There’s no question that society is slowly becoming more accepting of cosmetic and surgical procedures like anti-wrinkle injections, breast enlargement and liposuction, however there are still some surgical procedures which many consider as ‘off limits’ for discussion—like vaginal surgery.
While it’s unfortunate that many people feel too shy or embarrassed to talk about it openly, there are a range of issues people seek vaginal surgery for and like before undergoing any surgical procedure, they need more information about what it’s likely to involve.
To remove some of the mystery, here’s a run-down of some of the most common types of vaginal surgery and the issues they can help to address.
Labiaplasty
Whether you know it best as Labiaplasty, Labioplasty, Labia reduction or the ‘designer vagina’, this procedure works by removing some of the excess tissue to reduce the size or change the shape of the labia minora (the small lips on the outside of the vagina).
Whether women are born with a large labia minora or they noticed significant changes following childbirth, this relatively simple procedure can help to reduce discomfort and irritation and help women feel more confident about how they look and feel.
Following the surgery, you should be able to return to light activities the following day, however you should wait five to ten days before returning to work and abstain from intercourse for around 6-7 weeks.
Vaginoplasty
It’s common for women to experience loosening of the vaginal walls resulting from childbirth, trauma, genetics or tissue stretching. Vagioplasty surgery provides a way to restore the vagina by tightening the lax muscles and tissues in the front or back of the vaginal canal walls, and removing any excess vaginal skin. This results in a narrower vaginal canal and smaller opening, with many patient’s also reporting more satisfying sex following the procedure.
Similarly to the recovery following Labiaplasty surgery, you should be able to return to light activities the following day, however you should wait five to ten days before returning to work and abstain from intercourse for around 6-7 weeks following Vaginoplasty surgery.
Clitoral hood reduction
Also known as a Hoodectomy, Cliteral hood reduction surgery can be performed to remove an excess of skin over the clitoral area. By removing this excess of skin which is commonly known to reduce sensitivity or cause painful sex, the procedure can result in a smoother and tighter hood without effecting clitoral function. In fact, many patients report increased sensation during sex.
The recovery following a Clitoral hood reduction is much the same as that following Labiaplasty or Vaginoplasty surgery.
Hymen repair surgery
The hymen can be broken through strenuous physical or other vigorous activity and there are a range of cultural, social and religious reasons women seek to have it repaired. By making some small incisions to bring the hymenal ring membranes together before suturing them in place, the procedure has the effect of reinstating the hymen.
The recovery following hymen repair surgery is much the same as that following most other types of vaginal surgery.
Vaginal laser resurfacing
Vaginal laser resurfacing is a technique used to address uneven skin tone and texture on the clitoral hood, labia or perineum. Using specially designed laser and radio frequency devices, the treatment area is shaved, resurfaced, smoothed and often tightened during the procedure.
You should be able to return to normal light activities the day after the procedure, however you’ll most likely need to take five to ten days off work and avoid intercourse until 21 days after the treatment.
G-spot enhancement
This procedure is designed to enhance sexual pleasure by injecting a dermal or volumising filler in the front wall (just inside the opening) of the vagina. This essentially enlarges the area, making it more amenable to pressure during intercourse.
A relatively quick procedure, a G-spot enhancement treatment is usually a walk-in walk-out procedure with only very minimal discomfort.
