“Navigating vaginal tightening surgery: expert tips, benefits, risks, and recovery guide” is a collaborative post.
Introduction
Women undergo vaginal surgeries for a range of problems concerning intimate physical appearance and functionality. Ageing, pregnancies and childbirth lead to issues like vaginal laxity, labial sagging and perineal scarring. This can cause problems in intimacy and can hurt a woman’s emotional well-being. Vaginal aesthetic surgeries are time-tested and effective ways of reversing these unwanted effects.
Common aesthetic vaginal surgeries
The modern world is witnessing a “rejuvenation revolution,” and many treatments are available for addressing intimate vaginal issues, including both non-surgical and surgical ones. While the non-surgical options have the benefit of being non-invasive and have no downtime requirement, the surgical alternatives are superior in giving immediate results and have longer-lasting effects. Three of the most common aesthetic vaginal surgeries are:
Vaginoplasty
Vaginoplasty is a vaginal tightening procedure done for the correction of both vaginal laxity and the sexual dysfunction associated with it. The procedure involves removing excess vaginal mucosa along the vaginal length.
This is followed by repositioning and resuturing the underlying soft tissues, muscles and overlying mucosal lining to effectively tighten the vagina. The improvement in vaginal tone leads to enhanced vaginal sensations and gratifying intimacy.
Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty is a cosmetic surgery for asymmetric and enlarged labia minora. The inner labial lips protruding beyond labia majora can cause discomfort due to chafing during exercise and sexual activity. The technique involves incising the asymmetric and protruded labial edges with the help of a radiofrequency or laser knife. This gives a more tucked-in and petite appearance.
Perineoplasty
Perineoplasty is the surgical restorative procedure done for scarred and disfigured perineum. It is also performed in conjunction with vaginoplasty for narrowing the loose vaginal opening. This reduces dyspareunia occurring post-childbirth due to scarred perineum and improves sexual life.
Benefits
The above-mentioned genital surgeries have multiple aesthetic and functional benefits including:
- Enhanced vaginal sensations
- Increased vaginal lubrication
- Magnified sexual pleasure
- Reversal in the effects of ageing
- Support to bladder base and urethra, thus reducing stress urinary incontinence symptoms
- Restored symmetry of labia
- Decreased irritation caused by enlarged labia
- Removal of scarred tissue from childbirth tearing
- Reduced dyspareunia (painful sex)
- Boosting of self-esteem
Risks
Labiaplasty and vaginal tightening surgery side effects include:
- Pain, bleeding and swelling at the procedure site
- Infection
- Overtightening of vagina
- Asymmetric results from an overdone or underdone procedure
- Injury to surrounding structures like bladder and rectum
- Poor wound healing and scar formation
- Loss of sensations or numbness at the procedure site
Recovery guide
Vaginoplasty recovery time is variable among individuals depending upon the extent of surgery. As a general guide, the following precautions are necessary in the recovery period:
- Take time off work and a break from your fitness routine for the initial few days.
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting underwear and leggings to reduce discomfort and irritation of the wound.
- Do not use tampons, as there is a risk of infection and injury to the vaginal wound.
- Usually, it takes a couple of weeks to return to your active daily routine.
- Wait for 6 to 8 weeks before resuming sexual activity. It’s also better to check with your doctor first.
Expert tips
To gain optimal results, make sure to:
- Select a board-qualified plastic surgeon with a special interest in genital aesthetics who has substantial experience in his field.
- Check the vaginal tightening surgery reviews of his patients.
- Schedule a pre-procedure consultation with your provider and prepare a list of questions to ask.
- Communicate your intimate issues/requirements and expectations from the treatment with your plastic surgeon.
- Go through your options and carefully select the procedures you need with helpful input from your doctor.
- Reduce complications and get good results with adequate post-procedure care.
Final thoughts
The effects of childbirth and aging on intimate physical appearance and function are bothersome for a woman. It affects her relationship with her partner and her mental well-being. Aesthetic vaginal surgeries can effectively address these issues and have multiple associated benefits. Careful procedure, doctor selection, and optimum post-operative care are essential to reduce complications and get the required results.
About the Author
Dr. Jehan Ara is a highly qualified consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist with a passion for writing and health education. She has more than 10 years of practical patient care experience. She is currently working as an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in a medical school and a clinical supervisor for post graduate residents of obstetrics and gynaecology in the affiliated teaching hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Jehan is also a passionate writer and educator. She regularly writes articles and blog posts on women’s health. She is committed to helping women understand their bodies and make informed decisions about their health.
