The Transgender Dictionary
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Vulvoplasty

(also: bottom surgery, lower surgery, shallow depth vaginoplasty, vaginoplasty without canal, vulvaplasty, zero-depth vaginoplasty)

Table of Contents

Introduction

Many transgender women, and some transfeminine nonbinary people, experience gender dysphoria regarding the lack of a vulva and/or vaginal canal. Having a vulva and/or vaginal canal procured through surgical means can be a great source of gender euphoria. This page will be discussing the technique known as "zero-depth vagnioplasty." For general information on vaginoplasty, click on the underlined word to go to the general vaginoplasty page, or navigate to it using the alphabet menu at the top of this page.

Approximately 10% of bottom surgery patients choose vulvoplasty as opposed to traditional full-depth vaginoplasty. Vulvoplasty is more popular among nonbinary patients, and patients with preexisting health conditions that may prevent a surgeon from being willing to construct a vaginal canal. This surgery is generally cheaper than full-depth vaginoplasty when paying out of pocket.

General Information

Vulvoplasty is a male to female bottom surgery where the mons pubis, clitoris, and inner and outer labia using the patient’s penis, scrotal skin, and other genital tissue. Unlike traditional vaginoplasty, this surgery does not involve the creation of a vaginal canal. That being said, most surgeons will create a shallow "dimple" where a vaginal opening would typically be. Vulvoplasty has no need for dilation after surgery. This surgery has a quicker recovery/healing period compared to full-depth vaginoplasty, and is overall less risky. It is possible for full-depth vaginoplasty to be performed after a patient has undergone vulvoplasty.

Vulvoplasty does not require preoperative hair removal.

Many surgeons require that a patient have a BMI under 30. Patients who smoke are encouraged to quit smoking at least 6-8 weeks prior to surgery to ensure proper healing. A mental health evaluation, as well as 2 letters of recommendation confirming gender dysphoria, is generally required prior to surgery to ensure that the patient understands the impact of this surgery.

As a patient, it is very important to discuss your options with your surgeon ahead of time, and your personal goals regarding surgery. It is a good idea to research your surgeon ahead of time, and look for reviews and images from real people (not just the photos from the surgeon's personal website). Have consultations with more than one surgeon surgeon if possible, to make sure that you have the outcome and surgical team that is right for you.