Can anybody tell me if genital hair removal is required for Vulvoplasty? I can not find this Subject elsewhere on this Forum

That would assume that you have already had GCS. It would also be something you need to ask the doctor doing your revision. My guess is that you have had sufficient hair remove but it would depend on how much skin the doctor is going to remove and where the relocated skin would lay. If the doctor isn't the one who did your original surgery, you might need an appointment in person or at least some good photos for the doctor to make the determination.

I haven't had any surgeries yet. My understanding is that a Vulvoplasty is the same as Vaginoplasty, but without the construction of a vaginal cavity. Same appearance, but without the functionality.

So then Vaginoplasty creates a vaginal canal.
Vulvoplasty creates all the parts of a vagina except for the vaginal canal.
After vulvoplasty, this means you won't be able to have intercourse or insert a penis into your vagina. 

Quote from: Dena on June 23, 2018, 09:41:47 PM
That would assume that you have already had GCS. It would also be something you need to ask the doctor doing your revision. My guess is that you have had sufficient hair remove but it would depend on how much skin the doctor is going to remove and where the relocated skin would lay. If the doctor isn't the one who did your original surgery, you might need an appointment in person or at least some good photos for the doctor to make the determination.

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Ok, no depth GCS, probably hair removal wouldn't be as critical or needed at all. The reason for hair removal before GCS is so you don't get hair inside the vagina. This only happens if the scrotum is used to construct the vagina. I had PI surgery where my penis was inverted to forum the vagina and the scrotum skin was used to construct the labia. This resulted in a hair free vagina and should I want the exterior clean up, it's all accessible. The floor of the labia is also penis tissue and is hair free.

Thank You Dena! Yours is good news! Also with the Vulvoplasty no Dilating is needed. Much quicker recovery time too. ♥

There isn't any reason for getting a vagina if your never going to use it. That type of surgery wasn't mention when I had mine but on the other hand, at age 30 and being sexual inactive up to that point, I couldn't be sure what the future held for me. Somebody a bit more experienced than me would be in a better position to make a decision like this.

Hi Violet...

I am almost 9 months post-op with a limited depth vaginoplasty GRS, as my Dr. (Keelee MacPhee) and I call it.

So that is like you mentioned, no vagina canal, but anything else, including a wonderful functioning clitoris.

I did not needed any hair removal prior my surgery, however, for the "full depth" vaginoplasty at my Dr. she doesn't require hair removal either, as she removes it during surgery.

It might be different for each Dr., so best is to ask him/her.

For the record, a limited depth vaginoplasty can have a depth of 1 to 2 inches, so my Dr. says. Mine is 1 inch give or take.

Hugs

Quote from: Dena on June 23, 2018, 11:19:06 PM
There isn't any reason for getting a vagina if your never going to use it. That type of surgery wasn't mention when I had mine but on the other hand, at age 30 and being sexual inactive up to that point, I couldn't be sure what the future held for me. Somebody a bit more experienced than me would be in a better position to make a decision like this.

I am 55 now and not so much interested in possible PIV sex. If I was younger then yes I would have gone for full depth.

However my reasons for limited depth was a previous surgery in 1993 in my anal/rectum area (which might be an issue with scar tissue or something) and knowing that due to my job, I won't be able to follow the strict dilate schedule, and most likely will loose any depth.

No regrets, however I am a little bit curious of how it would be with a male partner. But there's always plan B, if I will ever get there.

Hugs

Thank You. I had a heart attack exactly one year ago. It was a mild one, but a stent was put in and I have been on heart meds ever since. So the Vulvoplasty seems like the best option for me. Easier on the heart. Also, since I still have a few stray hairs down there the Vulvoplasty might be my only option.

Quote from: Dena on June 23, 2018, 11:19:06 PM
There isn't any reason for getting a vagina if your never going to use it. That type of surgery wasn't mention when I had mine but on the other hand, at age 30 and being sexual inactive up to that point, I couldn't be sure what the future held for me. Somebody a bit more experienced than me would be in a better position to make a decision like this.

I disagree for the following reasons:

- Vulvoplasty will still create a realistic Vagina which, in my case will ease or possibly even eliminate my Gender Dysphoria

- After months of both Laser and Electrolysis I still have a few stray Vellus hairs down there which, I think, might prevent Vaginoplasty, but not Vulvoplasty

- I do not care to have penetrative sex so a Vaginal Canal is not really needed for me. I have no interest in Men at all.

- Less recovery time for Vulvoplasty and no need for Dilating

Of course, these reasons only apply in my case as I can speak for no one else. If I have missed anything please let me know and thank you for your replies on this topic. ♥

I mean obviously different doctors use differing techniques in forming the vulva but, as far as I am aware the most common techniques only require hair removal on the penis itself to prevent hair in the vagina or on the scrotoum when that is being used for the vaginal canal. For example in my case I was told I didn't need any electro since I didn't have any hair in the shaft of the penis and it was sufficient enough to use for the vaginal canal.

Therefore at least in my case none of the parts that will form my vulva will need any electro either. So I don't see why electro would be needed at all if there is no vagina being created after all most vulvas are pretty hairy anyway.

I think what you're talking about would still be called vaginoplasty. Vulvoplasty could refer to either an episioplasty or labiaplasty which refer to procedures affecting existing labia or perineum.

Only your surgeon can tell you where hair removal will be required and I'd expect at the very least some hair removal will be needed from the perineum. My electrologist went somewhat overboard, covering a wider area of my perineum than was necessary / indicated by my surgeon which resulted in today I have effectively a permanent Brazilian waxing. I figured since I like that look and the work was being covered by insurance, I may as well go with it :-).

As far as surgical recovery goes I would say don't count on a limited depth procedure much reducing either pain or healing time. My neovaginal canal was never very painful and was fully healed in a couple of weeks. The constrcted labia and clitoris were another matter entirely. This represents most of the surgical work in the procedure and for me and other women I've talked to, were much longer healing.

Sorry for not replying sooner ladies, but there is good reason. As it turned out the laser and electro that I have already had over the last year have been more than sufficient for my vaginoplasty, and that is what I just got home from! So I have a fully working and proper genitalia at last! I do have much swelling though and spraying urine. The usual post op effects. Any way, I am just happy to have completed this, the biggest step, in my transition and join you all as a Transsexual Woman! Mad love from your girl Violet ladies! ♥ ♥ ♥

I am having minimum depth too, and while extensive hair removal wasn't "required" (and my surgeon DOES require electrolysis, and ONLY electrolysis, for his SRS patients) I was still encouraged, and did have, all hair removed from the shaft and down around the base. Since I will only have about 2 inches of depth if there is anything left it should be possible to zap, but obviously I'm hoping we've gotten everything before surgery in October (I started over a year ago.) I am 110% sure I will want additional hair removal after my surgery to my perineum and bikini line, but this way I can wait to heal and then see what areas I am sure I don't want hair in, while leaving enough to help hide any scars from surgery.

I had some touch up electro one month before surgery and so far no new hair. Best wishes on your surgery honey! ♥

Quote from: AutumnLeaves on July 18, 2018, 09:40:38 AM
I am having minimum depth too, and while extensive hair removal wasn't "required" (and my surgeon DOES require electrolysis, and ONLY electrolysis, for his SRS patients) I was still encouraged, and did have, all hair removed from the shaft and down around the base. Since I will only have about 2 inches of depth if there is anything left it should be possible to zap, but obviously I'm hoping we've gotten everything before surgery in October (I started over a year ago.) I am 110% sure I will want additional hair removal after my surgery to my perineum and bikini line, but this way I can wait to heal and then see what areas I am sure I don't want hair in, while leaving enough to help hide any scars from surgery.