What is a Vaginoplasty?
Overview of Vaginoplasty
A vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects the enlarged vagina and weakened pelvic floor. This procedure will restore the look and feel of your vagina to its pre-childbirth size and appearance, or make it the small size that you feel you should have had to begin with. Our physicians can surgically correct the large vagina, allowing you to enjoy intercourse more. In addition, a vaginoplasty can improve the look of your vaginal area, which will allow you to feel more confident in intimate situations. Essentially, a vaginoplasty is both a cosmetic procedure because it improves the look of the vaginal area, and a medical surgical procedure, because it changes the structure of the vagina and reinforces the pelvic floor muscles.
What a Vaginoplasty is Not
A vaginoplasty does not correct an enlarged or irregularly-shaped labia minora or majora. It will merely tighten the vagina and the area around it. However, you can have a labiaplasty, or a procedure that reduces or reshapes the labia, at the same time as your vaginoplasty. Having the two procedures performed at the same time will reduce the total amount of recovery time and may reduce the expense of having each procedure performed separately. Ask your physician what procedures are available to you that may help improve the look or feel of your intimate areas.
Who is a Good Candidate
There are many reasons why a woman might feel that her vagina is too large. For example, vaginal labor can weaken the pelvic floor as well as stretch the vaginal muscles. The vaginal muscles also begin to stretch as you age. Alternatively, some women have a sexual partner who has a smaller penis. When the diameter of the vagina is too large for any of these reasons, the amount of friction that you and your partner experience during intercourse can be greatly reduced.
Most women who have experienced stretching of the vaginal muscles or a weakened pelvic floor because of childbirth are good candidates for a vaginoplasty, as are women who feel that the diameter of their vagina is too large. As long as you are in good health and are generally in good physical condition, you can probably have the vaginoplasty procedure performed. Call our office for a consultation if you are interested in having a vaginoplasty. Our skilled physicians can determine whether you are a good candidate for a vaginoplasty, as well as discuss the results you wish to achieve and answer any questions you may have about the procedure.
The Procedure
During the vaginoplasty procedure, the surgeon will remove the excess vaginal mucosa, or vaginal lining. This will reduce the diameter of the vagina. There are several methods for doing this, but the traditional vaginoplasty procedure involves making an incision inside of the vagina and removing the excess lining. The incision can be made with a knife or a laser. After the excess vaginal tissue is removed, the surgeon will re-approximate the incision incorporating muscle & vaginal tissue resulting in a stronger and tighter vagina. Our physician will be happy to explain how he or she performs the vaginoplasty, as well as show you before and after photographs that illustrate the effects of the procedure so you know what to expect.
Recovery
A vaginoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, and you should be able to walk without pain within a few days. You will probably be able to return to work within a few days, depending on how quickly and well you heal after the procedure as well as the amount of physical activity your job requires. During the consultation, your physician can estimate the amount of time you will need to take off work. You can return to having sexual intercourse within four to six weeks, with the physician’s approval. The incision will heal with minimal scarring, and it will not be immediately obvious that you have had any surgical procedure done.
Risks
The risks of the vaginoplasty procedure are few. These risks include scarring, bleeding, infection, nerve damage, and painful intercourse. Your physician will explain the risks in detail during the consultation and help you determine if a vaginoplasty is right for your needs.
Cost
The cost of a vaginoplasty will vary according to the method the physician uses, as well as the amount of work the physician must perform to tighten the vaginal area. This cost may be covered by your insurance under certain circumstances. For example, if the weakened pelvic floor muscles or vaginal muscles are causing other physiological problems, such as contributing to incontinence, your insurance may cover the procedure. Our office can contact your insurance provider on your behalf and determine how much, if any, of the cost your insurance provider will cover. Ask our office about financing options and the accepted methods of payment.
Effects of a Vaginoplasty
A vaginoplasty can significantly improve the look of your vaginal area, which will help you regain your confidence during intercourse. You can’t fully enjoy intimate moments if you are worried about your partner’s perception of your vagina. In addition, you and your partner may enjoy more frequent and intense orgasms because of your tighter vagina.