Intimate Surgery
Vaginoplasty (or Vaginal Tightening Surgery)
Vaginoplasty is suitable for women who find that their vaginal muscles may be looser, stretched or weaker after natural childbirth, or due to an episiotomy (an incision made in the perineum to enlarge the space during childbirth.). Women who intend to have subsequent children through vaginal delivery should be aware of the possibility of a second procedure after the baby is born. This is a surgical procedure to improve the tone of the vagina by tightening vaginal muscles and the supporting tissue. The surgery is designed to enhance vaginal tone, muscle strength and increase voluntary control. Vaginoplasty is often referred to as Vaginal Rejuvenation. Vaginoplasty can also be combined with other plastic surgery techniques, such as abdominoplasty or breast surgery, or even other gynecological procedures.
Incisions and technique
Vaginoplasty surgery is done as an inpatient procedure and normally takes around one hour, under general anesthesia. The hospital stay is usually 24 hours. The surgeon joins the stretched muscles at the back of the vagina and removes the unwanted tissue. This reduces excess vaginal lining and tightens vaginal muscles. The scarring is inside the vagina. This procedure can be done together with labiaplasty. Vaginal tightening may also be performed using a laser.
Recovery period
The patient can usually return to work six to seven days after surgery. Temporary pain is treated with analgesics. Swelling, tenderness, numbness of the vaginal wall may be experienced. Some stitches will be reabsorbed. Others will be removed in stages over a period of one or two weeks. Patients should avoid intercourse for between four and six weeks.
Possible complications
Infection, bleeding and delayed healing could occur. Although this rarely happens, scar tissue can develop in patients with a tendency to thick scarring, causing tenderness, pain or tightness. This “scar hypertrophy” may require further surgery or other treatment to soften the scars. Overtightening can lead to urine retention.
Risks
Blood clots, infection, bleeding, delayed healing or poor healing or the need for a second procedure.
Recovery time
It is possible to be back to work after about one week. The area may be tender and swollen after surgery, but walking and sitting shouldn’t be a problem. Sexual intercourse, strenuous exercising, riding and bicycling are recommended only after four to six weeks or more. There can be some discharge (reddish-yellow) for about four to six weeks.
Duration of the results
The vagina should remain firm and tight for many years. This might change if the patient undergoes vaginal childbirth after the procedure.