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Apr 294 min read

Vaginal Surgery: Expert Insights and Procedures for Women's Health

by Ferdinand Obi (MBBS, MWACS, FMCOG, MPH), Sponsored Posts

The role of vaginal surgery in women's health can’t be overstated.

Image Credit: Mega | Getty Images


From addressing medical issues to improving sexual satisfaction and quality of life, vaginal surgery has made great strides over the last few years. This article aims to shed light on vaginal surgery by drawing on expert opinions and highlighting common procedures in this specialized field.


WHAT IS VAGINAL SURGERY?

Vaginal surgery is a comprehensive field covering several procedures designed to tackle various functional and aesthetic issues concerning the vagina and its neighboring structures. These surgeries are designed to address a spectrum of disorders, ranging from medical conditions like pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence to enhancing sexual satisfaction and restoring vaginal tightness.


COMMON VAGINAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES

There are various types of vaginal surgeries targeting specific issues or desires. These include:

VAGINOPLASTY

This is a type of vaginal reconstructive surgery designed to manage vaginal laxity resulting from childbirth, aging, or menopausal transition. Conducted under anesthesia (general, regional, or local), this procedure entails making incisions within the vaginal passage, excising surplus or redundant mucosal lining, revising the mucosal lining, and firming the underlying muscles.


This results in a firmer and tighter vaginal canal, enhancing sexual satisfaction and improving symptoms of urinary incontinence. When performed by a trained and experienced specialist, the side effects of vaginal tightening surgery are usually minimal.


PERINEOPLASTY

This surgical procedure focuses on the repair or modification of the perineum, the region between the vaginal canal and the anus. It is commonly performed alongside a vaginal tightening procedure but could also be conducted independently.


Perineoplasty is performed to fix issues like tears and scars in the perineal region. It is also used to reduce the diameter of the vaginal opening. The recovery time varies, but most people return to normal activities within a week. However, refraining from exercise and sexual activity may last for at least 6 weeks or as advised by a healthcare provider.


LABIAPLASTY

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that modifies the shape, size, and appearance of the labia minora and/or majora. This surgery is usually performed to relieve physical discomfort caused by excess labial tissues trapped in underwear and tight clothes or friction burns during physical activity. It is also carried out for cosmetic reasons to improve the appearance of the labia. Performed under anesthesia, this procedure involves the surgeon making incisions on the labia and excising the excess tissue to achieve the desired size and shape.

Illustration by Madison Lauterbach | mlauterbach@msmayhem.com



HOODECTOMY

This surgical procedure aims to reduce and reshape the surplus or additional tissue around the hood of the clitoris. Removal of the excess tissue enhances accessibility to the clitoral region, thereby heightening sexual gratification. This surgery may be carried out alone or together with other types of vaginal surgery, like labiaplasty, and is usually completed in under an hour.


HYMENOPLASTY

Also known as hymen reconstruction surgery, hymenoplasty involves repairing the hymen tissue. While traditionally associated with cultural or religious reasons, some women choose this procedure for personal reasons or to address trauma. While under anesthesia, the surgeon creates cuts in the vaginal tissue around the hymenal area and carefully relocates the existing tissue or utilizes nearby tissue to fashion a natural-looking hymen.


SURGERY FOR PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE

Pelvic Organ Prolapse refers to the downward movement of organs within the pelvic cavity, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, into the vaginal space. Surgical treatments, such as vaginal mesh procedures or uterine suspension techniques, offer effective solutions to correct this condition and relieve its associated symptoms.


NON-INVASIVE OPTIONS FOR VAGINAL REJUVENATION

Compared to the traditional surgical approaches mentioned above, laser and radiofrequency treatments are less invasive options performed on an outpatient basis, requiring no anesthesia, incisions, or sutures, with minimal downtime and discomfort for patients. Laser therapy utilizes laser energy to stimulate vaginal tissues, promoting collagen production and enhancing tone and elasticity. Similarly, radiofrequency treatments use controlled heat to tighten vaginal tissues.


COST OF VAGINAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES

The prices differ based on the type of procedure, location, healthcare provider's expertise and training, procedure complexity, and insurance coverage. In most areas, these procedures are not included under health insurance coverage as they are viewed as aesthetic interventions, except when there is a clear medical necessity.


Vaginoplasty and labiaplasty costs typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 or potentially higher. This includes fees for surgeons, anesthesia, theater amenities, and post-surgery care. Non-surgical options such as laser or radiofrequency tend to be more cost-effective than surgical procedures. These usually range from $500 to $3,000 a session. For best results, several sessions may be needed.


FINAL NOTES

Vaginal surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures to address various medical and cosmetic concerns affecting women's health and well-being. All the different types of vaginal surgery offer potential benefits. However, women must carefully consider the associated risks and thoroughly discuss their options with a qualified healthcare provider. Understanding the costs, benefits, and risks of these procedures is crucial in making informed decisions.

 

Ferdinand Obi (MBBS, MWACS, FMCOG, MPH)

Bridging medicine and words.

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