Vulvoplasty
Vulvoplasty (or 0-depth vaginoplasty) creates a vulva without creating vaginal depth. The aim is a feminised external genital anatomy, the ability to urinate sitting down, and, as far as possible, preserved sensation and the ability to have an orgasm. Dr Manon Belhoste performs vulvoplasty in Marseille for French and international patients. Prices are still being negotiated with the relevant authorities and partner clinics.
How is the procedure performed?
Dr Manon Belhoste performs vulvoplasty without a vaginal canal: skin from the penis and scrotum is reshaped to form the labia minora and labia majora. Part of the glans, kept with its blood vessels and nerves, forms the clitoris, and the urethra is shortened, then repositioned so that you can urinate sitting down.
No deep cavity is created between the urethra, the bladder and the rectum. This difference from vaginoplasty removes the complications linked to creating and keeping a deep vaginal canal, but it does not remove the risks specific to surgery on the vulva, urethra and clitoris. A bilateral orchidectomy, the removal of the two remaining testicles, can be combined with the procedure if it has not already been carried out.
What happens during the procedure and recovery?
Dr Manon Belhoste performs vulvoplasty in Marseille. The clinic where the operation will be carried out is still being discussed. A consultation with the anaesthetist takes place before the procedure.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia. |
| Duration | 3 to 4 hours. |
| Hospital stay | 4 to 5 days. |
| Equipment | A urinary catheter is kept in for a few days, until the swelling goes down and healing allows you to urinate properly. |
| Exertion and activity | Usually stopped for 6 weeks to 3 months. |
| Result | The result changes over several months, while the swelling goes down and the tissues remodel. Clitoral sensitivity may be reduced or altered at first, then change as the nerves recover. |
Frequently asked questions
Vulvoplasty gives a feminised external genital anatomy and the ability to urinate sitting down, but it does not allow vaginal sex with penetration. The aim is the ability to have an orgasm, by preserving the sensitive nerves. Desire and sexual function may change after the procedure and with hormonal change. When vulvoplasty includes a bilateral orchidectomy, it causes permanent infertility and ends the main natural production of testosterone; anti-androgens can often be stopped and the feminising treatment is reviewed with the doctor who prescribes it; the removal of the penis and the transformation of the genital tissues are also irreversible.
Before vulvoplasty, Dr Manon Belhoste and the anaesthetist give instructions on fasting and hygiene, which must be followed. All medicines, hormone treatments and supplements must be reported, and neither hormone therapy nor an anticoagulant or antiplatelet drug is stopped without medical advice. Stopping smoking and all nicotine is required, as instructed, to reduce the risk of poor healing and necrosis. Any infection, fever, urinary problem or genital skin lesion must be reported. Fertility preservation, if wanted, must be completed before the procedure.
After vulvoplasty, swelling, bruising, pain, discomfort and a temporary drop in sensitivity are common. Local care, hygiene and the urinary catheter instructions given by Dr Manon Belhoste must be followed. Sexual activity and stimulation resume once healing is sufficient, with Dr Manon Belhoste's agreement.
Vulvoplasty does not create a functional vaginal canal. Receptive vaginal sex with penetration is not possible. A secondary conversion to vaginoplasty with depth may be possible in some situations; it is a new, more complex procedure, and it cannot be guaranteed.
Without a vaginal canal, there is no dilation programme after the operation.
No, the prostate is not removed and stays in place after the procedure.
Dr Manon Belhoste
Dr Manon Belhoste is a plastic surgeon, Doctor of Medicine and holder of the European Diploma in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.
Dr Manon Belhoste's background
The practice
Dr Manon Belhoste holds consultations at her practice, 1 Boulevard Lord Duveen, 13008 Marseille, from Monday to Thursday.
Operations take place at the La Phocéanne polyclinic and the Phénicia clinic, in Marseille.
The practice and the clinicsWhen a vaginal canal is wanted, the procedure is discussed on the vaginoplasty page. Vaginoplasty
Page updated on 10 October 2026.