After childbirth, the muscles and tissues of the vagina are flaccid. Despite pelvic floor muscle exercises and physiotherapy, the vagina cannot regain its former tone and remains loose. This can lead to dissatisfaction during sexual intercourse.

 

When the structure at the entrance of the vagina, which we call the perineal body, is damaged, the structure that supports the vagina is also damaged. Vaginoplasty, or vaginal rejuvenation, involves tightening the vagina and narrowing the vaginal entrance.
An enlarged vagina can cause sexual problems for both the woman and her partner. Women and men may not feel enough sexual pleasure due to an enlarged vagina. In addition, the enlargement may cause sounds coming from the vagina during intercourse that are uncomfortable for couples. The woman may experience a loss of self-confidence in this situation. Sometimes, due to the slackening of the muscles in the vagina, negative conditions such as urinary incontinence and sagging of the organs (bladder, colon) can also occur. During this procedure, labiaplasty and hymen repair can be performed simultaneously. Patients should be well informed about the benefits and risks before undergoing vaginoplasty. Most doctors initially recommend non-surgical methods to their patients, especially laser. Patients need to be aware of all treatment options before the procedure.

 

 

 

Who can benefit from vaginoplasty?

• Women who have given birth
• Women with abscess, tumor in the vagina
• Women with congenital vaginal anomalies
• Women with uterine prolapse
• Women whose colon protrudes from the vagina
• Women with vaginal prolapse
• Women who have suffered trauma to the vaginal area in the past

Duration of surgery: 45 minutes (varies from case to case)

Length of hospital stay: 24 hours (usually 1 day if there are no complications)

Anesthesia: general anesthesia, but spinal anesthesia can also be used

General recovery time: 2-4 weeks

As with all surgeries, there are small risks associated with this procedure.

• Necrosis, tissue damage
• Atrophy of the vagina
• Vaginal stenosis (sometimes a second corrective surgery may be necessary)
• Pain in the genital area
• Fistula (the vagina connects to the anus and stool comes out of the vagina, a second corrective surgery may be required)

Risks that can occur with all procedures

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Poor wound healing

The stitches used in vaginoplasty are usually self-dissolving within 5-7 days. They usually do not need to be removed. Most patients report that they enjoy intercourse more and are more satisfied after surgery. A very small group of patients report that they have difficulty having intercourse because the vagina is too tight. In the figure below you can see the vaginal anatomy before and after surgery.

 

 

 

What should I pay attention to after the surgery?

• During the operation, surgeons usually insert a tampon into the vagina. This tampon is removed the next morning.
• You should not drive yourself home
• You can walk easily after a few days
• You can take a shower, but you should not wash inside of your vagina
• You can have sexual intercourse after 6-8 weeks
• You should not go to swimming pool, sauna or sea for 4-6 weeks after the procedure.
• The recovery time varies from patient to patient. Some patients can return to work after 2-3 weeks, others only after 2 months.
• Can I give birth normally after vaginoplasty?

Vaginoplasty does not prevent a normal delivery; however, the vagina will become flaccid again due to a normal delivery. Therefore, if a baby is desired, vaginoplasty can be postponed until after delivery.