What is Vaginoplasty?

A vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure that tightens, reconstructs or restores the vagina's original appearance. For this reason, the procedure is also referred to as vaginal tightening, vaginal plastic surgery, or vaginal reconstruction.

A vaginoplasty can be performed as an elective cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery procedure. It can also be combined with other types of genital surgeries, such as labiaplasty or hymenorrhaphy.

How is the Vaginoplasty procedure performed?

Vaginoplasty is performed by removing excess vaginal mucosa along the vaginal lining to reduce the size of the vaginal muscles.A vaginoplasty procedure is the creation of a vagina and vulva (clitoris, labia minor and labia major) from existing genital tissue, including the penis and scrotum.

What does Vaginoplasty surgery involve?

Vaginoplasty will help tone your vaginal muscles. After the procedure, you should feel more strength, contraction and control. Stretched posterior vaginal wall muscles are joined and shortened with absorbable sutures.

What techniques are involved in vaginoplasty surgery ?

A vaginoplasty works by removing excess vaginal mucosa along the vaginal lining to reduce the size of the vaginal muscles. However, the specific manner in which the procedure is performed differs depending on the purpose or desired outcome. The specific techniques used in performing the procedure are the following:

McIndoe surgical technique – In this technique, the appearance of the vagina is improved by surgically constructing a canal from the urinary bladder and urethra going to the pelvic and rectum area. It usually requires a skin graft taken from another part of the patient’s body, such as the thighs or buttocks.

Vecchietti procedure – This is a modern laparoscopic surgical technique that can produce a vagina that is similar to a real normal vagina in both depth and width.

Wilson method – Also known as a penile inversion technique, this is used in cases where vaginal construction is required.

It may be difficult for a woman to walk during the first few days following the procedure, but this will eventually pass. Patients are advised to wait for 4 to 6 weeks before it is safe to have sexual intercourse.

Are there any scars after the Vaginoplasty procedure?

Scars remain inside the vagina.

What type of anaesthesia is used for the Vaginoplasty procedure?

Vaginoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia, which means that you will sleep and feel no pain. Local anaesthesia can be used, but you will be under sedation during the operation.

How long does the Vaginoplasty procedure take?

The procedure usually takes about an hour and may require you to stay in hospital overnight.

Who is the ideal candidate for Vaginoplasty?

Vaginoplasty surgery is used to improve vaginal tone by tightening the vaginal muscles and supporting tissues.

Vaginoplasty may be suitable for you if you are a woman who:

Suffers from stress urinary incontinence - involuntary loss of urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising or during intercourse.

Pregnant women are not suitable for vaginoplasty. However, women usually undergo the procedure after giving birth. It is usually advisable to wait one year after giving birth before considering this type of surgery, but this can be discussed at the consultation.

What can I expect after  Vaginoplasty surgery?

After the vaginal tuck procedure, there is an immediate reduction in the diameter of the vagina. The density of the vaginal muscles will also increase. This will help return the vagina and its supporting structures to their pre-pregnancy state.

How long will it take to recover from Vaginoplasty surgery?

The speed of healing can vary from person to person. You will experience pain and swelling after the operation. After a few days, you will be able to walk comfortably and after a month and a half you will be able to resume sexual activity. You will be able to go back to work one week after the operation. The final result will be visible about two to three weeks after surgery.

What are the risks after Vaginoplasty?

There is always a risk of complications during vaginoplasty.

Complications include:

Adverse reaction to the anaesthetic

Bleeding and haematoma

The risk may be higher in patients who smoke, are overweight, have diabetes or other health problems.

When will you be able to have sexual intercourse after Vaginoplasty ?

You will be able to resume penetrative sexual intercourse after two months.

How much does a Vaginoplasty  surgery cost?

It can vary significantly depending on multiple factors, including:

Country

Experience of the surgeon

Location of the procedure (office, surgery center, hospital)

Type of anesthesia used

*A low-cost Vaginoplasty  surgery performed by an inexperienced surgeon who delivers poor results is not a good combination.