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Dr. Rachel Bluebond-Langner
Leader in Gender-Affirming Phalloplasty Surgery
Dr. Rachel Bluebond-Langner, MD is a nationally recognized expert in phalloplasty, performing advanced gender-affirming procedures at NYU Langone Health in New York City. With extensive experience in complex reconstructive surgery, Dr. Bluebond-Langner offers both Radial Forearm Flap (RFF) and Anterolateral Thigh (ALT) phalloplasty techniques, tailoring each approach to meet the unique needs and goals of her patients. She collaborates with reconstructive urologist Dr. Lee Zhao to optimize urological outcomes and ensure the highest standards of safety in gender-affirming surgical care.
Phalloplasty Overview
At NYU Langone, the two primary phalloplasty techniques offered are:
- Radial Forearm Flap (RFF) Phalloplasty
This method uses a section of skin, fat, nerves, and blood vessels from the forearm to create the phallus. It is widely regarded for its versatility, aesthetics, and potential for tactile and erogenous sensation when nerves are successfully connected. - Anterolateral Thigh (ALT) Phalloplasty
This technique utilizes tissue from the thigh, offering a donor site that is often less conspicuous than the forearm. It may be a preferred option for patients with specific aesthetic or functional goals, though it is only offered to candidates who meet certain tissue thickness criteria. A “pinch test” is used during the consultation process to evaluate ALT candidacy.
Both procedures involve nerve coaptation—specifically connecting branches of the dorsal clitoral nerve to the neophallus—which provides the potential for erogenous sensation over time. Additional stages may include urethral lengthening (for standing urination), scrotoplasty, glansplasty, and implantation of erectile and testicular prostheses, depending on the patient’s goals and eligibility.
Key Surgical Considerations
- A vaginectomy is required if urethral lengthening is performed.
- Patients should be non-smokers or willing to quit in advance of surgery.
- There is a BMI limit of 33 for phalloplasty at NYU Langone.
- Multiple surgical stages are typically necessary to achieve full functional and aesthetic results.
Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Care
Dr. Bluebond-Langner works in close collaboration with urologic surgeon Dr. Lee Zhao, who specializes in urethral construction and urogenital reconstruction. This integrated team approach ensures high standards of safety, surgical precision, and postoperative support.
NYU Langone is one of the country’s premier centers for gender-affirming surgery, with a dedicated program that supports patients before, during, and after surgery. The institution has earned national recognition for its commitment to inclusive, affirming care and outstanding surgical outcomes.
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