Vaginoplasty
INDEX
Vaginoplasty
Vaginoplasty, also called vaginal tightening, is typically performed to address difficult childbirths, conditions with persistently increased intra-abdominal pressure (constipation, chronic lung disease, weight gain), or to correct structurally sagging vaginal tissue. By reducing excess vaginal tissue, the vaginal muscles and surrounding soft tissues are supported and tightened. It can help increase sensitivity, restore sexual pleasure, reduce genital discharge, and improve or resolve intercourse and stress urinary incontinence. Furthermore, the resulting widening of the vaginal area can cause vaginal gas incontinence in some patients, and vaginoplasty is beneficial in this regard. In addition to surgery, laser techniques can also be used to perform the procedure.
What is Vaginoplasty?
The vulva, the external part of the vagina, consists of the labia, clitoral region, and urethral opening. Vaginoplasty is a reconstructive procedure that reconstructs the pelvic floor, where women experience sagging vaginal tissue and muscles, strengthens the muscles, and reduces vaginal laxity.
Vaginal prolapse can occur as a natural consequence of the aging process or after childbirth, when the vagina fails to fully return to its pre-pregnancy size and feel. A weakened pelvic wall can provide inadequate support for the bladder and urethral muscles, leading to other problems such as urinary incontinence. This procedure tightens the vaginal muscles, providing greater contraction strength and control, allowing for greater sensation during sexual experiences.
Although the vagina is located inside the body and not easily visible, these conditions can cause women to be uncomfortable or dissatisfied with its appearance and feel. Generally, anyone in average physical condition or good health is a candidate for vaginoplasty.
Why Is Vaginoplasty Performed?
Pregnancy, vaginal childbirth, and the aging process can all impact vaginal tone, strength, and control. Multiple births, in particular, and weakness or laxity of the pelvic floor muscles can lead to muscle scarring, fibrosis, increased vaginal diameter, or loose, sagging vaginal tissue in the vaginal area. This can lead to symptoms such as decreased sensitivity and lack of sexual pleasure, as well as irritation and discomfort in the area.
Complaints of women who may be candidates for vaginoplasty surgery include:
- Vaginal looseness
- Recurrent vaginal infections
- Decreased sexual satisfaction
- Aesthetically undesirable appearance
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Gas leakage during exercise, while sitting or standing up, during intercourse, air filling the vaginal area.
How is Vaginoplasty Performed?
A pre-vaginoplasty examination determines a patient’s suitability for the procedure. The procedure is planned based on the patient ‘s birth history and other medical conditions. Additionally, the patient’s overall physical and mental health is assessed to ensure they are suitable for general anesthesia.
The procedure, performed under local or general anesthesia, can be performed using traditional surgical techniques, where a scalpel is used to make the incision, or using specialized laser techniques.
Vaginoplasty surgery takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours and requires an average of one week of recovery. Patients may complain of genital pain after the procedure. Applying a cold compress to the area for the first two days after surgery can be helpful in relieving swelling and pain. Light vaginal bleeding may also occur.
After surgery, patients are usually discharged after one day of hospital observation. They can return to sexual activity within six weeks.
Vaginoplasty can also be combined with other vaginal procedures. This may include perineal surgery, which involves trimming the area between the vagina and rectum, or labiaplasty, which involves reshaping and reducing the protrusion of the inner lips.