Vaginoplasty is the surgical lightening of the vagina by both repairing obvious defects in vaginal inlet muscle integrity as well as tightening of the vaginal canal in the absence of a rectocele.
Why women consider Vaginoplasty
- Feeling of wide/loose vagina
- Decreased sexual satisfaction or gratification
- Decreased sensation or friction with sexual intercourse
- Large vaginal opening or problems with tampons falling out
- Scar tissue at the vaginal opening or perineum
- Gas-like noises during intercourse
About Vaginoplasty
Reasons patients want a vaginoplasty
After childbirth, women may complain of vaginal laxity, resulting from stretching of tissues and separating of muscles, sometimes to the point that a tampon falls out, and this lack of tone can contribute to sexual dysfunction.
What does a vaginoplasty do?
A vaginoplasty brings the separated muscles together, and the extra mucosa skin from the back side of the vagina is removed. The tissue between the vagina and rectum is tightened. The external skin can also be removed for a more aesthetic appearance.
Anesthesia for a vaginoplasty
While a vaginoplasty can be done under local anesthesia, many opt to have it done under MAC anesthesia (sedation but not as deep as General Anesthesia).
What are the risks of a vaginoplasty?
Risks from vaginoplasty include infection, wound separation, bleeding, and pain.
Recovering from a vaginoplasty
Patients may have one to two weeks of down time. They may feel a deep ache for the first few days, and there is no tampon use or intercourse for six weeks.
What are the results of a vaginoplasty?
This procedure typically results in a tighter vaginal canal, which can help enhance sexual satisfaction
Examples of vaginoplasty performed by Dr. Ashford:
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Vaginal Looseness
Some women may opt for noninvasive therapies such as vaginal lasers or pelvic muscle strengthening. In many women these less invasive options are all that is needed. Some women may need a vaginoplasty as their anatomic condition may make noninvasive options less helpful as stand alone options. Bottom line is that the symptom of vaginal laxity can be corrected but how will be guided the assessment of why laxity is occurring.
