(nsfw) what exactly happens to the vagina when you get bottom surgery (both types)?
that’s somewhat up to you. you can elect to keep it, with some surgeons, even with both phalloplasty and metoidioplasty. (if you want). Generally, it’s reduced in size by the surgeries, in this case, and is not always able to be penetrated in the same way, or with an average sized penis (but small toys are able to be used). If you’re not looking to retain it, it’s removed by one of several methods (for both surgeries). the method depends on the surgeon’s preference and is something to discuss because there are benefits and risks associated with each method.  One method involves ablation or cautery, using heat to remove the lining of the vagina, then the opening is sewn shut. The benefits of this technique is that the muscular sleeve of the vagina remains intact, to support the preexisting structures (bowel, bladder) and retain sexual function. The drawbacks are there could be a potential risk for cancer in high-risk individuals, especially if all tissue isn’t removed, as well as a potential for fistulas or reopening of the sleeve, with drainage. This procedure is done most frequently, with the new urethra brought forward through the closed vaginal opening and through the new genitals as required.  A second method involves removing the vagina surgically, including the muscles that support it, and any tissue around it.  The benefits of this are all tissues that can produce any secretions are fully removed which can decrease any issues with seeping or smell, and decrease the risk for fistulas to reopen, and decrease the risk for any cancer of these parts. Surgeons who prefer this technique also often use the vaginal lining to create the extended urethra instead of buccal mucosa (inside the cheek), but there are no studies that support the use of one versus the other.  The drawback to this technique is it can cause an increased risk of prolapse (bladder or bowels moving out of alignment, which can cause incontinence/leaking or difficulty going to the bathroom), as well as a change in sensation during sexual function because the removal of muscles which contract during orgasm. This technique is less often done than the one above, because it also takes much longer, and has an increased risk of bleeding.  These procedures (colpectomy/vaginectomy) are done in conjunction with other procedures based on surgeon (and patient) preference at the appropriate stage based on technique (some surgeons do 1, 2 or 3 stage surgeries, generally fewer for meta and more for phallo, but i have seen 1 stage phalloplasty).  If you have more questions or need more info about bottom surgeries in general, feel free to write back. This topic is really broad and since the same thing /can/ happen with both/either surgery, i wasn’t quite sure what all needed to be answered (like- did you want to know about the details of scrotum placement, etc?)mod mayhem
