Vaginoplasty

What is vaginoplasty?

Vaginoplasty is usually considered to be cosmetic surgery. It is often referred to as “vaginal rejuvenation”. The goal is to tighten and reshape the vaginal canal and surrounding tissues.

This procedure is typically sought by women who have experienced changes in their vaginal anatomy due to childbirth, aging, or other factors such as hormonal changes after menopause. These changes can lead to symptoms like vaginal laxity (looseness), reduced sexual satisfaction, or discomfort during physical activities. Vaginoplasty can help address these issues by restoring the vaginal tone and structure, which may improve both physical comfort and sexual function.

How does vaginoplasty surgery work?

Vaginoplasty is an outpatient procedure. During the vaginoplasty procedure, your plastic surgeon will remove excess tissue from your vaginal lining and tighten the surrounding vaginal muscles. Your surgeon will pay particular attention to the pelvic floor muscles that support your vagina, bladder, and rectum. Vaginoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia rather than local anesthesia. The surgery usually lasts between one and two hours.

What are the reasons women consider vaginoplasty surgery?

Vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at constructing, repairing, or tightening the vaginal canal. There are a wide variety of reasons you might consider this procedure, from medical to highly personal. Let’s look at the most common ones:

Medical and functional reasons

• Repair after trauma or childbirth: Childbirth can result in stretching, tearing, or laxity (looseness) of vaginal tissues Trauma or surgery to remove pelvic tumors or abscesses can also damange your vagina. Any of these can cause day-to-day issues such as decreased sensation or difficulty using tampons.
• Treatment of congenital defects: Some people are born with vaginal defects such as vaginal atresia (absence or closure of the vagina), vaginal agenesis (underdeveloped vagina), or intersex conditions. Vaginoplasty can create a functional or reconstruct an existing vaginal canal. This can improve urinary and sexual function as well as overall quality of life.
• Correction of vaginal prolapse or pelvic floor weakness: Vaginoplasty can correct pelvic floor weakness and vaginal prolapse. Both of these conditions may cause discomfort, urinary incontinence, or sexual activity issues.
• Restoration after extensive surgery: After major pelvic surgeries, such as cancer treatments or removal of pelvic organs, a vaginoplasty may be needed.

Sexual and quality of life benefits

• Improved sexual function and satisfaction: Many people opt for vaginoplasty to enhance their sexual satisfaction. Vaginoplasty tightens the vaginal canal. This can increase friction during intercourse and restore sensations of sexual pleasure lost due to childbirth or aging.
• Increased confidence and self-esteem: By addressing both functional and cosmetic concerns, vaginoplasty can help people feel more confident in their bodies and enhance their intimate relationships.
• Relief from discomfort: Vaginoplasty can reduce pain caused by too much vaginal tissue, looseness, or anatomical irregularities that interfere with day-to-day activities, including sexual function.

Aesthetic reasons

Improved appearance: Some people opt for this type of plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons, such as reshaping the vaginal opening or external genitalia to attain a more youthful or aesthetically pleasing appearance.

What should I expect during the recovery period after vaginoplasty in Los Angeles?

How long does the recovery from vaginoplasty take?

• The recovery period is usually two to eight weeks. This depends on the type and extent of your surgery. Typically, you may return to light, sedentary work within four to seven days, but full recovery—including resuming strenuous activities—takes about six to eight weeks.
• It is common to have swelling, bruising, tenderness, and a sensation of pressure in your pelvic area. These symptoms can begin in the first few days after the operation and persist for several weeks afterward. These symptoms gradually subside, but mild swelling can persist for several months.

Immediate Postoperative Care

• You may have a urinary catheter for the first two to four days, so that you can urinate more comfortably. Internal bandages are typically removed the day after surgery.
• Ice packs are also useful for reducing swelling and discomfort in the genital area. Your doctor can prescribe medications to help manage more intense pain and discomfort.
• If you have a standard vaginoplasty, your hospital stay would typically be short. However, gender-affirming (trans) vaginoplasty usually requires a hospital stay of seven to ten days, especially if more extensive reconstruction is involved.

Wound Care and Hygiene

• After you urinate or move your bowels (poo), you should gently rinse and pat your genital area, taking care to be gentle in your vaginal area. Daily showers are recommended. Your surgeon may suggest specific cleansing products.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing and using thong underwear. Do not use tampons for several weeks. This reduces the risk of infection and irritation. Additionally, avoid using bathtubs and hot tubs during this time.

Activity Restrictions

• It is very important to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and sexual activity (including vaginal penetration) for at least six weeks after your surgery.
• After one to two weeks, most people can return to normal non-strenuous activities, including work. However, this varies by the individual and the nature of the job. It is recommended to consult with your doctor about these issues.

Follow-Up Care

• Be sure to show up to all scheduled follow-up appointments. Your surgeon will check how your vaginoplasty is healing, remove any sutures if needed, and address any concerns.
• If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your surgeon immediately: pain, abnormal bleeding, signs of infection (such as fever or foul-smelling discharge), or if your swelling worsens instead of improving.

What are the risks of vaginoplasty surgery?

Like any surgery, vaginoplasty poses risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring, and changes in sensation. In rare instances, complications such as pain during intercourse or difficulty emptying the bladder may occur. 

It’s also important to note that vaginoplasty is regarded as a cosmetic or elective procedure. So it’s typically not covered by insurance unless it’s performed to fix a medical condition, such as pelvic organ prolapse.

While many women report improved vaginal tightness and enhanced sexual satisfaction after the procedure, it’s important to maintain realistic expectations and recognize that individual results can differ.

Is vaginoplasty surgery right for you?

Before considering vaginoplasty, we will discuss your goals, medical history, and any symptoms you are currently experiencing. We will also evaluate whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure and explain alternative options, such as non-surgical treatments like laser therapy or pelvic floor physical therapy, which can sometimes achieve similar results without surgery.

Suppose you and our women’s sexual health physician determine that vaginoplasty is the right choice for you. In that case, we will discuss the details of the procedure, the recovery process, and the potential risks, which will enable you to make an informed decision. Our goal is to ensure that you feel confident and comfortable with your treatment plan, guiding you toward the best possible outcome. 

Let’s collaborate to see if this procedure meets your needs and expectations.

Why choose Tower Urology for vaginoplasty surgery in Los Angeles?

Tower Urology’s expert women’s healthcare team provides compassionate, cutting-edge care informed by the latest surgical techniques and procedures. We treat each woman’s needs individually for optimal outcomes.

We serve patients from across the Los Angeles area—including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and more—and are proud to offer comprehensive care to those living with chronic pelvic pain.

Call us at (310) 854-9898 or request your consultation online.

Our approach is personal—we treat patients, not just pathology.

Sources

Beyond Motivations: A Qualitative Pilot Exploration of Women’s Experiences Prior to Labiaplasty | Aesthetic Surgery Journal | Oxford Academic
https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/43/9/994/7125043

Labia Minora, Labia Majora, and Clitoral Hood Alteration: Experience-Based Recommendations | Aesthetic Surgery Journal | Oxford Academic
https://academic.oup.com/asj/article-abstract/36/1/71/2613971?redirectedFrom=fulltext

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open
https://journals.lww.com/prsgo/fulltext/2017/11000/vaginoplasty_and_perineoplasty.19.aspx