Vaginoplasty: When Is It Necessary, How Is It Performed and What Are the Risks?
What Is Vaginoplasty?
Vaginoplasty, also known as posterior colporrhaphy, is a procedure designed to tighten the vagina. An alternative treatment is vaginal tightening achieved by heating the tissues with radiofrequency waves or laser energy. Patients with significant relaxation or laxity may not benefit from these treatments and may require surgical tightening procedures.
When and Under Which Circumstances Is Vaginoplasty Required?
Following childbirth, women may develop vaginal laxity as a result of tissue stretching and separation of the muscles and fascia. This may lead to sexual dysfunction and complaints of air entering the vagina or sounds coming from the vagina.
Vaginal injuries or congenital anomalies, which are conditions present at birth, may affect the appearance and function of the vagina. Vaginoplasty procedures are also performed in patients who are born without a vagina or who are unable to menstruate because the vagina is underdeveloped.
What Does Vaginoplasty Achieve?
Vaginoplasty helps restore normal anatomy by bringing separated muscles closer together. During the procedure, excess mucosal tissue from the posterior wall of the vagina is removed, providing a tighter and more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
An important consideration is determining the appropriate degree of tightening. Tissue should be removed in a manner that leaves the vagina neither excessively tight nor too loose. Otherwise, excessive narrowing of the vagina may occur, leading to difficulty and pain during sexual intercourse and significant dissatisfaction.
How Long Is the Recovery Period After Vaginoplasty? What Should You Expect Following the Procedure?
Patients may require a resting period of one to two weeks. Deep pain may be experienced during the first few days, together with tenderness and a sensation of fullness in the lower region.
The use of tampons and sexual intercourse should be avoided for eight weeks. Mild bleeding may occur for up to 48 hours after surgery. Swelling or bruising may develop in the genital area, and it may take several weeks for the swelling to resolve.
Are Vaginoplasty and Vaginal Rejuvenation the Same Procedure?
The answer to this question is “No.” Vaginoplasty is one type of vaginal rejuvenation. Vaginal rejuvenation may refer to a group of procedures intended to improve the appearance or function of the vagina:
- Labiaplasty: A procedure that reduces or equalises the size of the labia, the fleshy folds surrounding the vagina
- Vulvoplasty: A procedure that reshapes the visible or external part of the vagina
- Clitoral hood reduction: A procedure that removes excess tissue covering the clitoris
- Perineoplasty: A procedure that strengthens the perineum, which is the area between the vagina and the anus
Does Vaginoplasty Carry Any Risks?
The risks may vary depending on the extent of the operation and the reason for undergoing surgery. Following vaginoplasty performed to treat injuries or congenital conditions, complications may include dyspareunia, or painful sexual intercourse, numbness or loss of sensation, infection and bleeding.
In conclusion, vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure intended to address functional and aesthetic concerns affecting the vaginal area. With an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment approach, physical comfort may be improved and quality of life may be increased.
Receiving support from an experienced obstetrician and gynaecologist is highly important throughout this process. Prof. Dr Şadıman Kıykaç Altınbaş, a Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology practising in Ankara, guides her patients as a physician specialising in the management of such conditions. You may contact us for further information.
