The Effect of Forearm Tattoos on Flap Choice in Transmasculine Phalloplasty Patients

Abstract

Purpose. The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) is considered the gold standard for gender affirming phalloplasty. Ideally, a nondominant forearm flap is used to minimize the risk of functional morbidity. However, many transmasculine individuals have tattooed forearms, which can affect decision making. The purpose of this study was to understand the prevalence of forearm tattoos among transmasculine patients seeking phalloplasty and how and whether tattoos affected decision making about flap source. Methods. Participants were 50, consecutive, adult, transmasculine patients seeking phalloplasty. The presence and location of tattoos were assessed using consult notes in the electronic medical record. A one-tailed test of proportions was used to test whether forearm tattoos increased the likelihood of alternative flap choice. Results. More than half of patients (56%) had tattoos on either one or both forearms ( n = 28), 75% on their nondominant arm ( n = 21). Among the patients with forearm tattoos, the presence of tattoos affected the flap site decision for 46% of patients ( n = 13). For the patients that chose an alternative flap site, 46% chose a dominant forearm RFFF ( n = 6) and 54% an anterolateral thigh flap ( n = 7). The percentage of patients whose records indicated that they were planning on using an alternative flap due to a tattoo on their nondominant forearm was significantly higher than the percentage of patients without such tattoos, indicating the desire for an alternate flap ( P < 0.01). Conclusion. Many transmasculine patients seeking phalloplasty have tattoos on either one or both of their forearms. Because of this, a substantial fraction of patients may choose flap donor sites that are less ideal. Providers from all disciplines may wish to educate young transmasculine patients about how tattoo placement may affect surgical options earlier during transition.

Surgical Affirmation for Gender-Diverse Youth

“…This is primarily relevant to transmasculine individuals who plan on pursuing phalloplasty; patients should be aware that tissue flaps from the forearm, thigh, groin, lower abdomen, back, and lower legs may be used (with the forearm of the nondominant hand being the most likely used). This has the potential to both disrupt a cherished tattoo and lead to unaesthetic tattoo placement on the neophallus (Benson, Boskey, & Ganor, 2020).…”