Surgery to reconstruct and tighten the vaginal canal.
Vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to reconstruct or tighten the vaginal canal and surrounding tissues. It's often sought by individuals who wish to address vaginal laxity, improve sexual satisfaction, or alleviate symptoms such as urinary incontinence. Vaginoplasty can also be performed as part of gender confirmation surgery for transgender women
Vaginoplasty: The Procedure
Anaesthesia: Vaginoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic to ensure the patient's comfort during the procedure. The procedure itself will take between one and two hours.
Incisions: The Specialist begins by making precise incisions in the vaginal area to access the underlying tissues. The location and extent of the incisions may vary depending on the specific technique used and the patient's individual anatomy.
Tissue Dissection and Tightening: The surgeon carefully dissects the tissues of the vaginal canal, including the muscles and fascia, to access the underlying structures.
The muscles and tissues of the vaginal canal are tightened and reshaped using various techniques, such as sutures or tissue excision, to achieve the desired level of tightness and contour.
Closure: After the desired modifications have been made, the incisions are carefully closed with dissolvable sutures to ensure proper healing. Any excess tissue may be trimmed as needed.
Vaginoplasty: The Recovery
Here is a general overview of what to expect during the recovery period:
Immediate Postoperative Period:
After the surgery, patients may experience some discomfort, swelling, bruising, and minor bleeding in the vaginal area.
Pain medication and cold packs are typically prescribed to help manage any discomfort.
A course of antubiotics will be prescribed for one week
First Few Days to Weeks:
Patients are advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for the first few days after surgery.
Swelling and bruising may peak within the first 48 hours and then gradually improve over the following weeks.
It's common for patients to experience some mild discomfort during this time, which can usually be managed with pain medication.
Patients will also need to take one to two weeks off work to recover
Resuming Normal Activities:
Most patients can resume light activities within a few days to a week after surgery, but strenuous exercise and sexual activity should be avoided for six weeks.
It's important to follow postoperative care instructions provided by the surgeon, which may include keeping the surgical area clean and dry, and avoiding tight clothing.
Long-Term Recovery:
Full recovery from vaginoplasty may take several weeks to months.
The final results of the surgery, including vaginal tightness and appearance, may not be fully apparent until the swelling has completely subsided and the tissues have healed.
Patients should attend follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor healing progress, address any concerns, and discuss postoperative care.
Overall, the recovery period for vaginoplasty can vary, but most patients can expect to see significant improvement within a few weeks and full recovery within a few months. It's important for patients to follow their surgeon's recommendations closely to ensure a smooth recovery process and achieve optimal results.