🇧🇷 Phalloplasty in Brazil (consultings experience)

I wanted to share my experience after consulting different Brazilian surgeons about phalloplasty. Information in Brazil is still very limited, so I hope this helps anyone researching their options.

1. Dr. Birajara Barbosa
Cost: $950 BRL

He is widely known in Brazil and many people say he is very good — and I agree that he seems like a competent surgeon. However, during our consultation he kept pushing me toward metoidioplasty even after I explained several times that I wanted phalloplasty.

Eventually he explained that he will only start performing phalloplasty around May of this year, and that he will be doing it together with an American surgeon because he does not yet have much experience with this procedure.

So while he seems very experienced with metoidioplasty, phalloplasty is still something new for him. Because of that, I decided not to move forward with him.

2. Dr. Cláudio
Cost: $870 BRL

He was very straightforward and professional. He told me that he currently only performs phalloplasty for cis men in cases such as micropenis, trauma, or amputation.

He referred me to another surgeon in Manaus who specializes in microsurgery.

3. Microsurgeon in Manaus
Cost: $0 BRL – Recommended by Dr. Cláudio

This doctor impressed me a lot in terms of technical experience. He performs complex microsurgeries, including reconstructive surgeries for severe injuries (for example children who lost the penis due to accidents or other traumatic situations).

He seemed extremely confident and knowledgeable. When I asked about complications like fistulas, he said that while they can happen, he has extensive experience managing them.

However, he mostly works in the public healthcare system (SUS), treating emergency and reconstructive cases. He doesn’t really run a private practice dedicated to phalloplasty for trans men, and his schedule seemed extremely full. Because of that, moving forward with him didn’t seem quite realistic.

4. Dr. Tiago Rosito
Cost: $500 BRL

Many people recommended him, but personally, I did not have a good experience.

During the consultation he made several jokes, which made the conversation feel less serious than I expected for such an important and sensitive topic. One phrase that really bothered me was when he asked: “What is the size of your sexual fantasy?”

For me this is not about a fantasy — it’s about gender identity and feeling comfortable in my body...

He also explained that he currently performs phalloplasty through the public system, but he does not have a microsurgeon on his team right now. Without microsurgery, the phallus would not have nerve connection for sensation. That was another important reason why I decided not to proceed with him.

5. The surgeon I chose: Dr. Ailton
Cost: $800 BRL

The doctor I ultimately chose was Dr. Ailton.

He was extremely respectful, calm, and seemed genuinely supportive to LGBT+. He talked a lot about dignity and quality of life, which resonated with me...He explained the differences between metoidioplasty and phalloplasty very clearly, without pushing me toward one option.

He performs surgeries in top hospitals in Rio de Janeiro (including Hospital Badim) and he also works with a microsurgeon from Cleveland, Dr. Gupta, who performs the microsurgical portion of the procedure. He made it clear that he only performs phalloplasty when this microsurgeon is present because his goal is to achieve full functionality, including nerve connection for sensation.

Another thing that stood out to me was his attitude. When I explained my financial limitations, he was willing to adjust the price and told me that what mattered most was making the surgery possible.That level of humanity and transparency is ultimately what made me choose him.

Final thoughts

Phalloplasty options in Brazil are still very limited, and each surgeon has a very different approach and level of infrastructure.

If anyone has questions about these consultations or wants to discuss experiences with these surgeons, feel free to ask. I’m happy to share more details if it helps others navigate this process.

By the end, I have now dates from stage 0 (hysto in July) and stage 1 (February).

Planned Costs (rounded numbers)
Hysto: 75k BRL – 14k USD
Stage 1 > Phallo creation: 155k BRL - 30 USD
Stage 2 > UL + Scrotoplasty: 110k BRL - 20 USD
Stage 3 > Erectile Device: 110k BRL - 20 USD