Vaginoplasty – Overview
Vaginoplasty (also known as vaginal rejuvenation) is a surgical procedure to tighten the vagina.
The procedure is necessary following the treatment or removal of malignant growths or abscesses to restore a normal vaginal structure and function.
Vaginoplasty can tighten the vagina or alter the appearance of the vulva.
Reasons for Vaginoplasty Surgery
The procedure is done for medical and aesthetic reasons.
Medical Uses – Vaginoplasty may be medically approved as the best course of action in different situations including:
- Congenital disorders: such as adrenal hyperplasia can affect the structure and function of the vagina. Vaginoplasty may be necessary to separate congenitally fused urethra and vagina.
Also, in vaginal atresia where the vagina is abnormally closed or absent, vaginal construction or reconstruction may be performed.
- Vaginectomy: Vaginectomy is a surgery to remove all or part of the vagina. It is usually used as a treatment for vaginal cancer. Vaginoplasty is performed to reconstruct the vagina.
- Transgender: Transgender people have a gender identity or gender expression that differs from their sex assigned at birth. Vaginoplasty may be performed in transgender persons.
Aesthetic Vagina Tightening
After childbirth, women may complain of vaginal laxity, resulting from stretching of tissues and separating of muscles, sometimes to the point that a tampon falls out, and this lack of tone can contribute to sexual dysfunction.
Surgical Procedure for Vaginoplasty
During surgery, the patient will be under general anesthesia although it is possible to perform the procedure under local anesthesia with a sedative.
The patient will lie comfortably on a table with the legs spread apart. Excess skin will be removed at the opening of the vagina based on preoperative discussions with the patient. The vaginal mucosa will then be separated from the vaginal muscles.
The vaginal muscles will then be brought together, similar to the techniques used during a tummy tuck, tightening the vaginal canal.
The muscles at the vaginal opening will then be tightened, closing a relaxed vaginal opening. Dissolvable internal and external sutures will be used to close incisions.
Visible results are noticeable immediately after surgery although patients will need to wait at least 6 weeks before engaging in any sexual activity.
Vaginoplasty Risks and Complications
Like every surgical procedure, vagina rejuvenation has a risk of complications. These include infection, bleeding, pain, vaginal shrinkage and urinary incontinence.
Vaginoplasty Surgery Cost
The total cost for vaginoplasty surgery depends on a lot of factors such as the anesthetic fee, private hospital fee, private operating facility fee, the extent of surgery required. The total cost of vagina tightening surgery is around $2500 – $7,500.
Vaginoplasty Recovery
Patients may have one to two weeks of downtime. They may feel a deep ache for the first few days, and there is no tampon use or intercourse for eight weeks.
Depending on the amount of tightening performed, some patients may be instructed to use dilators.
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