What is vaginoplasty?

Vaginoplasty is any surgical procedure that results in the construction or reconstruction (repair) of the vagina. It is a type of female genital reconstruction. Pelvic organ prolapse is often treated with one or more surgeries to repair the vagina. It treats various medical issues, including vaginal injury due to childbirth and pelvic floor disease ocomplications like pelvic organ prolapse.

Vaginal rejuvenation includes 

1. 1.vaginoplasty – vaginal repair and reconstruction,
2. Labioplasty – repair or reconstruction of the Labia which evens out or decreases the size of the labia. 
3. Vulvoplasty which reshapes the outer part of the vagina. 
4. G-spot amplification. The front wall of the vagina, some experts believe, holds the highly erotic G-spot, an especially sensitive stimulation site for female arousal and orgasm. The G-spot amplification procedure involves injecting collagen into the front wall of the vagina, theoretically to increase pleasure.

Who may need vaginoplasty?

1. Individuals seeking repair of childbirth defects or trauma to improve sexual function. 
2. Women who need vaginal reconstruction after undergoing radiation or excision of the vagina to treat cancer or other conditions. 
3. Women with soft tissue diseases that might have limited the vaginal capacity. 
4. Women whose womb, bladder or the rectum prolapses into the vagina cavity.
5. Women with fistulous connection between the vagina and bladder (Vescicovaginal fistula VVF) or the rectum and the vagina(Rectovaginal fistula RVF)

Preparation for vaginoplasty.

The person will undergo assessments and testing to prepare for surgery. These tests may include:

1. Physical exam to assess general health and a medical history is taken.
2. Patient education about risks, benefits and postsurgical care requirements.
3. Recommendations that lower the risks of complications, including quitting smoking, good control of blood pressure and blood sugar etc.

Procedure for vaginoplasty

When vaginoplasty is done to repair injuries after childbirth, the procedure involves:

1. Removing extra skin.
2. Using stitches to secure loose tissue in part or the full depth of your vagina thereby reducing the opening size of the vagina.
3. Vaginoplasty to repair congenital defects (an issue a baby may be born with) may include: Creating a functional vagina. Removing excess tissue or abnormal structures. Preventing blood from pooling during menstruation.
4. The average time of surgery is about 45minutes, and main type of anaesthesia is local like spinal block unless contraindicated.
5. The average length of stay  on admission in the hospital is 24 to 36hrs.

Risks and benefits after vaginoplasty for childbirth injuries can include:

1. Dyspareunia (painful intercourse).
2. Numbness or loss of sensation.
3. Benefits after surgery can include:  Improved sexual satisfaction and self-esteem.

Recovery may last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the extent of surgery. Post operative care after vaginoplasty depends on the type and extent of vaginoplasty performed.

The use of a dilator may be recommended after a vaginoplasty. This device gently stretches the inside of the vagina in order to maintain the depth and caliber achieved at vaginoplasty. The use of a dilator following vaginoplasty is not compulsory except when indicated.

Risks associated with Vaginoplasty

There are always risks associated with surgery, but vaginoplasty complications are rare. Infections can usually be cleared up with antibiotics. Some immediate postsurgical risks include:

1. Bleeding
2. Infection
3. skin or clitoral necrosis
4. rupture of the sutures
5. urinary retention
6. vaginal prolapse
7. fistulas