Ageing, pregnancy or weight fluctuations can affect your vagina and how it looks. Patients who wish to restore a tighter vagina may find vaginoplasty useful. Individuals who are transitioning and wish to get bottom surgery may also be recommended a vaginoplasty, as it also refers to the process of constructing the female organ. Here, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about vaginoplasty.
What is a vaginoplasty?
Vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure that constructs or repairs a vagina. It is a type of genitoplasty (bottom surgery) and can be one of the gender-affirmation surgeries which may
be part of medical transition care.
Who is vaginoplasty for?
A vaginoplasty can be recommended for different reasons: you want to repair your vagina after injuries caused by childbirth or trauma; you need vaginal reconstruction after undergoing cancer treatment or treatment of other conditions; you have congenital defects that need to be treated; you are gender transitioning and want to construct a vagina as part of your gender affirmation. Patients undergoing a vaginoplasty need to be in good health to be eligible for the procedure.
How does vaginoplasty work?
Vaginoplasty is carried out using a general anaesthetic. Depending on why you are undergoing this procedure, surgery may work in different ways. If you’re looking to repair injuries after childbirth, the surgeon will remove the extra skin and stitch any loose tissue. The opening size of your vagina may also be reduced. If you need to repair congenital defects (issues present from birth), the surgeon may remove abnormal structures or create a functional vagina. If vaginoplasty is part of your gender affirmation surgery procedures, the surgeon will use the skin of the penis and scrotum to create the labia and a vaginal canal. Part of the external male organ may be removed.
How do you prepare for a vaginoplasty?
You will receive a detailed pre-op plan from your doctor. Typically, this is how you prepare: a physical exam to assess your overall health; a thorough consultation to understand how the procedure works and what you should do post-op; you should stop smoking and drinking alcohol a couple of weeks before the procedure. Transgender women may have specific pre-op requirements and they need to meet the requirements set by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.
What is the difference between vaginoplasty and labiaplasty?
Vaginoplasty is a reconstructive procedure that involves tightening up a vagina that’s become slack or loose due to ageing, pregnancies, or injury. On the other hand, labiaplasty is a cosmetic surgery performed on the labia major or minor (the fleshy lobes surrounding the vagina). The labia major are the larger, outer vaginal lips, while the labia minor are the smaller, inner vaginal lips. During labiaplasty, the surgeon makes the labia smaller or corrects any asymmetry to achieve a better shape and the desired size.
How long is the recovery time after a vaginoplasty?
Recovery time after a vaginoplasty depends on the type of surgery you underwent. It can last anywhere from a few weeks up to a few months. Post-op care also depends on the
extent of your surgery. Your doctor may suggest that you use a dilator, as it will help you gently stretch the inside of your vagina after the procedure.
Is there a right time to undergo a vaginoplasty?
This really comes down on the reason why you’re considering a vaginoplasty. The timing for vaginoplasty is a personal decision that should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. If you’re undergoing a vaginoplasty as part of your gender affirmation, it is generally recommended to have the procedure after completing any hormone therapy and living as one’s identified gender for a certain period. Additionally, an individual should have a stable mental health status and realistic expectations. Age is not a definitive factor, but individuals must be of legal age and deemed psychologically and medically ready for the procedure. Each person’s situation is unique, so it is important to discuss timing and readiness with your doctor. If you’re unsure whether vaginoplasty is right for you, talk to us ! We’re happy to answer any questions you might have and walk you through the procedure from start to finish.
Why have a vaginoplasty?
There are two main reasons why patients choose to undergo a vaginoplasty: firstly, women whose vagina has stretched due to ageing or childbirth or who experience general discomfort, pain or soreness during sex, bicycle riding or horseback riding may find vaginoplasty useful to improve both the function and the appearance of their vagina. Secondly, individuals who are gender transitioning (MTF) and wish to change their reproductive organs can undergo vaginoplasty to construct a vagina.
What are the benefits of a vaginoplasty?
Among the benefits of a vaginoplasty are improved self-esteem, enhanced body image, alleviation of gender dysphoria, restoring the vaginal canal to the tightness of your youth,
reducing or eliminating urinary leakage. For transgender women or individuals seeking gender affirmation, it can facilitate a more comfortable and authentic experience aligned with
their gender identity.
What are the risks of vaginoplasty?
Vaginoplasty, like any surgical procedure, carries certain risks. These can include bleeding, infection, adverse reactions to anaesthesia, scarring, loss of sensation, potential need for revision surgery, and complications with wound healing. Additional risks specific to vaginoplasty include vaginal stenosis (narrowing), vaginal prolapse, urinary incontinence, vaginal dryness, and the possibility of decreased depth or inadequate functionality of the vagina. Make sure you talk to your doctor about your wishes and expectations, and remember that following all pre- and post-op guidelines contribute to a successful surgery overall.
