Jul 20, 20225 min read

Gender Reassignment Surgery in Thailand

Sex reassignment surgery, also referred to as gender affirmation surgery, GRS and SRS is usually the final step in fully transitioning from one gender to another. It allows the individual to enjoy the peace that comes from having the physical body that matches how they were born mentally.

Thailand is one of the leading countries for gender reassignment surgery. Azami specializes in helping transsexuals' connect with the top surgeons in Thailand, who are knowledgeable in the latest procedures to ensure safe and satisfactory results.

In this blog post, we share four of the most popular sex reassignment techniques (male to female) performed in Thailand, so you can make the best decision before your travels.

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Preparing for Gender Reassignment Surgery in Thailand

Getting your mind and body ready for your medical trip to Thailand can feel overwhelming, but the professionals at Azami are here to make the process as seamless as possible.

There are a few important actions you’ll need to take before having your procedure. Of course, every patient is different, so your preparation will depend on what is recommended by your doctor after a consultation.

For a general idea of what to expect, we’ve listed a few of the most common ways to prepare for sex reassignment surgery.

You’ll inform the doctor of any allergies, medical conditions, and medications you’re taking.
A letter from a psychiatrist will be required.
Hormone treatments and aspirin must not be taken two weeks before the surgery date.
No vitamin E oil one day before the procedure.
No smoking two days before the surgery and one month after.
Meals and water consumption must stop starting from the midnight before surgery day.
You’ll want to plan to be in Thailand 14 days before and after the surgery.

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Penile-Peritoneal Vaginoplasty Technique (SRS-PPV)

This is the most advanced technique to transition from a male to female, structuring a neovagina that functions most like a biological vagina, compared to other techniques.

Procedure Overview

Peritoneal tissue is used to construct the vagina. This tissue lines the abdomen and is the most similar to vaginal tissue compared to other body tissues. It self lubricates, is elastic, and doesn’t require ongoing dilation.

Not only is this the most advanced technique to date for sex reassignment surgery, but it is also an effective option for patients who have had previous sex reassignment surgery, but are not 100% happy with the result and would like it corrected.

The Procedure

The surgeon combines some penile inversion and the peritoneum pull-through technique to construct the vaginal canal.

Penile and scrotal skin are used to create the outer labia and the peritoneal tissue is used to create the canal.

While this is the most advanced technique, it’s not recommended for overweight individuals with large abdomens that make it difficult to reach the peritoneal tissue.

The procedure typically lasts six hours and requires a seven night stay in the hospital. The SRS-PPV procedure costs anywhere between 600,000 to 700,000 THB (16,345 USD - 19,070 USD).

Recovery

One of the attractive aspects of SRS-PPV is that recovery time tends to be shorter than it would be with penile inversion and colon vaginoplasty. Since the laparoscopic technique is used, there are no visible scars, save for four tiny “dot” scars that usually fade after 12 months.

Recovery lasts anywhere from 3-4 weeks. The Azami team can help you book accommodation close to your hospital where you can recover comfortably.

Penile Skin Inversion Vaginoplasty Technique

The penile skin inversion technique is the oldest sex reassignment method considered to be the standard until recent techniques evolved.

Overview

With this procedure, the penile skin is used for the vaginal lining, while the labia majora is created from scrotal skin. The clitoris is constructed using the tip of the penis, where the skin is sensitive.

The prostate is left undisturbed, serving as the “G-spot” for further stimulation during sexual intercourse.

The Procedure

The penile skin inversion technique consists of creating vaginal space between the urethra, prostate, rectum, and bladder. The testicles are removed via a small incision made in the front of the scrotum, medically called a bilateral orchiectomy.

The skin of the penis is inverted to construct the vagina. The urethra is separated from the penis and skin from the scrotum, penis, or both is used to line the new vaginal canal.

The surgery lasts around four hours total. The cost of penile skin inversion surgery in Thailand starts at around 400,000 THB (10,895 USD).

Recovery

This procedure requires around 18 days of recovery in the hospital and at home. Patients can return to work 1-3 months after the surgery date.

Bear in mind that this type of procedure might not be suitable for individuals with deficient penile skin, as this can result in a vagina lacking in depth.

The Sigmoid Colon Vaginoplasty

For patients who need sufficient vaginal depth, the sigmoid colon vaginoplasty is an ideal choice. With this technique, the neovagina also self-lubricates. There are two different ways this procedure is performed, using the open or laparoscopic technique: open and laparoscopic.

Overall, this procedure takes around six hours to complete. The price costs around 450,000 THB (12,260 USD).

Laparotomy Procedure (Open Procedure)

With this technique the sigmoid colon is cut to be a pedicle flap with an intact neuro-vascular bundle. This is a structure consisting of veins and nerves bonded with connective tissue.

Generally the sigmoid colon segment used to create the neovagina is around 7 inches in length. An incision is made in the intra-abdominal cavity (similar to a cesarean incision in a biological female).

This segment of the colon has thicker walls larger in diameter and is flexible, resulting in a well-proportioned vagina that self lubricates.

The remaining colon is reconnected to complete the large intestine. Overall, this procedure lasts around six hours total.

The open technique is ideal for patients who have a shorter penis or for those who need corrective surgery.

Laparoscopic Procedure

With this technique four small incisions are made using the laparoscopic technique. The 7 inch segment used to create the neovagina is closed at the upper end and pulled through the newly created vaginal canal. Stapler tools used to reconnect the colon to the neovaginal opening.

Recovery

After the sigmoid colon vaginoplasty, patients should wait at least three days until intestinal function is restored before consuming food or drinking fluids.

Patients may be able to resume light activities after three weeks and return to normal activity after three months.