WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR VAGINOPLASTY? 

Postpartum changes, menopause, weight gain and loss, and chronic increases in abdominal pressure can all cause the vaginal floor to lose its tone. This is commonly experienced as a feeling of laxity, or lack of tightness, within the vagina. A woman may become aware of vaginal laxity when she has trouble contracting the levator ani muscles (Kegel muscles), and seek vaginoplasty to restore muscular control, tightness, and sensation.

Decreased sensation during intercourse is often due to relaxation or trauma to the pelvic floor, most commonly caused by childbirth. A reduction in blood flow to the vaginal lining as well as the presence of built-up scar tissue impairs the ability to grip. Many patients that seek out vaginoplasty are longing to feel the sensation of fullness as they once did in their prime years. 

Kegel exercises are often among the first recommendations offered by gynecologists to their patients to strengthen the pelvic floor. When Kegel exercises do not produce satisfactory results within 6-12 months, however, surgical intervention like vaginoplasty may be required. Consult with an experienced vaginoplasty surgeon like Dr. Reed to learn more about vaginoplasty and how it can help your individual situation.

HOW IS VAGINOPLASTY PERFORMED? 

Vaginoplasty is the removal of the redundant vaginal lining (or mucosa) and the tightening/stitching of the recto-vaginal fascia and levator ani muscles.

An effective vaginoplasty includes more than merely tightening the vaginal opening. On average, it involves tightening the inner 60-70% of the vagina’s length from the vaginal opening.

During vaginoplasty, the vaginal opening is functionally and aesthetically improved by repairing, lifting, and tightening the perineum. This procedure is called perineoplasty. However, it is important to note that a perineoplasty alone results in greater tightness upon entry to the vagina and will not meet the average woman’s expectations of full-length tightening of the vagina like vaginoplasty. The internal element of tightening involves the repositioning of the levator ani and transverse perineal muscles toward the midline during vaginoplasty.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR VAGINOPLASTY SURGEON

The key to a successful vaginal tightening surgery is selecting an experienced surgeon who specializes in vaginoplasty and who has a track record of success. The surgeon should be well-versed in both vaginal reconstructive techniques and supplementary non-surgical laser therapy modalities.

Dr. Michael Reed is Board Certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology with over 22 years of experience in Women’s Health, specializing in cosmetic gynecology. Known for his compassionate nature and skills in aesthetics, Dr. Reed has dedicated his career to mastering cosmetic gynecology. He completed an 18-month surgical fellowship in Labiaplasty, Vaginoplasty, Perineoplasty, and other aesthetic procedures related to female genital cosmetic surgery and vaginal rejuvenation with Dr. Michael Goodman. Dr. Reed is an esteemed OB/GYN who is a world-renowned and highly recognized author, educator, and expert in cosmetic gynecology.

WHAT ABOUT RECOVERY FROM VAGINOPLASTY? 

Dr. Reed encourages patients to take about a week off of work after vaginoplasty. In the immediate post op period, patients experience a lot of pressure in their rectum and pelvic area. We do prescribe a medication regimen that is tailored for this type of pain, which makes recovery from vaginoplasty much more manageable. Our office provides a surgical recovery “Love Bag” to ensure you have all of the tools necessary for your comfort and healing after vaginoplasty.

Returning to exercise is typically as follows: two weeks after surgery you can do upper body exercises, at four weeks after surgery you can enjoy some cardio, but please no kettlebells, lunges, or squats until eight weeks after surgery because these types of exercises put a lot of pressure on the pelvic floor, which we have operated on. This will all be discussed in more detail at post-op appointments based on your individual healing. 

When can you resume sexual activity? For the first week, Dr. Reed wants you and your partner to act like you don’t even know each other. At three weeks after vaginoplasty, you can have oral sex performed on you or self-pleasure externally. No penetrative intercourse or anal sex for about eight weeks after your vaginoplasty procedure. It could be a little sooner, but generally think that you are not going to have intercourse for at least eight weeks after vaginoplasty. 

Lastly, you will have vaginal bleeding after vaginoplasty. The length of time and amount will vary from person to person. It could be anywhere from three days to as long as three weeks, but this bleeding will be very light, pinkish in nature, and most likely consistent with the tail end of a menstrual cycle.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOUR VAGINOPLASTY

A BETTER SEX LIFE

With a single surgery like vaginoplasty, you can feel your partner as you did before having children. Women can choose the amount of tightening to their liking leading to titillating friction and sensitivity that leads to more enjoyable sex. Maybe you are re-entering the scene of dating and want to get back the confidence and feel more youthful and open to intimacy with a new partner.

IMPROVED COMFORT

Vaginoplasty can improve unwanted noises escaping the vagina (Queefing) during intercourse and other physical activities. When the diameter of the vaginal canal and opening have decreased, as with vaginoplasty, tampons can be more comfortable and stay in place.

ADDITIONAL VAGINOPLASTY SURGERY BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Increased muscular strength and control

• Greater friction for heightened sensation and sexual response

• Improved aesthetic appearance of the vulva

• Increased sexual confidence and renewed self-esteem

For more information about Vaginoplasty, please visit our YouTube channel.