Vaginoplasty is one of the most requested gender-affirming surgeries among trans women. It is a surgical procedure aimed at creating a functional and aesthetic neovagina, aligned with the patient’s gender identity.
At Clínica 3 de Mayo, led by Dr. Jesús Lago in Madrid, we have a team specialized in genital surgery for trans individuals, applying the most advanced and safest techniques available today.
Vaginoplasty is a gender-affirming surgery aimed at creating a vagina that is anatomically similar to a biological one. The goal is not only to achieve a natural aesthetic result, but also a functional one: enabling the patient to have penetrative sexual intercourse, experience sensitivity, and have an anatomy that allows her to feel in harmony with her body.
This procedure is part of the surgical treatments within the transition process, although not all trans women consider it necessary. The decision is personal and should always be made following a proper medical and psychological assessment.
Surgical Techniques of Vaginoplasty
There are different surgical methods to perform vaginoplasty in trans women. The choice depends on factors such as the patient’s anatomy, expectations, medical history, and the surgeon’s experience.
The most common and widely used technique worldwide. It involves using the skin of the penis and, in some cases, the scrotum to form the vaginal canal.
• Advantages: good aesthetic results, preserves erogenous sensitivity, and usually allows for a relatively quick recovery.
• Disadvantages: may require frequent dilation and natural lubrication is limited.
In cases where there is not enough genital tissue, skin grafts are used (typically taken from the groin or thigh).
• Advantages: allows for greater vaginal depth.
• Disadvantages: may leave scars at the donor site and sensitivity is usually lower than with penile inversion.
A segment of the colon is used to form the neovagina.
• Advantages: provides natural lubrication and greater depth.
• Disadvantages: it is a more complex surgery, with a longer recovery time and potential digestive risks.
A more recent technique that uses the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) to create the neovagina.
• Advantages: good depth, partial self-lubrication, and a lower risk of contraction.
• Disadvantages: requires advanced technology and surgical expertise, so it is not available in all centers.
A technique used for individuals who have higher surgical risks or who do not wish to have vaginal intercourse.
• Advantages: faster recovery, shorter surgical time, and very low risk.
• Disadvantages: there is no vaginal canal, and if one is desired in the future, it can only be created through a colovaginoplasty.
Recovery and Postoperative Care for
Recovery after vaginoplasty is gradual and requires commitment from the patient. It generally includes:
• Relative rest during the first few weeks.
• Regular vaginal dilation to maintain depth and elasticity.
• Care of external scars.
• Ongoing medical follow-up to prevent complications.
The total recovery time usually ranges between 6 and 12 months until full adaptation is achieved.
The vast majority of patients who undergo vaginoplasty report a significant improvement in their quality of life, self-esteem, and psychological well-being. Depending on the technique used and postoperative care, success rates in terms of aesthetics, functionality, and sensitivity exceed 90% in experienced hands.
Vaginoplasty is an advanced procedure that can transform the lives of many trans women, helping them align their gender identity with their body. At Clínica 3 de Mayo, led by Dr. Jesús Lago in Madrid, we offer a personalized approach with comprehensive support before, during, and after the procedure.
If you are considering this procedure, the most important thing is to rely on an experienced medical team and resolve all your questions in a personalized consultation.
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Not in all cases. A prior medical and psychological evaluation is required to confirm that the patient is in optimal physical and emotional health conditions.
Modern techniques preserve the nerve tissue of the glans, which allows many patients to maintain erogenous sensitivity. However, sensitivity may vary depending on the surgical technique used and individual healing.
It depends on the technique. Penile inversion typically does not produce natural lubrication, although lubricants can be used. Vaginoplasty using colon or peritoneum can provide some degree of self-lubrication.
In most cases, yes. Although the frequency decreases over time, it is important to continue dilation to prevent vaginal narrowing.
Scars are usually minimal and located in less visible areas. Over time, they tend to improve in appearance.
The price of vaginoplasty varies depending on the technique used and the clinical case. A consultation is required to obtain a personalized quote.
