Vaginoplasty Results:
Dr. Marci Bowers, July 2004

These photos were taken about 12 weeks after surgery. The most remarkable aspect of Dr. Bowers’ technique is her extensive use of externalized urethral mucosa: In this example, she has extended urethral mucosa well above the clitoris, not just up to it (as do, for example, Drs. Brassard and Menard). The patient did not like the appearance of so much pink mucosa above the clitoris; she hoped that this could be revised, and more hooding achieved, during a secondary procedure.

The labial structures are small, but there is plenty of redundant skin around the vaginal introitus that could be used for labial construction during a secondary procedure. Based on results like this and comments on her web site, it appears that Dr. Bowers now expects that most of her patients will undergo a secondary procedure and she has modified her technique accordingly. The patient reported that her vaginal depth is 5-3/4 in. (14.5 cm) using a 1-1/2 in. (38 mm) dilator. Erogenous sensation was good, but she had not yet had an orgasm.

This close-up view, with the tissue surrounding the urethral meatus pulled downward and laterally, shows the extensive margin of urethral mucosa that has been preserved around the meatus. I speculate that this may represent an effort to minimize urethral stenosis, which reportedly was a problem with a few of Dr. Bowers’ early vaginoplasties. The patient reported a satisfactory urinary stream.