Vaginoplasty - What is it and who is it for? - Dr Luísa Magalhães Ramos
About relaxation
of the vaginal canal
The sensation of increased flaccidity and widening of the vaginal canal, associated with decreased sensitivity of the vaginal walls is a very common complaint, especially among women who have already been mothers (especially in the case of prolonged labour or a larger-than-normal baby).
These changes can prove extremely embarrassing and cause discomfort, discomfort and shame in the woman, This can even lead to problems in the couple's self-esteem and intimate life.
What is vaginoplasty?
Vaginoplasty, also known as colporraphy or “vagina tightening”, refers to the surgical correction of a defect in the walls of the vagina or their increased laxity.
Surgery allows increase firmness and correct defects in the vaginal walls, This includes cystocele (where the bladder protrudes into the vagina) or rectocele (where the rectum protrudes into the vagina).
Vaginoplasty is one of the most common genital rejuvenation and can be carried out on the anterior and/or posterior walls of the vagina.
Who it's for
Vaginoplasty?
Ideal candidates for vaginoplasty usually have the following characteristics:
- Have had one or more vaginal births;
- Urine loss;
- Feeling of air in the vagina;
- Loss of sensation due to friction during sexual intercourse;
- Healthy;
- Non-smokers;
- Emotionally mature;
- Realistic expectations.
What results can I expect
After a Vaginoplasty?
Vaginoplasty narrows the vaginal canal and its musculature, offering a number of benefits:
- Tighter vaginal canal;
- Greater day-to-day comfort;
- More confidence and self-esteem;
- More sensitivity due to friction during sexual intercourse;
- Improving the couple's intimate life;
- Reduced discomfort caused by urine leakage.
Surgery Procedure
Vaginoplasty
Diagnosis
The first step in your vaginoplasty consultation is a medical assessment of your genital area, your complaints, your general state of health and your desired result.
Surgical plan
According to the medical diagnosis, a surgical treatment plan is drawn up to improve quality of life and eliminate the associated discomfort.
Detailed explanation
During your vaginoplasty consultation, a personalised treatment plan will be presented and the risks of surgery, pre- and post-operative care and the results you can expect will be explained.
Budget
After the medical consultation, you will be given an exact quote for the surgery. The price depends on the diagnosis and the combination of procedures.
Type of Anaesthesia
Tightening of the vaginal canal is usually performed under sedation and local anaesthesia. However, the type of anaesthetic can vary depending on the combination of procedures and the patient's medical history.
Type of Incision - Scar
As the vaginoplasty incision is made between the entrance to the vagina and the anus (perineum), the scars are both internal and external.
The sutures are made using absorbable thread, which falls out spontaneously a few days after the surgery. After about 30 days, the area will have healed and, as time goes by, the scars become almost unnoticeable as they are hidden.
The
Colporraphy step-by-step
Sedation
Sedation is administered by the anaesthetist who will be present during the surgery.
Local anaesthesia
The anaesthetic is injected into the area to be treated.
Disinfection
The area to be treated is cleaned and disinfected and surgical drapes are placed to isolate the genital area from the external environment and prevent infection.
Speculum
A speculum is placed in the vagina to allow proper visualisation throughout the procedure.
Intervention
A combination of suturing techniques is used to tighten the vaginal canal and remove a strip of excess vaginal mucosa to achieve the desired result.
Closing the incisions
The sutures are made using absorbable thread, so there is no need to remove them.
Recovery
After being woken up by the anaesthetist, the patient is sent to recovery where she remains under observation. Discharge is expected the same day, after a few hours.
Preparation for Vaginoplasty
Before Surgery
- Carry out all the prescribed analyses and tests.
- Do not take anti-inflammatory drugs in the 10 days before surgery.
- Do not take slimming medication for thirty days before surgery.
- Do not smoke one month before surgery and until healing is complete. Smokers have a higher risk of complications, particularly delayed or unsightly healing.
- Read the documentation on colporraphy carefully, as doubts may arise.
- If you fall ill or feel unwell in the days leading up to the surgery, you should inform the medical team immediately.
- You should plan your social and professional life in such a way as to guarantee complete rest following surgery.
- Do you have any questions about the surgery? Don't wait until the last day and ask all your questions in advance.
Surgery Day
- Be absolutely fasting (don't drink water).
- Shower with antiseptic gel the day before and the day of surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
- Shave the entire genital area, preferably the day before surgery.
- Take loose, comfortable clothes to wear when you are discharged.
- After being discharged from hospital, she cannot go home alone or drive. She must be accompanied for the first 24/48 hours.
Recovery and post-operative care
- You may experience pain and discomfort in the first few days.
- The recovery period depends on the individual, but on average it takes a week to return to work (non-strenuous activities).
- Strictly follow the medical protocol, especially when taking medication.
- Wash the treated area with Betadine Gynaecological Foam.
- Avoid any kind of exertion for the first 8 days and no physical activity for 4 weeks.
- Pause sexual activity for 4 to 6 weeks.
- Rest for the first few days and gradually return to your routine.
- Do not expose yourself to the sun.
- No smoking.
- Apply ice, with constant renewal in the first 72 hours after the operation, which is very important to avoid excessive oedema.
- At home, you shouldn't always lie down or be in the same position. You should get up and take short walks.
Benefits Vaginoplasty
One of the main complaints of women who undergo vaginoplasty is the lack of friction during sexual intercourse. By tightening the vaginal canal, it is possible to improve sensitivity due to friction. Vaginoplasty gives women greater comfort and confidence, helping to improve their self-esteem and their intimate life.
Medical Specialists
About
Dr Luísa Magalhães Ramos / Plastic Surgery
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 42810, specialising in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, specialising in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, He specialised in University Hospital Centre Lisboa Central - St Joseph's Hospital.
Throughout his training, he sub-specialised in the area of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, He has worked in world-renowned centres. At the same time, he also worked on breast reconstruction and the reconstruction of facial malformations.
He is currently working mainly on Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of the Face (eyelids, nose and cervical-facial lift), Breast Surgery and Female Genital Surgery.
About
Dr Alice Varanda Pereira / Plastic Surgery
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 47051, specialist in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Subspecialist in Aesthetic and Cosmetic Medicine.
Licensed by Lisbon Medical School, It was at this institution that she took her Master's degree in Human Sexuality and is currently working on her PhD.
She has been a member of the faculty's teaching staff since 2008, as Assistant Professor at the Institute of Anatomy. It is in this unit that she produces most of her research projects, essentially in the area of surgical anatomy, and she is also the supervisor of master's theses.
Frequently Asked Questions about
Vaginoplasty
Is vaginoplasty a safe surgery?
Depending on the symptoms presented, colporrhaphy can be a highly complex operation. For the surgery to be carried out safely, it is very important that it is performed in an accredited clinic and by a reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgeon, registered with the Portuguese Medical Association and with several years' experience in performing female intimate surgery.
What is the price of Colporraphy at your clinic (Lisbon and Porto)?
Regardless of whether it's carried out in Lisbon or Porto, the price of a Colporraphy depends on the degree of complexity and combination of procedures. Often, vaginal tightening is combined with other intimate surgeries such as nymphoplasty and liposuction of the mount of Venus. The exact price of vaginal canal tightening surgery is confirmed after the diagnostic medical consultation.
At what age do the muscles of the vagina usually relax?
There is no specific age at which these changes appear. The relaxation of the vaginal muscles is essentially associated with natural childbirth, the natural ageing process and significant weight fluctuations.
Will the scars disappear?
Any surgical procedure leaves scars and colporraphy is no exception. However, because the intimate area is not exposed, the scars are hidden and unnoticeable.
How painful is the recovery?
There may be discomfort and moderate pain in the first few days, but recovery is usually not very painful. Prescribed medication will help relieve post-operative discomfort and make recovery more comfortable.
When can I return to work, resume physical activity and have sex?
Normally, the patient can return to work after 7 to 10 days, while physical activity should be avoided for the first month. It is recommended that you wait around 4 to 6 weeks before resuming your sex life.
Can I combine vaginoplasty with other intimate surgeries?
Vaginal rejuvenation consists of a series of procedures aimed at improving the function and appearance of the female genital organ. Often, vaginal tightening is combined with labioplasty to reduce the size of the vaginal lips and with liposuction of the mount of venus to reduce the volume of the pubic area.
Are there alternative, non-surgical procedures for tightening the vagina?
The non-surgical alternative to narrowing the vaginal canal is laser treatment. However, not all cases can be treated with a non-invasive approach. More serious cases of vaginal widening and other urogynaecological changes require a surgical approach.
Does narrowing the vagina improve sex life?
One of the main reasons a woman resorts to vaginoplasty is dissatisfaction with her sex life (lack of friction and feeling of air in the vagina). With a narrower vaginal canal, women report increased sensitivity and a significant improvement in their sex life.
What are the risks and complications of surgery?
All surgical and anaesthetic procedures, whatever their form, are associated with a certain risk of complications. Although the vast majority of women who undergo this surgery do not experience complications, it is important to be aware of them and discuss them with your doctor. Some of the possible complications of vaginoplasty are: haematoma, bleeding, infection, changes in sensitivity and delayed or unsightly healing.
