Vaginal aesthetics surgery in trans women are becoming increasingly relevant. It’s not only about achieving genitals that resemble those of a cis woman, but also ensuring that, in addition to being functional, their appearance is aesthetically balanced and comfortable.
At IM GENDER, we understand vaginal aesthetics surgery as the union of functionality, sensitivity, and aesthetic harmony.
What Is Vaginal Aesthetics Surgery?
Vaginal aesthetics Surgery can be defined as the final appearance of the vulva after a vaginoplasty or vulvoplasty. During surgery, the main goal is to create a functional vagina with appropriate depth and sensitivity. But there is also a second, equally important aspect — the external design of the vulva, which includes the clitoris, hood, labia minora, and labia majora.
According to Dr. Trinidad Labanca, gynecologist and specialized surgeon at IM GENDER, “Vaginal aesthetics is something we keep very much in mind when performing a vaginoplasty, regardless of the technique used. The appearance of the vulva goes far beyond a purely aesthetic or functional issue — it’s about ensuring that the trans woman feels comfortable.”
In other words, gender-affirming surgery today is not only about recreating anatomy, but about creating a vulva that functions, that is physically in harmony with the woman’s image of her external genitals, and that reflects her feminine identity.
Most often, vaginal aesthetics are addressed during the vaginoplasty itself. Only in specific cases may a secondary procedure be scheduled later, to make small adjustments or refinements once the tissues have healed.
Advances in Vaginal Aesthetics Surgery at IM GENDER
With over 25 years of experience in gender-affirming surgery, the IM GENDER medical team has focused not only on achieving functional results but also aesthetically refined ones. The goal is to obtain results so natural that they are indistinguishable, at first glance, from cis female genitalia.
“As we always advise our patients to inform their doctors of their surgical history, for the IM GENDER team, true success is when a trans woman tells us that her gynecologist didn’t realize he was examining a neovagina — he thought it was a cis vagina,” explains Dr. Labanca.
At IM GENDER, vaginal aesthetics surgery does not follow a single model — we aim for naturalness, functionality, and aesthetic balance. This philosophy has driven our medical team to continuously refine techniques to achieve highly natural results.
A Visible and Functional Clitoris
The design of the clitoris has evolved significantly. Today, a well-defined relief is sought, so that the patient can easily identify and stimulate it as desired. This promotes a more conscious connection with the body and a more fulfilling sexual experience.
“A few years ago, clitorises were created flatter — still functional, but less noticeable. Nowadays, we create a more visible, slightly protruding clitoris that a trans woman can find and stimulate. It’s not about more or less pleasure, but about being able to recognize her clitoris, locate it, and make it her own,” clarifies Dr. Labanca.
The outcome depends not only on external appearance but on the precise reconstruction of nerve endings that preserve sensitivity. This sensory connection is essential — aesthetics without function are incomplete.
Proportion Between the Labia Minora and Majora
The design of the labia is another key element influencing the final aesthetic result. At IM GENDER, we opt for a balanced, youthful appearance.
To achieve this, the labia minora are sculpted discreetly and symmetrically, hidden beneath the labia majora, avoiding excess tissue. The labia majora are shaped subtly and firmly, without excessive volume, to avoid a lax or overly prominent appearance that may resemble that of a more mature vulva.
Dr Labanca sums it up as follows: “The women who come to us, whether young or older, usually prefer a more youthful-looking vulva. They seek proportion, aesthetics, and naturalness. In fact, in Spain, cis women who come to us for vaginal aesthetics specifically request the reduction of the labia minora to make them less visible. Therefore, in a trans vagina, we aim to convey that same aesthetic.” The final result is a feminine vulva without exaggeration, with a balanced appearance where form and function are in harmony.
Differences with Vaginal Aesthetics in Thailand
In recent years, certain medical tourism destinations — especially Thailand — have become popular for performing genital gender-affirming surgeries, particularly vaginoplasties, for trans women. The aesthetic vision of the final result in those centers often differs from the one we follow at IM GENDER.
For example, Thai clinics tend to favor a more exuberant vaginal aesthetic — often at the cost of reduced vaginal depth. It’s common to see more voluminous labia majora and a more prominent or “mature” vulva, where the labia minora may protrude beyond the labia majora. At IM GENDER, we prefer a more youthful, discreet, and natural look.
This is not a matter of technique, as both approaches can be correct. But rather of aesthetic philosophy: in some Asian centres, there is a more “decorative” or exuberant concept of the vulva. At IM GENDER, we advocate for a design that follows more Western standards, where proportion and harmony are more important, while also drawing on our experience with cis women, who tend to request a more discreet and less visible appearance of the labia minora.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vaginal Aesthetics Surgery
Does Aesthetics Surgery Affect Sensitivity?
No. Sensitivity mainly depends on surgical technique and the preservation of nerve endings. At IM GENDER, we ensure that the aesthetic design complements, rather than compromises, sensory function.
Can I Choose the Final Appearance of My Labia?
Yes, but it also depends on several factors, such as the amount of available tissue and the desired vaginal depth.
What If I’ve Already Had Surgery and I’m Not Satisfied with the Aesthetics?
At IM GENDER, we treat many patients who come from other clinics unsatisfied with their vaginal aesthetic results. In these cases, aesthetic revision surgeries can be performed to improve symmetry, the shape of the labia, or the overall vulvar appearance.
Dr. Labanca notes: “When we perform aesthetic refinements alone, it’s usually because the woman is unhappy with her labia minora – either because they bother her or because she’s not comfortable with how they look.”
Is the Final Result Immediate?
No. Tissues take several weeks to deflate and months to reach their final shape. Patience and proper postoperative care are essential for achieving a natural result.
Vaginal Aesthetic Surgery: An Important Aspect
In a vaginoplasty or vulvoplasty, vaginal aesthetics are not just a superficial detail. They are an intimate and symbolic part of the gender affirmation process. Functional results alone are not enough – they must also be aesthetic and comfortable, so that the trans woman who has undergone surgery can fully identify with her genitalia.
At IM GENDER, we work with medical precision and human sensitivity to achieve natural results.
If you have further questions about the results of vaginoplasty and vaginal aesthetics surgery, you can contact the IM GENDER team for more information.
