Vaginoplasty – Overview, Procedure & Recovery

Dr. Mozhgan Sayyad shares everything you need to know about vaginoplasty in Dubai.

This is a medical procedure that constructs or reconstructs a vagina. For women, vaginoplasty is ‘tightening up’ a slack or loose vagina tissue due to vaginal birth or aging. Many women opt for vaginoplasty after childbirth since it loosens the vaginal muscle and reduces sexual pleasure. If you’re planning to undergo a vaginoplasty, it’s best to understand the surgery process. In this concise article, Dr. Mozhgan shares with you everything you need to know about the surgery, including its procedure details, risks, benefits, recovery, and more.

Before Vaginoplasty

• Be open and realistic about your expectations.
• Before undergoing a vaginoplasty, it’s imperative you find a doctor you trust and openly discuss your concerns.

• Understand all the possible side effects like infection, bleeding, asymmetry, and painful intercourse.
• Inform your doctor about your medical history and also the medications you take, if any.
• Inform your doctor about any allergies you may have or run in the family.
• Inform your doctor about your particular nutritional needs [vegetarian, vegan, etc.]
• Inform your doctor about your smoking, drinking, and drug habits, if any.
• Once a detailed physical examination is complete, discuss the plan and expectations with your doctor.

Blood Tests & Pre-Operation Anesthetist Visit

For reconstructive vaginoplasty after childbirth, the patient will be under deep sedation. In this specific surgery, countless studies have shown that sedation is far safer than anesthesia. Your anesthetist will perform some blood tests and admit you to the anesthesia clinic once you are ready.

What Happens During Vaginoplasty

1. Dissect mucosa from the underlying tissue.
2. Stitch loose fibromuscular tissue to secure it in specific areas or all of your vaginal depth.
3. Remove excess mucosa and skin.
4. Stitch mucosa and underlying tissue in anatomical layers to reduce the opening size of the vagina and reconstruct the deformed perineum.

After Surgery [Recovery & Care]

Recommended Care

• Use slow water flow for washing.
• Avoid touching the stitches.
• Apply the prescribed ointments.

Recovery

The recovery period for vaginoplasty varies for each individual. In usual cases:

• The healing of the wound and growth of new blood capillaries begin within the first two weeks of surgery. During this period, you can resume normal yet light activities.
• After 2-4 weeks, you can gradually start getting back to your old routine. However, intercourse and any strenuous activities must be avoided.
• You don’t need to remove the stitches later, as they will be reabsorbed by week three.
• Swelling is common, and it will resolve within 10-14 days.
• Till eight weeks, it’s advised to avoid strenuous activities like swimming, running, cycling, and heavy lifting.
• As you heal, it’s common to experience slight itching and spotting or discharge. Use cotton underwear to combat the itchiness and expedite the healing process. However, contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe itching, clumpy green discharge, or intense bleeding.
• You can resume your sexual relationship once your doctor gives the green signal!
• Lastly, expect an asymmetrical shape after the surgery.

Risks and Benefits of Vaginoplasty

Immediate risks associated with surgery include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Skin/Clitoral necrosis
• Suture line dehiscence [a partial or complete separation of wound edges due to improper healing]
• Urinary retention/Vaginal Prolapse
• Fistulas [an abnormal connection between two body parts like an organ or blood vessel, usually due to injury or surgery] from the rectum, urethra, or bladder

Although there are few risks associated with vaginoplasty, it also has several benefits, including:

• Restores tightness
• Improves sexual pleasure
• Boosts self-confidence