For many transfeminine individuals, vaginoplasty represents the culmination of a deeply personal journey toward bodily congruence. This procedure creates a functional, sensate vagina and vulva using your own tissue, allowing your anatomy to reflect who you have always been. Thailand has been at the forefront of gender-affirming surgery for decades, and its surgeons are among the most experienced in the world.
What Is MTF Vaginoplasty?
Vaginoplasty is the surgical creation of a vagina and vulva for transfeminine patients. The procedure involves constructing a vaginal canal with adequate depth for penetrative intercourse, along with anatomically correct external genitalia including the labia majora, labia minora, clitoral hood, and a sensate clitoris derived from the glans penis. When performed by an experienced surgeon, the results are both aesthetically natural and functionally sensate.
Thailand is widely regarded as a global leader in this procedure, with surgeons who have collectively performed tens of thousands of vaginoplasties over several decades. This depth of experience translates into refined surgical techniques, lower complication rates, and consistently high patient satisfaction. Under the current WPATH Standards of Care (SOC 8), candidates typically require documentation of persistent gender incongruence, a minimum of 12 months of continuous hormone therapy (unless contraindicated), and two independent referral letters from qualified mental health professionals.
Common Concerns MTF Vaginoplasty Can Address
- Significant distress caused by the presence of male genitalia
- Inability to feel comfortable in intimate situations
- Desire for anatomy that aligns with your affirmed gender identity
- Ongoing dysphoria that impacts daily life and mental wellbeing
Are You a Good Candidate?
- Persistent, well-documented gender dysphoria with two referral letters per WPATH SOC 8
- At least 12 months of continuous hormone therapy (unless medically contraindicated)
- Aged 18 or over, in good overall health, and free from uncontrolled medical conditions
- Realistic expectations discussed thoroughly with your surgical team
Techniques & Options
Several surgical approaches exist for vaginoplasty, and your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate method based on the amount of available donor tissue, your anatomy, health history, and personal goals. Each technique has distinct advantages, and the choice is best made in close consultation with a surgeon who is experienced in all available methods.
The three principal techniques offered by our partner surgeons in Thailand are:
Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty
The most widely performed technique worldwide, penile inversion uses the penile skin as the primary lining for the vaginal canal. The penile skin is inverted and placed into a surgically created cavity between the rectum and the bladder. The glans penis is fashioned into a sensate clitoris, and the remaining tissue is used to construct the labia and clitoral hood. In patients with limited penile skin, a skin graft from the scrotal tissue may supplement the vaginal lining.
- Most extensively studied technique with decades of outcome data
- Natural vaginal sensation through preserved nerve bundles
- Reliable depth typically ranging from 5 to 7 inches
Peritoneal Pull-Through (PPT) Vaginoplasty
This newer technique lines the vaginal canal with peritoneal tissue harvested from the abdominal cavity via a laparoscopic approach. Because peritoneal tissue is a self-lubricating mucous membrane, it can produce natural moisture similar to a natal vagina. The external genitalia are constructed using penile and scrotal tissue in the same manner as a standard inversion technique.
- Self-lubricating peritoneal lining reduces reliance on external lubrication
- Particularly beneficial for patients with limited penile or scrotal skin
- Can achieve good vaginal depth even after prior orchiectomy or circumcision
Sigmoid Colon Vaginoplasty
A segment of the sigmoid colon is repurposed to create the vaginal canal. Because intestinal tissue naturally produces mucus, this technique provides a self-lubricating vaginal lining. It is typically reserved for revision cases, patients with very limited genital skin, or those who require greater vaginal depth than other methods can reliably achieve.
- Excellent natural lubrication from mucosal intestinal lining
- Greater achievable depth for patients with limited donor tissue
- Well-suited for revision surgery when a prior vaginoplasty has lost depth
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–5
You will remain in hospital with a catheter and vaginal packing in place. Bed rest is essential during this period. Pain is managed with intravenous and oral analgesics. The packing is typically removed on day 5, and your surgeon will provide your first dilation lesson before discharge.
Weeks 1–4
Dilation becomes the focus of your recovery, initially three to four times daily for 15–30 minutes per session. Swelling and bruising gradually subside. You will stay in Thailand for follow-up appointments and your care coordinator will support you throughout. Light walking is encouraged, but avoid sitting for prolonged periods.
Weeks 4–8
Dilation frequency can usually be reduced to twice daily as tissues heal and stabilise. You may resume light daily activities and gentle exercise. Sensation begins to develop in the clitoral area. Sutures dissolve and the external appearance continues to refine.
Months 3–12
Dilation continues once or twice daily for the first year, and consistency is essential to maintain vaginal depth and width. You can gradually resume all activities including sexual intercourse, typically after 8–12 weeks once cleared by your surgical team. The vulva and vaginal area continue to refine in appearance over 12–18 months.
What to Expect
Safety & Risks
Vaginoplasty is a major surgical procedure and, while outcomes in experienced hands are overwhelmingly positive, it is important to understand the potential risks. Each of these will be discussed in detail during your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision.
- Wound dehiscence or delayed healing at the surgical site
- Loss of vaginal depth or width due to insufficient dilation
- Vaginal stenosis (narrowing) requiring revision
- Rectovaginal fistula (abnormal connection between vagina and rectum, rare)
- Urinary stream irregularities or urethral stricture
- Reduced or altered sensation in the clitoral or labial area
- Granulation tissue formation inside the vaginal canal
- Aesthetic outcome requiring secondary revision surgery
Thailand's leading gender-affirming surgeons have refined their techniques over thousands of procedures, and serious complications are uncommon. Thorough pre-operative planning, meticulous surgical technique, and a structured post-operative dilation regimen are the cornerstones of a successful outcome. Your surgical team will provide clear guidance at every stage.
How Much Does MTF Vaginoplasty Cost in Thailand?
Our pricing is transparent and all-inclusive, and your quote covers everything from surgeon fees to hospital stay.
MTF Vaginoplasty
All-inclusive surgical package- Board-certified surgeon fee
- Anaesthesia & operating theatre
- Hospital stay & nursing care
- Post-operative medications
- Follow-up appointments
- Dedicated care coordinator
Common Questions About MTF Vaginoplasty
Everything you need to know before your procedure
Dr. Kanokwan Pattanaporn
MEDICALLY REVIEWEDDr. Kanokwan Pattanaporn
MEDICALLY REVIEWEDGender Affirmation Surgeon · Bangkok
Last reviewed: February 24, 2026
Medical References
- WPATH Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People, Version 8 (2022)
- Horbach SER et al. Outcome of Vaginoplasty in Male-to-Female Transgenders: A Systematic Review — Annals of Plastic Surgery (2015)
- Buncamper ME et al. Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty with or without Additional Full-Thickness Skin Graft — Journal of Sexual Medicine (2016)
- Amalyah Jacobson et al. Peritoneal Pull-Through Vaginoplasty for Gender Affirmation — Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2021)
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons — Gender Affirmation Surgery
Medical disclaimer: Content on this site is provided for informational purposes and should not be treated as medical advice. Outcomes, timelines, and eligibility differ from person to person. Speak with an experienced gender-affirming surgeon before proceeding with any procedure.
What's Included
- Board-certified surgeon fee
- Anaesthesia & operating theatre
- Hospital stay & nursing care
- Post-operative medications
- Follow-up appointments
- Dedicated care coordinator
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