Vaginoplasty is a specialty in the plastic surgical field that involves a surgical procedure designed to tighten the female vaginal lining and surrounding tissue and muscle. Most often, women who have undergone multiple childbirth experience looser vaginal muscles due to natural stretching of the birth canal and want to regain strength in these tissue and muscle structures.
Vaginoplasty is basically a surgical procedure that tightens a female vagina by the removal of excess lining and through the repair of surrounding soft tissues. The procedure helps to restore tone and strength of the exterior genitalia and vaginal canal. This procedure also tightens the diameter of the vagina, which often becomes stretched or enlarged following childbirth. The procedure removes the excess vaginal lining, tightens vaginal muscles, and tightens or repairs surrounding soft tissue musculature.
In addition to women who have given birth, individuals suffering from congenital birth defects or those who have suffered injury or trauma to the genitalia also benefit from this procedure. Many women are very self-conscious of their bodies, and restoring confidence and self-esteem through vaginoplasty is an important aspect of mental health. Candidates for vaginoplasty should be those who are in generally good health and physical condition but who also experience weak, stretched, or loose vaginal muscles.
In most cases, vaginal plastic surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and may take between one and two hours, depending on patient goals. Most patients spend about an hour in the recovery room supervised by a registered nurse. The procedure is most often performed under conscious sedation, but patients may also be put to sleep for the short period of time during the actual procedure.
In most cases, patients are sent home the same day with minimal to moderate discomfort that decreases in a few days. Antibiotics and pain medication may be prescribed depending on the situation. The healing process occurs over a six-week period and absorbable sutures are utilized.
Vaginoplasty may be performed through several techniques:
The average cost of a vaginoplasty ranges between $4,500 to $8,500. Some patients decide to have vaginoplasty done in a country other than their own in order to take advantage of a lower cost. Medical travelers choosing destinations such as Mexico, India, Thailand or Turkey may save up to 70% on costs, often times including airfare, accommodations, medical care, and follow-up. Prices in such countries vary between $1,500 and $2,000.
Any type of cosmetic or plastic surgery should be performed by an accredited, certified, and experienced plastic or cosmetic surgeon. Surgeons performing this technique should be familiar with both laser and scalpel approaches, depending on need and desired results. Check to ensure that the surgeon of your choice is certified and accredited with boards, organizations, or associations in the country of origin, or if possible, belongs to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or other internationally recognized plastic and cosmetic surgery organizations.