Vaginoplasty

What is Vaginoplasty?

Surgical vaginoplasty or vaginal rejuvenation (also known as posterior colporrhaphy) is the surgical procedure which tightens the muscles inside the vaginal canal. Vaginal rejuvenation is not a cosmetic procedure, it is a reconstructive surgery meant to increase vaginal tightness and increase sensitivity.

Who is a good candidate?

Vaginal rejuvenation surgery is performed when a woman experiences vaginal laxity and a lack of friction. Vaginal laxity can be caused by vaginal childbirth, multiple pregnancies, heavy lifting, or excess weight putting pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and support tissues. Vaginoplasty surgery re-tightens the muscles and is recommended when a candidate is experiencing significant vaginal laxity that cannot be treated by alternative non-surgical treatments, or for those looking for more permanent results.

Why do the procedure?

Vaginal laxity may result in stretching tissue, to the point where sometimes tampons may fall out. It can also affect sexual pleasure. Vaginoplasty is also used to correct congenital defects of the vagina and acquired deformities due to cancers, tumors, or trauma

Is tightening the vaginal opening the same as vaginal rejuvenation?

No, tightening of the vaginal opening is called a perineoplasty and this procedure by itself will not create more internal friction. To obtain real results the surgeon will have to tighten more than just the opening of the vagina.

How is the procedure done?

This procedure is done either in the office or at a surgery center with Dr. Wei. Once the amount of tightening to be done is determined, a pie-shape wedge is marked to delineate the extra skin to be removed from inside the vagina. Beneath the skin, the tissues are tightened with strong sutures. Once the vaginal canal has been tightened, the mucosal skin is sutured closed. If there is external skin that protrudes, this can be reduced as well for a more aesthetic result.

How long is recovery?

For the first week, you should just relax, you may walk around and drive but must avoid all lifting, exercise, intercourse, vacuuming, and swimming. The risks of not following the doctor's recovery orders may include bleeding, infection, and broken sutures, leading to an unsuccessful surgery. Please follow directions, a revision surgery will only prolong the recovery process. Do not insert anything into the vagina! No Tampons and no sex for 7 to 8 weeks. Dr. Wei will discuss all recovery medications and activities with you in detail after your surgery. Most patients can resume all daily activities within 8 weeks.

What does recovery look like?

Patients may feel a deep itch for the first few days. It is also normal to have vaginal discharge and urine leakage in the first few weeks after surgery. It will be normal for urine to spray, rather than flow until the swelling around the urethra goes down. Depending on the amount of tightening performed, some patients may be instructed to use dilators and clean the vagina using a douche.

How often do you have to follow up/maintenance?

No maintenance is necessary. This procedure provides you with permanent results. The only maintenance necessary will be your post operation appointments with your surgeon to monitor your healing. These scheduled appointments will be discussed with you during your preoperative consultation.

How long will it take to notice results?

Patients will notice results once cleared by their surgeon after the initial downtime of 6-8 weeks post surgery. However, there may be tenderness, swelling and many other factors that may influence post-op results. Full healing of the surgery site and settlement into its new permanent state may take from 6 months to 1 year after the surgery.

How to choose a vaginoplasty surgeon?

Gynecologists and Urogynecologists perform vaginal tightening surgeries. Choose a vaginoplasty surgeon with experience and the proper training. Request to see before and after photos during your consultation and request to speak with (if possible / privacy laws) and or read patient testimonials. Dr. Judy Wei is a fellowship trained board certified OB/GYN and she completed Dr. Alinsod’s aesthetic vulvovaginal one-on-one surgical precept.