Seeking advice: AMAB wanting vaginoplasty while keeping an androgynous/masc presentation (and dealing with system gatekeeping)
I wanted to reach out to this community because my situation feels very specific, and I think people here will understand where I’m coming from.
My primary issue is severe bottom dysphoria. I genuinely need a vagina to feel at peace with my body, but I do not want breasts or a full social/physical feminization. I like my current presentation—I want to maintain an androgynous/masculine look, keep my flat chest, and just resolve the anatomical dysphoria down below.
I’m honestly terrified of being turned down by the public healthcare system in my country simply because I'm not a binary trans woman. As I've said, the only thing I want is the vagina. The public system will definitely put up huge barriers, but my plan is to start getting official reports and assessments now so time works in my favor. That way, if I have to go private in the future, I'll already have the paperwork ready—hopefully at a time when neovagina techniques are even more advanced, hyper-realistic, and offer great self-lubrication.
A few questions for anyone who has been down a similar road:
HRT / Post-Op Maintenance: For those who got a vaginoplasty without wanting full feminization, what was your HRT protocol like after surgery to protect your bone/cardiovascular health without causing breast growth or unwanted physical changes?
Gatekeeping: Did you face heavy gatekeeping from mental health professionals or surgeons because you don't fit the traditional "binary trans woman" narrative? How did you navigate those assessments?
Procedures & Timing: Has anyone here gotten a peritoneal / hybrid self-lubricating vaginoplasty? How has your experience with recovery and results been, and did you wait or go private to get that specific technique?