Yes, sensation is possible after FTM bottom surgery, also known as phalloplasty. While you can typically feel sensation in the created neophallus, the level of feeling may initially be different from the skin's donor area before the procedure.
Understanding Sensation After Phalloplasty
Phalloplasty is a complex surgical procedure that constructs a neophallus (new penis) using tissue from a donor site on the body. A primary goal of this surgery is to achieve not only a functional and aesthetically appropriate result but also to restore some level of sensation.
Key points regarding sensation include:
- Presence of Sensation: It is common to experience some form of sensation in the neophallus after the surgery.
- Initial Differences: Immediately following the procedure, the feeling in the neophallus might be less intense or different compared to the original sensation in the skin of the donor site before it was moved.
- Gradual Improvement: Sensation often increases naturally over time as nerve regeneration and healing occur. This process can be gradual and may continue for many months, or even years, post-surgery.
Factors Influencing Sensation
The extent and type of sensation experienced can vary among individuals and depend on several factors, including:
- Surgical Technique: Different phalloplasty techniques (e.g., radial forearm flap, anterolateral thigh flap) have varying implications for nerve hook-up and potential for sensation.
- Nerve Hook-up: During the surgery, a microsurgical connection of nerves from the donor site to existing nerves in the pubic area is performed to enable sensation. The success of this nerve coaptation is crucial.
- Individual Healing: Every individual's body heals and regenerates nerves at a different pace.
- Rehabilitation Efforts: Post-operative rehabilitation can significantly impact the improvement of sensation.
Improving Sensation Over Time
While sensation can improve on its own, healthcare providers may recommend specific strategies to enhance nerve regeneration and sensory feedback:
- Rehabilitation Training: Specialized rehabilitation programs are often available to help improve feeling. These may include:
- Sensory Re-education Exercises: Gently stimulating the area to encourage nerve growth and brain adaptation.
- Desensitization/Resensitization Techniques: Gradually exposing the area to different textures and pressures.
- Massage: Gentle massage can help improve blood flow and nerve health.
- Patience and Persistence: Nerve regeneration is a slow process, and consistent engagement with rehabilitation, if recommended, is key to maximizing sensory outcomes.
It's important to have realistic expectations and to discuss sensory outcomes thoroughly with your surgical team.
