Skin graft technique for Sex Reassignment Surgery
Dr. Chettawut’s Vaginal Dilation Philosophy
Dr. Chettawut’s Vaginal Dilation Philosophy
I safely create the maximum achievable depth of the vaginal tunnel and use the best quality skin graft to form the entire vaginal lining. This is the foundation — but a foundation only holds if it’s maintained.
Once you leave the operating room, the outcome becomes a shared project. Following the dilation program strictly is how you maintain the depth I created for you.
The stretching force from dilation does two things: it prevents the skin graft from contracting inside the vagina, and it keeps the vaginal wall elastic enough to comfortably accommodate penetration, regardless of size.
Dr. Chettawut’s non-penile inversion technique, unlike the traditional penile inversion method, meticulously manages the valued penile skin to create an anatomically precise and natural look for the inner labia and vaginal opening. This approach offers refined and defined aesthetic results that closely resemble a cis female’s external genital appearance.
Instead of inverting the penile skin into the vaginal cavity, Dr. Chettawut uses scrotal skin as the main source for the vaginal lining. This ensures a hairless and durable vaginal lining.
For patients lacking sufficient scrotal skin due to previous orchiectomy, hormone replacement therapy, or other factors, Dr. Chettawut can harvest additional skin grafts from the groin. This method avoids creating scars, unlike the outdated technique that uses abdominal skin.
The combination of non-penile inversion with scrotal and groin skin grafts provides hope for those with short penile length or limited scrotal skin, yielding excellent aesthetic and functional results.
The preparation process of the skin graft is delicate and ensures the removal of all hair follicles to maintain a hairless vaginal lining. Dr. Chettawut converts donor skin from the scrotum and groin into intermediate thickness grafts, preserving the superficial dermal layer while discarding the deep part containing hair roots.
The prepared skin graft is double-checked under light illumination, and any remaining hair follicles are meticulously extracted before the graft is inserted into the newly constructed vagina.
The length of the tubed graft is carefully calculated to match the desired vaginal depth, typically 6.5-7 inches, which is the average depth achieved by Dr. Chettawut’s non-penile inversion technique.
The vaginal packing stabilizes the graft for 6-7 days, allowing proper vascularization. Post-packing, the vaginal dilation routine begins under nurse supervision to ensure the graft’s durability and secure adhesion to surrounding tissues.
Recommendations for pre-surgery hair removal to ensure a smooth process.
Essential post-surgery care guidelines for optimal recovery.
Importance of regular dilation to maintain vaginal depth and function.
Tips on avoiding potential complications after SRS.
Dr. Chettawut’s non-penile inversion with skin graft technique is a reliable SRS method to achieve a natural look for female genitalia, excellent sensation, and optimal vaginal depth. This technique provides outstanding aesthetic and functional results, enhancing the quality of life for individuals undergoing sex reassignment surgery.
Ready to learn more, or need support with your dilation routine? Contact Dr. Chettasak’s team at WIH International Hospital.