Gender Reassignment Revision Surgery in Bangkok: Brooke’s Story
When Brooke first underwent gender reassignment surgery at 21, she didn’t expect that she’d be seeking a revision just a few years later. “I was young and didn’t really know what to look for,” she said. “I took the first opportunity that came up and didn’t do much research.”
The first procedure used the PPV technique—penile-peritoneal vaginoplasty, which is newer and growing in popularity, particularly in Western countries. At the time, Brooke trusted the process and followed every post-operative instruction. But when she received medical clearance to resume sexual activity six months later, something went wrong.
“I was covered in blood. My partner was too. It was traumatic.”
She visited a general physician in Australia, who advised her to stop dilating temporarily to avoid further irritation. That pause—though meant to help—caused an even bigger issue.
“I stopped dilating for just two weeks, and I lost almost 80% of my depth.”
She was left with a vaginal depth of only two inches—a major concern, as one of her original surgical goals was to maintain both functionality and depth. On top of that, she was never satisfied with the aesthetic result of her first surgery either.
The Search for a Solution
Unlike in Thailand, Australia currently has very few, if any, surgeons still performing gender reassignment surgery. Brooke realized she would have to go abroad.
After doing extensive research online, she came across Dr. Theerapong through Reddit and international trans health forums. His reputation in the global transgender community is clear: he’s a go-to surgeon when things go wrong elsewhere. He’s known not only for performing primary gender reassignment surgeries, but also for corrective and revision cases, often using advanced surgical techniques when traditional methods fall short.
Brooke had previously flown to Bangkok for a labiaplasty with Dr. Theerapong, and after that successful experience, she decided to return for her full revision surgery.
The Surgical Approach: Why Open Sigmoid Colon?
For Brooke’s revision, Dr. Theerapong recommended using the open sigmoid colon vaginoplasty technique.
Unlike the PPV or penile inversion methods, the sigmoid technique uses a segment of the sigmoid colon (part of the large intestine) to construct the vaginal canal. This method is commonly used when there’s:
- Insufficient penile and scrotal tissue (especially in revision cases)
- Scar tissue or complications from previous surgeries
- A goal of achieving greater vaginal depth
In Brooke’s case, this technique made it possible to restore depth that was lost, improve long-term moisture retention, and achieve a more natural appearance—all in one procedure.
During a follow-up interview, Dr. Theerapong explained:
“PPV is gaining popularity in the West, but it’s not as common in Thailand. New doesn’t always mean better. Every case must be evaluated individually. If there’s not enough tissue for PPV or penile inversion, then open colon is the most effective choice.”
Post-Op Recovery in Bangkok
Recovery from sigmoid colon vaginoplasty is longer and more complex than standard techniques, requiring a minimum one-month stay in Thailand. But at Interplast Clinic, recovery is fully supported.
Brooke was buddied up with another patient named Ramona (nicknamed “Mona”), who was undergoing primary gender reassignment surgery. The two became fast friends—sharing experiences, supporting one another, and helping each other through the ups and downs of post-op recovery.
“It helped a lot to have someone going through it with me,” Brooke said. “You’re in a new country, your body is healing, and some days are tough. Having Mona there made it feel lighter.”
Aesthetics, Depth, and Satisfaction
For Brooke, this revision surgery met both of her priorities: aesthetic appearance and depth.
With the sigmoid technique, she was able to achieve a vaginal depth of around eight inches—a drastic improvement from the two inches left after her initial surgery complications.
Equally important, she was now satisfied with the look and feel of her results—something that had never been the case after her first surgery.
Why Thailand Remains a Leader in Gender-Affirming Surgery
With limited access to gender reassignment surgery in countries like Australia, many patients—like Brooke—choose Thailand not just out of necessity, but for quality. Surgeons like Dr. Theerapong offer:
- Extensive experience in both primary and revision surgeries
- Access to advanced techniques like open sigmoid colon vaginoplasty
- A full-service support team that assists with testing, logistics, recovery, and aftercare
At Interplast Clinic, patients aren’t left to figure things out alone. The staff check in daily, provide transportation, answer every question, and even arrange short day trips for patients staying long-term.
Thinking about gender reassignment surgery or a revision procedure? Interplast Clinic works with patients from around the world and offers case-by-case guidance on which surgical technique will work best for your anatomy and goals.