High Surgical Complication Rates after Silicone Implant Use for Improvement of Glans Ridge Appearance

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Plastic Surgery
• Gender-Affirming Care

Background:

• Glans construction is crucial in gender-affirming phalloplasty.
• The Norfolk technique is common for glans ridge creation.
• Revision glansplasty is standard for flattening, but a new approach is needed for recurrent issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel silicone glans implant technique for patients with recurrent glans ridge flattening after phalloplasty.
• To assess patient satisfaction and complication rates associated with this new implant.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving 12 patients who received silicone glans implants.
• Data collected via retrospective chart review and a patient satisfaction survey.
• Analysis included patient demographics, implant status, and satisfaction scores.

Main Results:

• Of 8 surveyed patients, 5 (63%) retained the implant; 3 did not respond.
• Average patient satisfaction was 3.25 (on a 5-point scale, 1=very satisfied).
• Complications included infection, discomfort, pain, and aesthetic dissatisfaction.

Conclusions:

• A silicone glans implant is a potential option for failed glansplasty, but it is still under development.
• Current patient satisfaction is variable, and complication rates are significant.
• Future technical refinements may improve outcomes for this glansplasty revision technique.