What is a Vaginoplasty?
Vaginoplasty (also known as posterior colporrhaphy) is a procedure designed to tighten the vagina. After childbirth, women may complain of vaginal laxity, resulting from stretching of tissues and separating of muscles, and this lack of tone can contribute to sexual dysfunction. A vaginoplasty brings the separated muscles together, and the extra mucosa skin from the back side of the vagina is removed. The external skin can also be removed for a more aesthetic appearance.
How is the surgery performed?
Once the amount of tightening to be done is determined, a pie-shape wedge is marked to delineate the extra skin to be removed from inside the vagina. Beneath the skin, the tissues are tightened with strong sutures. Once the vaginal canal has been tightened, the mucosal skin is sutured closed. If there is external skin that protrudes, this can be reduced as well for a more aesthetic result.
What should I expect after surgery?
Patients may have one to two weeks of down time. They may feel a deep ache for the first few days, and there is no tampon use or intercourse for eight weeks. Depending on the amount of tightening performed, some patients may be instructed to use dilators.