Dr. Walter Lin, MD is a fellowship-trained Plastic Surgeon who performs Top Surgery and Breast Augmentation at the Buncke Clinic in San Francisco. Dr. Lin has a sub-specialization in reconstructive microsurgery and is dedicated to the advancement of care in microsurgical reconstruction of the extremities, breast, and lymphatic systems. His experience in these areas has contributed to his exceptional skills in gender-affirming Top Surgery and Breast Augmentation.
Latest Research
Phalloplasty Flap Salvage Using a Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Propeller Flap. [FULL TEXT]
Rochlin DH, Lin W, Reitz RJ, Chen M, Buntic R, Watt A, Safa B. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2024 Jan 29;12(1):e5522.
Partial phalloplasty flap loss presents an evolving challenge, largely due to the complex demands required for both aesthetics and function. We describe our novel experience using the superficial circumflex iliac perforator (SCIP) propeller flap for neophallus salvage when skin grafting alone provides insufficient soft tissue bulk or coverage.
Immediate Lymphovenous Bypass Treated Donor Site Lymphedema during Phalloplasty for Gender Dysphoria
Walter Lin, Bauback Safa, Mang Chen, Ming-Huei Cheng. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. Sept 17 2021;9(9):e3822.
The extended radial forearm flap phalloplasty remains one of the most commonly performed gender-affirming phalloplasty techniques. One potential morbidity that has emerged is postoperative donor site lymphedema, which was susceptible to develop after harvest of extended radial forearm flap. In the setting of preventative or immediate lymphovenous bypass (LVB) with axillary lymph node dissection for the treatment of breast cancer, it is possible that a subset of patients undergoing gender-affirmation surgery would benefit from immediate lymphatic reconstruction at the time of primary phalloplasty. Lymphography showed no dermal backflow at 5 months follow-up; at 13 months, the patient demonstrated no signs or symptoms of lymphedema in the left forearm or hand.
Transgender Scrotoplasty and Perineal Reconstruction With Labia Majora Flaps: Technique and Outcomes From 147 Consecutive Cases
Travis J Miller, Walter C Lin, Bauback Safa, Andrew J Watt, Mang L Chen. Ann Plast Surg. Sept 1 2021; 87(3):324-330.
We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of phalloplasty patients who underwent either primary or secondary labia majora flap scrotoplasty and perineal reconstruction from October 1, 2017, to December 1, 2019. Bilateral elevation and rotational flap advancement from the posterior to anterior position formed a pouch-like scrotum. Perineal reconstruction involved multilayered closure with apposition of the inner thigh skin. Minor wound complications are common and frequently heal with conservative management. Wounds that do not heal may be associated with urethral complications.
An abnormal clinical Allen’s Test is not a contraindication for free radial forearm flap
Travis J Miller, Bauback Safa, Andrew J Watt, Mang L Chen, Walter C Lin. Clin Case Rep. Jul 15 2020. ;8(11):2191-2194.
An abnormal clinical Allen’s test is not a definitive exclusion criterion for free radial forearm flap use. A surgical Allen’s test may be useful to determine whether flap harvest is feasible in patients with an abnormal clinical Allen’s test.
Current Concepts in Masculinizing Gender Surgery
Bauback Safa, Walter C Lin, Ali M Salim, Jordan C Deschamps-Braly, Melissa M Poh. Plast Reconstr Surg. Apr 2019;143(4):857e-871e.
This CME article reviews key terminology and standards of care, and provides an overview of various masculinizing gender-affirming surgical procedures.
