Plan for MTF Surgery
Dr. Chettasak’s NPI Technique
Skin graft Vaginoplasty
Colon Vaginoplasty
PPV Vaginoplasty
Zero depth Vaginoplasty
Orchidectomy without Vaginoplasty
Vaginal Dilation
Complications after GAS

Zero Depth Vaginoplasty at WIH International Hospital

Gender-Affirming Surgery Without Creating a Vaginal Canal

At WIH International Hospital in Bangkok, under the care of Dr. Chettasak Tulayaphanich, one of the world’s leading experts in gender-affirming surgery, we understand that every transgender woman’s goals are unique.

Some patients want to achieve natural-looking, feminine external genitals without creating a vaginal canal. This specialized procedure is called Zero Depth Vaginoplasty — also known as non-penetrative vaginoplasty or vulvoplasty — and it is designed for transgender women who wish to have the complete appearance of female anatomy without the need for a functional vaginal canal.

What Is Zero Depth Vaginoplasty?

Zero Depth Vaginoplasty is a type of male-to-female (MTF) gender-affirming surgery that focuses entirely on creating beautiful and realistic external female genitalia.

Unlike traditional vaginoplasty, no vaginal canal is constructed, meaning there’s no depth behind the vaginal opening.

Despite the absence of a vaginal canal, patients enjoy:

  • A natural-looking vulva with realistic aesthetics
  • Preserved clitoral sensation using Chettasak’s signature NPI technique
  • A feminine, complete appearance without the need for vaginal dilation or post-op canal care
Dr. Chel’ NPI goals for creating External female genitalia

Why Choose Zero Depth Vaginoplasty?

Patients choose this option for several personal and medical reasons:

1. No Need for Vaginal Penetration

Many transgender women have no desire for vaginal intercourse. In these cases, creating a vaginal canal is unnecessary.
With Dr. Chettasak’s NPI technique, patients achieve highly aesthetic, natural external genitals while retaining full erotic sensation and the ability to experience orgasm.

2. No Dilation or Canal Maintenance

One of the biggest challenges of traditional vaginoplasty is the lifelong dilation routine required to maintain vaginal depth.
With Zero Depth Vaginoplasty, there’s no need for dilation, making recovery easier and aftercare simpler.

3. Shorter Surgery & Lower Surgical Risk

For older patients or those with certain medical conditions, reducing operative time is often a priority.
Skipping the vaginal canal creation step reduces overall surgery time by approximately 30%, lowering risks related to anesthesia and recovery.

How Dr. Chettasak Performs Zero Depth Vaginoplasty

At WIH International Hospital, Dr. Chettasak uses his world-renowned NPI technique to design and sculpt natural external female genitals. The procedure includes:

  • Creating a sensate clitoris with preserved nerves
  • Shaping inner labia (labia minora) and outer labia (labia majora)
  • Forming a realistic vaginal opening (introitus)

Even without a vaginal canal, Dr. Chettasak creates a small pocket behind the vaginal opening — about 3 cm deep — to give a natural visual dimension, making the vulva look identical to that of a cisgender woman.

However, during a medical exam, there is no true canal behind the opening.

Creating a Vaginal Canal Later in Zero Depth Vaginoplasty Cases

Some patients who initially choose Zero Depth Vaginoplasty later change their mind and decide they want a functional vaginal canal.
At WIH International Hospital, this is possible — but it requires specialized planning and advanced techniques.

1. Colon Vaginoplasty — The Preferred Technique

The most effective method for these cases is Colon Vaginoplasty, which uses a section of the colon to create the vaginal canal.

Advantages:

  • Laparoscopic approach — only a few tiny keyhole scars on the abdomen
  • A self-lubricating vaginal lining similar to a natural vagina
  • Flexible colon tissue reduces the risk of narrowing at the vaginal opening

This is considered the gold standard for patients who previously had Zero Depth Vaginoplasty and later want a fully functional vagina.

2. PPV Technique (Peritoneal Vaginoplasty)

In some cases, the PPV technique — using peritoneal tissue from inside the abdomen — may also be an option.
However, this depends on the patient’s anatomy and surgical history. While it can provide partial natural lubrication, the colon method is often preferred when possible.

3. Abdominal Skin Graft Vaginoplasty — The Last Resort

For patients who do not want intestinal surgery or prefer to avoid operations involving the abdominal cavity, the abdominal skin graft technique can be used.
This involves taking skin from the lower abdomen to line the vaginal canal.

However, it leaves a long scar across the lower abdomen, similar to a tummy tuck.

Important Considerations

  • Creating a vaginal canal after Zero Depth Vaginoplasty is more complex than performing a full-depth vaginoplasty from the start.
  • Patients should choose an experienced surgeon who specializes in secondary gender-affirming surgeries.
  • At WIH International Hospital, Chettasak has successfully performed numerous canal-creation surgeries for patients worldwide.

Is Zero Depth Vaginoplasty Right for You?

Choosing between Zero Depth Vaginoplasty and full-depth vaginoplasty is a personal decision.

You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Do not want vaginal penetration
  • Prefer to avoid dilation routines
  • Wish to reduce surgical risk and recovery time

However, if you prefer to have a functional vaginal canal, WIH International Hospital also offers three main techniques for full-depth vaginoplasty:

  1. Skin Graft Vaginoplasty – uses penile and scrotal skin to create a vaginal canal.
  2. Colon Vaginoplasty – uses a section of the sigmoid colon for a naturally lubricated vaginal lining.
  3. PPV (Peritoneal Pull-Through) Vaginoplasty – uses the peritoneal lining to create a soft, flexible vaginal canal with minimal external scarring.

Each technique is explained in detail in its own dedicated section to help you understand the benefits, risks, and recovery involved.

Why Choose WIH International Hospital

  • Chettasak Tulayaphanich — 30+ years of expertise in MTF gender-affirming surgery
  • World-renowned NPI technique ensuring natural aesthetics and preserved sensation
  • State-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive post-operative care
  • Personalized consultations tailored to each patient’s needs

At WIH, we believe that gender-affirming surgery is about more than just physical transformation — it’s about aligning your body with your identity, so you can live confidently as your authentic self.

Book Your Transformation Today – Consult with Our Specialists

Book Your Transformation Today

Consult with Our Specialists