking about my active lifestyle and that the smaller genitalia wouldn't get in my way while cycling and workout machines. I'm more interested in my image and feeling like a male than have a large penis.

[FTMax]

In the short term, that may be accurate. I think for most guys, having larger equipment is something they get used to. I've spoken to a few guys who have been cleared to go back to full activity post-phallo, and they're back to playing sports and working out like they used to. I'm sure positioning and supporting things is much, much more important now but I think that's about it. Once everything is healed and you're accustomed to it being there, I don't think it would impede your ability to ride a bike or workout.

If anything, what I hear guys have the greatest issue with is the vaginectomy site and general soreness in that region throughout healing. So that would be true for either procedure, if you plan on having a vaginectomy. When I sat down and did my initial list to figure things out, it was something like this:

Need
- Vaginectomy
- Urethral lengthening
- Scrotoplasty

Want
- Testicular Implants
- Concealable donor site (if phallo)

Don't Care
- Size
- Erectile Device (if phallo)

The only things I really care about are getting rid of what's currently there, being able to pee standing up, and having a male looking setup. Size is a non-issue for me. I'm not 100% sure I'll end up getting any implants (testicular or erectile), as I've read a lot of folks having issues with those. I wanted a concealable donor site, but I'm not getting one.

My advice would be to make a list like this, refine it over time, and then have a consultation with a surgeon who performs both procedures. Let them take a look at you and tell you what your body is best suited for that meets everything in your "need" list. If you have your heart set on a particular procedure by that point and they say it's not the best fit for you, ask what you would need to do to make it ideal. There are also some bottom surgery support groups on Facebook and Yahoo groups where guys discuss these procedures and their experiences, so you may be able to ask people directly about their ability to be active post-op.

[KarlMars]

In the short term, that may be accurate. I think for most guys, having larger equipment is something they get used to. I've spoken to a few guys who have been cleared to go back to full activity post-phallo, and they're back to playing sports and working out like they used to. I'm sure positioning and supporting things is much, much more important now but I think that's about it. Once everything is healed and you're accustomed to it being there, I don't think it would impede your ability to ride a bike or workout.

If anything, what I hear guys have the greatest issue with is the vaginectomy site and general soreness in that region throughout healing. So that would be true for either procedure, if you plan on having a vaginectomy. When I sat down and did my initial list to figure things out, it was something like this:

Need
- Vaginectomy
- Urethral lengthening
- Scrotoplasty

Want
- Testicular Implants
- Concealable donor site (if phallo)

Don't Care
- Size
- Erectile Device (if phallo)

The only things I really care about are getting rid of what's currently there, being able to pee standing up, and having a male looking setup. Size is a non-issue for me. I'm not 100% sure I'll end up getting any implants (testicular or erectile), as I've read a lot of folks having issues with those. I wanted a concealable donor site, but I'm not getting one.

My advice would be to make a list like this, refine it over time, and then have a consultation with a surgeon who performs both procedures. Let them take a look at you and tell you what your body is best suited for that meets everything in your "need" list. If you have your heart set on a particular procedure by that point and they say it's not the best fit for you, ask what you would need to do to make it ideal. There are also some bottom surgery support groups on Facebook and Yahoo groups where guys discuss these procedures and their experiences, so you may be able to ask people directly about their ability to be active post-op.

I just hope my clit grows a lot. I heard of someone's growing 4 inches once. Thanks for the info, Max.