Cosmetic surgeries are considered as one of the most common surgical procedures practiced nowadays. People of all ages are worried about their appearance so much that they undergo different cosmetic procedures in the course of their lives to improve their physical aspect.
Among the most popular cosmetic procedures, facial, breast and abdominal surgeries can be included. However, in the last years, the cosmetic genital reshaping surgery has become more popular for both women and men. In fact, according to the ASPS, at least 12.666 women underwent a vagina/labiaplasty in 2016 in the USA.
A vaginoplasty can be defined as a cosmetic surgery that has the main objective of reconstructing or tightening up the vagina walls in order to restore a normal structure and a proper function. In fact, many experts say that, after the vaginoplasty, the patient can even refer that the vagina’s sensitivity has improved.
This procedure is highly recommended for those women that have undergone a gynecological surgery (especially those aimed to remove malignant growths or abscesses in the vagina) and have suffered important changes in its aspect and function. Likewise, a good candidate for a vaginoplasty is a woman who has suffered some changes in the vagina aspect and function due to childbirth or aging process and desires to recover a more youthful aspect.
A good candidate for undergo a vaginoplasty is also a woman who has congenital defects or prolapses in the vagina. Finally, a vaginoplasty can be performed to create an artificial vagina as part of a sex reassignment male-to-female surgery.
It is important to know that this procedure is not the same thing that labiaplasty, although they usually are performed at the same time. The labiaplasty consists in changing the size or shape of the vaginal labia, but no the vagina. It is also important to highlight that vaginoplasty is not the same thing that hymenoplasty, which is the procedure destined to restore the woman’s “virginity”.
To perform a vaginaplasty, the plastic surgeon can use different techniques according to the patient’s conditions and needs. The most common technique used in this surgery is the McIndoe procedure. In this case, the plastic surgeon uses a skin graft (usually from the patient’s thigh, buttocks or inguinal region) to create a new lining for the vagina.
However, the surgeon can use the bowel vaginoplasty technique, which consists of using an artificial device with the vaginal form to create or reconstruct a functional vaginal cavity. This technique is usually used to reconstruct the vagina in women who have undergone aggressive surgeries or in sex reassignment male to female surgeries.
Remember that only a qualified surgeon can determine the best technique and way of treatment for each patient.
For the recovery process after a vaginoplasty, the plastic surgeon recommendations can vary. However, they usually recommend at least 4 weeks without intense physical activity, including intercourse, after the surgery. Among various cosmetic procedures related to intimate surgery you can also refer to labiaplasty that is from time to time advised to be performed with a vaginoplasty.
The patient must also learn to take proper care of her wounds and change the dressings (if used). Likewise, it is important for the patient to go to all the check-ups with the surgeon to determine, on time, any possible complication.
The Kegel-like exercises are highly recommended for the patients before and after a vaginoplasty. These exercises consist of contracting and relaxing the muscles of the perineal region in order to improve these muscles' strength and enhance the sexual arousal.
Among the most common risks and complications after undergoing a vaginoplasty, scarring, infection, ongoing pain and permanent changes in sensation, can be included. Likewise, it is important to know that long-term results and satisfaction of the surgery have not been reported because it is a relative new procedure.
It is very important for the patient to talk to the doctor about her desires, health condition, feelings and concerns before the procedure in order to determine the best options and avoid potential complications in both the short and the long term.
The cost of a vaginoplasty will widely vary according to the type and number of changes that the patient desires, the aspect of the vulva before the procedure, if the patient needs more than one surgery, the additional procedures that will be done, the need of general or local anesthesia, the patient's age and general health conditions, the country’s laws but also the size of the vagina, how the front/entrance is naturally. To have the procedure performed you need tests, be sure not to have infections or your menstruations and in about 3 days you can go back home safely.
The first competitive offers start below 2.000 € including anesthesia, consultation, laboratory tests and clinic stay up to 9.500 $ in some clinics.