Not every transfeminine person wants or needs a vaginal canal. Vulvoplasty creates aesthetically natural external female genitalia, including labia, clitoral hood, and a sensate clitoris, without the depth component of a full vaginoplasty. The result is a shorter surgery, a faster recovery, and freedom from lifelong dilation, while still achieving the external anatomy that aligns with your identity.
What Is Vulvoplasty?
Vulvoplasty, also known as zero-depth vaginoplasty or minimal-depth vaginoplasty, constructs the external structures of the vulva without creating an internal vaginal canal. The surgeon forms labia majora from scrotal tissue, sculpts labia minora, creates a clitoral hood, and fashions a sensate clitoris from the glans tissue. A shallow vaginal dimple may be created for cosmetic purposes, but no functional canal is constructed.
This procedure is an excellent option for patients who experience genital dysphoria focused on external appearance rather than penetrative function. Because there is no internal cavity to maintain, post-operative dilation is not required, a significant advantage for patients who prefer a simpler recovery or who have mobility, health, or lifestyle factors that make long-term dilation impractical. Vulvoplasty still requires the same WPATH Standards of Care documentation as full-depth vaginoplasty, including referral letters and a period of hormone therapy.
Common Concerns Vulvoplasty Can Address
- Distress caused by the appearance of male external genitalia
- Desire for vulvar anatomy without the need for a vaginal canal
- Preference for a shorter recovery period and no dilation commitment
- Health or lifestyle factors that make full vaginoplasty impractical
Are You a Good Candidate?
- Persistent gender dysphoria with two referral letters per WPATH SOC 8
- At least 12 months of continuous hormone therapy (unless medically contraindicated)
- Clear understanding that no vaginal canal will be created
- Good overall health and realistic expectations about the outcome
Techniques & Options
Vulvoplasty shares many of the same tissue-handling principles as full vaginoplasty, but the key difference is that no internal vaginal canal is constructed. The most appropriate approach is selected based on your anatomy, tissue availability, and cosmetic goals.
Two primary approaches are used by our partner surgeons:
Standard Vulvoplasty
Penile and scrotal tissue is used to construct the external vulvar structures. The penile skin forms the labia minora and clitoral hood, while scrotal skin is used for the labia majora. The glans penis is carefully de-epithelialised and repositioned as a sensate clitoris with its nerve supply intact. A cosmetic dimple may be created at the introitus for anatomical appearance.
- No vaginal canal means no dilation requirement
- Shorter operating time and reduced surgical complexity
- Preserved erogenous sensation through nerve-sparing clitoral construction
Vulvoplasty with Urethral Shortening
In addition to the standard vulvar construction, the urethra is shortened and repositioned to a more anatomically female location between the clitoris and the vaginal dimple. This allows the patient to urinate in a seated position with a natural downward stream, improving both function and day-to-day comfort.
- Feminine urinary stream direction and seated voiding
- More anatomically accurate placement of the urethral opening
- Addresses dysphoria related to standing urination
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3
You will remain in hospital with a urinary catheter in place. Moderate swelling and discomfort are managed with oral pain medications. Bed rest is recommended, with gentle walking encouraged from day two. Your surgical team will check your wounds daily.
Week 1–2
The catheter is typically removed within 5–7 days. Swelling peaks around day 3–5 and then steadily improves. You will attend follow-up appointments for wound checks. Gentle walking increases, but avoid sitting directly on the surgical site for extended periods.
Weeks 2–4
Bruising fades and comfort improves significantly. You can resume light daily activities and short outings. Continue wound care as instructed and wear loose, breathable clothing. Sutures begin to dissolve during this period.
Weeks 4–8
Most patients feel well enough to return to work and daily routines by week 6. Sensation continues to develop over the following months. Exercise and all activities can resume gradually once your surgical team gives the go-ahead. The vulvar contour settles into its final appearance over 6–12 months.
What to Expect
Safety & Risks
Vulvoplasty carries fewer risks than full-depth vaginoplasty due to the absence of a vaginal canal, but it remains a significant surgical procedure. All potential complications are reviewed with you before you consent to surgery.
- Wound separation or delayed healing
- Reduced or altered sensation in the clitoral or labial area
- Urinary stream irregularities after urethral shortening
- Asymmetry or aesthetic concerns requiring revision
- Infection at the surgical site (uncommon)
- Haematoma or excessive swelling
Because vulvoplasty involves less tissue manipulation and no internal cavity creation, overall complication rates are lower than those associated with full-depth vaginoplasty. Our partner surgeons have extensive experience with this procedure and will tailor their approach to minimise risk while achieving the best possible cosmetic and functional outcome.
How Much Does Vulvoplasty Cost in Thailand?
Our pricing is transparent and all-inclusive, and your quote covers everything from surgeon fees to hospital stay.
Vulvoplasty
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 Vulvoplasty
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)
- Ives GC et al. Evaluation of BMI as a Risk Factor for Complications Following Gender-Affirming Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty — Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open (2019)
- Bonnington A et al. Outcomes of Vulvoplasty Compared with Vaginoplasty — Transgender Health (2020)
- 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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