Vaginoplasty, also known as vaginal tightening or vaginal rejuvenation, is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess, unwanted vaginal tissue as well as tightening and repairing the vaginal and pelvic muscles to reduce the vaginal diameter and increase control and contraction strength.

Women undergo vaginal tightening procedures for a variety of reasons. Whether due to childbirth or age, many women seek to regain sensitivity and restore friction during sexual activity. The weakening of the vaginal cavity can have a negative impact on a woman’s sexual gratification. By narrowing the vaginal opening and tightening the vaginal muscles, a vaginoplasty can increase friction during sex and increase sexual satisfaction. It may also improve the appearance of the vagina, which can become stretched or saggy with age or after childbirth. Many women report increased confidence and self-esteem as a result of vaginal tightening procedures.

Candidates for vaginoplasty surgery are women who are in overall good health, have no prior medical conditions, and are seeking to rejuvenate their vaginal function for any of the following reasons:

• Stretching due to childbirth

• Loss of vaginal ridges (due to scarring from childbearing, aging, pelvic relaxation, or lack of estrogen)

• Have vaginal muscles that have not contracted after childbirth

• Have difficulty keeping tampons from falling out

• Have tissue protruding

• Have reduced sensitivity in your vagina and/or

• Loss of sensation and friction during vaginal intercourse

• Improve the look and feel of your intimate area

• Experience urinary stress incontinence due to relaxation of the vagina

Step One – Anesthesia

A vaginoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient treatment with IV sedation or general anesthesia.

Step Two – The Incision

Your surgeon will measure and mark the area that needs to be tightened, then make incisions in the vaginal walls to tighten and shorten the vaginal muscles. The surgeon will remove any excess mucosa (vaginal lining), reduce the diameter of the vaginal opening, and trim any excess skin during the procedure.

The vaginoplasty procedure can be performed using either traditional techniques or using specialized laser techniques, such as:

• Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation (LVR)

• Designer Laser Vaginoplasty (DLV)

Step Three – Closing the Incisions

Thinned or separated vaginal muscles are sutured together to form a tighter core, excess vaginal lining is excised, and incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches.

Step Four – See the Results

Following surgery, you may be monitored to ensure there are no negative side effects. You will notice an immediate tightening, but full results may not be seen for several months.

A vaginoplasty procedure typically takes one to two hours to complete.

Patients can typically return to work in 2 to 4 days, with full recovery taking 6 to 8 weeks. This is determined by the individual and the scope of the work. Swelling, tenderness, and mild bruising are possible, as well as mild to moderate pain and discomfort. It is best to avoid sexual activity and any other activity in the vaginal area, including the use of tampons, for about 4-6 weeks after vaginoplasty. During the recovery period, patients should also avoid strenuous activity, bathtubs, hot tubs, and swimming. Full recovery from a vaginoplasty procedure can take up to 13 weeks.

While you may notice an immediate tightening, such as a smaller diameter of the vaginal opening, you should begin to see the true results after 2-3 weeks, or after all swelling has subsided

As with any major surgery, vaginoplasty carries some risk such as:

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Anesthesia

• Scarring

The price of a vaginoplasty will vary from patient to patient as the complexity of the procedure is different for everyone. However, the average cost of a vaginoplasty procedure in Canada is between $5,000 to $11,000.

209/221 people who have undergone a vaginoplasty have rated the procedure “Worth It” (95%).

– Source: Realself.com