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Vaginal Tightening: Vaginoplasty and Perineoplasty
Useful information for patients on Vaginal Tightening: Vaginoplasty and Perineoplasty procedures
What Is Vaginal Tightening Surgery?
Vaginoplasty and perineoplasty are surgical procedures designed to restore strength and support by reducing vaginal laxity, often following childbirth or ageing. The procedure involves tightening of the vaginal tissues and associated musculature.
The perineum is the area of tissue between the vaginal opening and the anus and include the pubococcygeal muscle that is a powerful muscle.
This area is usually damaged during childbirth, as the perineum can be damaged through natural tearing or via an episiotomy (a surgical cut made to assist delivery). If these tissues are not precisely repaired layer by layer, it can affect the overall structure of the vaginal entrance.
This area also plays an important role in:
- Supporting the pelvic floor
- Vaginal structure
- Comfort during daily activities and intimacy
- Overall vagina entrance
- Influences intercourse as a wide opening can cause a lack of friction which decreases physical sensation during intimacy for both partners
If the opening is too tight, it can produce pain and / or tearings during sexual intercourse for women
During childbirth, the perineum can become stretched, torn, or weakened due to the expansion of the tissues and separation of the adjacent muscles, which may lead to:
- A feeling of looseness
- Discomfort or pain
- Changes in appearance
Vaginal tightening procedures include vaginoplasty and perineoplasty and are associated with improved sexual function with a low rate of complications. Submucosal lipofilling can also be associated with these processes to reduce the vaginal diameter and improve mucosal trophism.
Vaginoplasty
Vaginoplasty encompasses a series of techniques that are aimed at reducing the diameter of the vaginal cone, where it may be previously damaged from injury or medical conditions.
Vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure that:
- Tighten the vaginal canal (vagina walls)
- Repairs and brings together stretched muscles
- Removes excess vaginal lining tissue where needed
- This helps restore support and reduce vaginal laxity.
In posterior vaginoplasty, the apex of the intravaginal V is located 10 cm from the hymenal ring while the two axes of the V are located at 5 and 7 o'clock. During dissection, the mucosa is elevated until the levators are seen. which are sutured until they are approximated, as are the bulbocavernosus and transverse perineal muscles. The excess mucosa is excised, and the patient must avoid tampons and intercourse for 6-8 weeks.
Perineoplasty (Perineorrhaphy)
Perineoplasty, which is also referred to as perineorrhaphy, is a procedure to strengthen the perineum. This procedure is of choice in cases of vaginal laxity but also in those patients who want to improve their appearance and sexual function after a vaginal delivery.
It is often performed:
- After childbirth-related changes
- To improve both function and appearance
The risk of hematoma and infection is low and other possible complications such as pain or dyspareunia(feeling pain during intercourse) are usually related to neurological phenomena not evaluated prior to surgery. In some cases, other additional techniques can be used in combination.
When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, vaginal tightening is considered safe and effective. However, as with all surgery, risks should be discussed during consultation.
Who Is It For?
Vaginoplasty and Perineoplasty may be suitable for patients who:
- Patients with vaginal laxity
- Postpartum changes or tears
- Reduced sexual satisfaction or discomfort
- Have perineal pain or weakness
- Conditions present at birth (congenital conditions) or medical conditions affecting the area
A consultation is important to determine whether the surgery is appropriate.
Procedure
The best technique is the one in which the surgeon is most comfortable and with which he achieves notable and consistent results. The procedure may be combined with a labia minora reduction and labia majora surgery (reduction/augmentation/lifting).
Preparation
Before surgery, patients typically undergo:
- Medical consultation and examination
- Inquiry of pain during intercourse
- Scarring of tissue in the perineum area
- Review of medications
- Education on any risks, expectations, and post-surgery care.
- Smoking cessation
Useful Information
Ensure you consider all aspects of a procedure. You can speak to your surgeon about these areas of the surgery in more detail during a consultation.
Length
How Long Is the Procedure?
2-3 hours depending on whether it is performed with combined procedures or not.
Anesthesia
Do I Need Anesthesia?
General or local anesthesia may be required for this procedure.
Inpatient/Outpatient
Is The Procedure Inpatient or Outpatient?
The patient can leave the surgical facility the same day after recovery from anesthesia
Additional Information
While both procedures aim to restore and tighten the vaginal area, they focus on different anatomical sections to improve comfort and sexual satisfaction:
Perineoplasty focuses entirely on the vaginal entrance. By repairing and tightening the opening and the muscles just outside the vagina, it reduces the width of the entrance. This increases friction and physical sensation at the opening during intercourse.
Vaginoplasty works on the entire vaginal canal. It tightens the deeper, internal vaginal walls from the inside out. This creates a firmer, tighter canal that gently presses the penis closer against the front (anterior) wall of the vagina. Because this specific area contains a high concentration of sensitive nerve receptors for women, a vaginoplasty is uniquely designed to enhance the woman's own sexual gratification.
Side effects can include:
- Light bleeding post-surgery
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Itching
- Numbness in genital area
- Slight scarring
Potential risks include:
- Bleeding
- Hematoma (blood clots under the skin)
- Infection
- Scarring
- Dyspareunia- pain during sexual intercourse
- Deformity
- Pain
- Altered or loss of sensation.
- Vomiting
- Over-tightening or dissatisfaction with results
These complications can be minimized with appropriate patient selection, choice of procedure, and meticulous technique.
Recovery processes can vary from a few weeks to a couple months. The area may be swollen for 4-6 weeks. Return to work is possible after 5-7 days. Sexual activity and sports can be resumed after 6-8 weeks, as advised. Following aftercare instructions from your surgeon is essential for proper healing.
Please follow your qualified surgeon’s advice for optimal recovery. e.g. drinking a lot of fluids, limiting activities where possible, avoiding tampons etc.
Vaginal tightening procedures include vaginoplasty and perineoplasty and are associated with improved sexual function with a low rate of complications. With good surgical technique, the results are very satisfying with an improved sexual satisfaction and quality of life for the patient.
Please note: Individual results vary from patient to patient due to factors such as age, skin quality, body type, and overall health. To understand what results you can expect, consult with a qualified aesthetic plastic surgeon.