Life After Vaginoplasty: Navigating Changes and Embracing Your New Normal
Any medical procedure, whether medically necessary or elective, can be intimidating and may leave you with many questions about the recovery process. However, most procedures today have a relatively manageable recovery period. Many surgeries require downtime for you to properly heal and adjust to your “new normal.” One such procedure is vaginoplasty, which has gotten more and more popular over the past few years.
Vaginoplasty, a surgical procedure often sought by transgender women and those seeking reconstructive surgery for medical reasons, represents a significant step in one’s journey toward gender affirmation or physical restoration. This surgery can affect an individual’s physical and emotional well-being. As with any major surgery, understanding the post-operative period and adapting to the changes is crucial. This article delves into what life looks like after vaginoplasty, exploring the physical, emotional, and practical aspects of navigating this new chapter and embracing your new normal.
What is a Vaginoplasty?
A vaginoplasty for a cisgender woman involves reconstructing or repairing the vagina due to congenital conditions, trauma, or medical issues. Common reasons include injuries from childbirth or accidents and severe discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse. The procedure aims to restore vaginal function, anatomy, and appearance.
Surgical techniques vary based on the specific condition. Still, they may include the use of skin grafts, flaps from adjacent tissues, or segments of the intestine to create or reconstruct the vaginal canal. Postoperative care is essential, involving regular dilation to prevent the newly formed or reconstructed vaginal canal from narrowing, as well as monitoring for complications such as infections or scarring.
Vaginoplasty can significantly improve the quality of life by restoring normal sexual function, enhancing body image, and alleviating physical discomfort.
After Your Vaginoplasty: What to Expect
Undergoing vaginoplasty is a significant step towards aligning one’s physical appearance with their gender identity or addressing congenital or medical issues affecting the vagina. Postoperative care and expectations are important for a successful recovery and long-term satisfaction. Here’s what to expect after your vaginoplasty.
Immediate Postoperative Care
Immediately following the surgery, you’ll be monitored in a recovery room where medical staff will ensure you are stable and comfortable. Pain management is a priority, and you’ll receive medications to manage discomfort. It’s normal to experience swelling, bruising, and some pain in the surgical area. A catheter is typically placed to drain urine, and packing is inserted into the new vaginal canal to support its structure and prevent bleeding.
After Your Discharge
Once home, rest is important. Limit physical activity to avoid straining the surgical site. Continue taking prescribed medications, including pain relievers and antibiotics. You’ll have a follow-up appointment to remove the vaginal packing and catheter, typically one to two weeks post-surgery. At this point, your surgeon will assess your healing progress and guide resuming normal activities.
Gently clean the surgical area with mild, unscented soap and water. Avoid baths, swimming, and using tampons until your surgeon confirms they are safe. Wearing loose, breathable clothing can help reduce irritation and promote healing.
Long Term Recovery
Full recovery from vaginoplasty can take several weeks to months. As you heal, you’ll gradually return to normal activities, including work and exercise, per your surgeon’s advice. Sexual activity should be avoided for at least eight to twelve weeks or until your surgeon gives the go-ahead. It’s normal to experience changes in sensation, which may continue to evolve over time.
Maintaining the results of vaginoplasty involves ongoing care and vigilance. Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon are essential to monitor healing and address any potential issues. It’s also crucial to stay informed about signs of complications, such as unusual discharge, persistent pain, or changes in the appearance of the surgical site, and seek medical attention promptly if any concerns arise.
If anything seems out of the ordinary or as though it is not normal—such as redness, severe pain, and a high temperature—call your doctor immediately, as this may be an infection. Properly caring for the area can help prevent this from occurring, so be sure you follow your doctor’s orders.
If you are interested in learning more about the vaginoplasty procedure or would like to schedule an appointment for a consultation, call the office of Dr. Ghozland today at 310-393-9359 and we will be happy to get you on the schedule!