Various factors can have an impact on the vagina’s elasticity and appearance, affecting your confidence and making some physical activities more difficult and less pleasurable.
Fortunately, there is a surgical solution called vaginal reconstruction, also known as vaginal labiaplasty. It is an operation that reconstructs the vagina by tightening and reshaping it – it’s essentially plastic surgery of the vagina.
When Is a Vaginal Reconstruction Procedure Needed?
Vaginal reconstruction is a form of vaginal rejuvenation. Its goals are to make sexual activity pleasurable again and to boost your confidence in your body.
After childbirth or due to aging, the inner labia (labia minora) may begin to protrude beyond the outer labia (labia majora). This can make the vaginal shape look uneven or incorrect, and it can also cause significant pain during sexual intercourse. It may even cause difficulty in choosing undergarments that fit you well. Plus, tight clothing can cause pain around the loose labium, while also making its shape more evident. This can be very embarrassing, and we understand what you may be going through.
There are various reasons why you may want to have vaginal reconstruction, including the following:
- Pregnancy (and you do not want to give birth to any more children)
- Normal aging process
- Pain during sex
- Loss of confidence in your body
- Congenital disorders
- Desire to change the appearance of the genitalia
If you want to have more children, it would be better to wait until you’re done so that you do not have to have the procedure re-done later. Giving birth to a child could undo what was done in the surgery.
What Should I Expect in a Vaginal Reconstruction Surgery?
Before the Surgery
One advantage of vaginal labiaplasty is its minimally invasive nature. Patients also do not have to stay for days in the hospital after the procedure, which makes it perfect for working and busy women.
Before your surgery, you will be given anesthesia depending on your individual needs and possible allergic reactions. Your gynecologist will give you instructions regarding how to prepare beforehand.
During the Surgery
Typically, a vaginal labiaplasty takes about 1 to 3 hours to complete. The technique is performed in such a way as to preserve the sensation of the nerves after the reconstruction process.
With either a scalpel or a laser, your surgeon will remove any unnecessary or protruding tissues, possibly remove a section from your vaginal lips, and reshape your vagina. Toward the end of the operation, your surgeon will clean the loose edges and seal the incision with dissolvable stitches. The incisions are hidden either along the inner labia’s edge or the inside of the outer labia.
After the Surgery
Even though this is usually an outpatient procedure, your surgeon will recommend bed rest on the day of the procedure. You may experience some normal postsurgical reactions such as swelling, bruising, and minor discomfort. Your doctor will prescribe medication for pain relief after the surgery.
You should call your doctor immediately if you experience any complications after the surgery, such as the following:
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection
- Discharge
- Unusual tissue scarring
- Nerve damage or numbness
It is best to refrain from heavy activities and sexual intercourse for several weeks after the surgery. After a full recovery, you can expect the following results:
- Reduced and non-protruding labia minora and labia majora
- Symmetrical labia
- More comfort in wearing undergarments or bathing suits
- Increased body confidence
- Better sexual satisfaction
Vaginal Reconstruction in Miami, Florida
Here at Levin’s Women’s Health & Wellness Center, we want to help you regain your confidence. Rest assured that we will provide you with quality care and will treat you with sensitivity and respect. Our board-certified physicians will gladly explain the procedure to you.
If you’d like to find out whether vaginal reconstruction is right for you, contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our outstanding physicians. Call us at (305) 981-0231 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you feel fabulous again!