Many mothers feel some changes in the vaginal area after giving birth. Perhaps the area feels a little looser, or the sensitivity it had before has decreased. Pain can also occur due to scars caused by cuts or tears during childbirth. Sometimes these things can make you feel sad. So today we are talking about a surgical procedure that is performed as a solution to such problems. That is Perineoplasty.
Simply put, what is Perineoplasty?
Perineoplasty is a surgical procedure that repairs the area between your vagina and anus, called the perineum, and the external parts of the vagina. The muscles in the perineum support your reproductive organs and pelvic floor muscles.
Think about it, childbirth, sudden weight loss, an accident, or other reasons can damage this area. Then the skin around the opening of the vagina can become loose and stretchy. Perineoplasty surgery strengthens and tightens this perineum area, narrows the opening of the vagina, and restores loose, scarred, or damaged skin. This can relieve you of discomfort and improve the appearance of the area.
Why are so many people tempted to have this surgery?
Women often undergo this surgery because the skin around the vaginal opening is loose. This can lead to decreased sexual satisfaction or feelings of inferiority. In some cases, muscle damage can even lead to incontinence.
Let's look at the table below to see what the main reasons are for having this surgery.
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Skin changes around the vagina | Sagging, bulging, or enlarged skin around the vaginal opening (gaping). |
| Scar tissue | Excessive scar tissue caused by an episiotomy or tearing during childbirth. |
| Decreased sexual satisfaction | Decreased sensitivity during sexual intercourse. |
| Psychological effects | Feeling low about one's body and having low libido. |
| Discomfort and pain | Frequent inflammation, discomfort, or pain in the vagina. |
| Uncontrolled exit | Inability to control urination or defecation. |
What are the causes of damage to the perineum area?
The main cause of damage to this area is childbirth. During a normal vaginal delivery, the opening of the vagina stretches to allow the baby to come out. With continued childbirth, this opening is more likely to loosen and stretch.
If a large tear occurs during childbirth, or an episiotomy is required, the wound may not heal properly or scar tissue may form, which can lead to discomfort and loss of sensation.
The important thing is, this is not just something that happens to you. Millions of mothers around the world go through this experience. So don't be ashamed to talk about it.
In addition to childbirth, there are other reasons why this area can be damaged:
- Sudden weight loss or gain.
- Having an accident or injury.
- Applying pressure to the area for a long time (e.g., horseback riding).
- Very strenuous exercise or sports.
- Other gynecological diseases.
- Genetic causes that come from heredity.
- Aging.
Important things to know about this surgery
Does perineoplasty tighten the vagina?
Yes, perineoplasty surgery helps tighten the opening of your vagina . However, it does not affect the vaginal canal, which is the inner part of the vagina. There are separate surgeries for that.
How is this surgery done?
This surgery is performed by a gynecologist. Talk openly with him or her about your symptoms and your needs. Ask any questions you have about the surgery, its risks, and its benefits.
- How the surgery is performed: Depending on your condition, this surgery is performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia . The doctor makes a small V-shaped or diamond-shaped incision near the opening of the vagina. Then, excess skin or scar tissue is removed and the underlying muscle layers are repaired. Finally, the incision is closed using dissolvable stitches.
- How long does it take?: This surgery usually takes about an hour. You can rest for a while after the surgery and go home. It is very rare for you to have to stay in the hospital.
What to expect after surgery?
As with any surgery, you need to give your body time to heal after a perineoplasty. You may experience some swelling and discomfort for the first few days. You can use ice packs and take painkillers as prescribed by your doctor to help reduce the pain. Also, sitting in a warm bath (sitz bath) may provide some relief in the first few weeks.
Your doctor will likely give you the following advice:
| Advice | Description |
|---|---|
| Sexual activity and tampons | Avoid inserting anything into the vagina for at least 6 weeks . This includes having sex and using tampons. |
| Exercise and weight lifting | Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for at least 4 weeks . |
| Food and drink | To prevent constipation, drink plenty of water and eat foods high in fiber (fruits, vegetables). If necessary, your doctor will prescribe a stool softener. |
| Cleanliness | Keep the surgical area clean and dry. Wear a sanitary pad if there is vaginal bleeding. |
| Sewing | The stitches will dissolve on their own in a few weeks. |
After you recover, your doctor will advise you to do Kegel exercises to further strengthen the muscles in that area.
Benefits and risks of perineoplasty surgery
What are the benefits of this surgery?
- Increased sexual satisfaction.
- Increased self-confidence about one's own body.
- Returning the vaginal opening to its pre-delivery size.
- Removing or repairing blemishes.
- Treatment of urinary incontinence.
- Correction of other deformities or defects.
In addition, it can also provide relief from conditions such as pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) and vaginismus .
Who should not have this surgery?
If you are hoping to have more children, it is best to postpone this surgery until all that is over. Also, this surgery is not performed in the following cases:
- If pregnant.
- If you have cancer.
- If there is an active infection in the reproductive system.
- If there are abnormalities in the Pap smear report.
What are the possible complications?
Like any surgery, there are some risks.
- Not achieving the desired result (firmness or strength).
- Pain during sexual intercourse (Dyspareunia).
- Infection.
- Constipation.
- Bleeding from the surgical site.
If you have any doubts or fears about any of this, talk to your doctor and clarify everything.
Are Perineoplasty and Vaginoplasty the same thing?
No, these two are not the same. But sometimes there are cases where both of these surgeries are performed together. Let's simply understand the difference.
| Feature | Perineoplasty | Vaginoplasty |
|---|---|---|
| Main objective | Repair and tighten the vaginal opening and perineum area. | Repair, tighten, or create a new canal inside the vagina. |
| The area to be operated on | The external opening of the vagina and the surrounding muscles. | The inside of the vagina. |
If you are concerned about the appearance of your vagina after giving birth, or about pain or lack of satisfaction during sex, don't let it get to you. Perineoplasty can be a good solution to these problems. So, talk to your gynecologist. He or she will help you decide which treatment is best for you.
Take-Home Message
- Perineoplasty is a surgical procedure that repairs the vaginal opening and surrounding area (perineum) that has been damaged due to childbirth, weight loss, etc.
- This helps increase sexual satisfaction, remove blemishes, and build self-confidence.
- This is a surgery on the vaginal opening, not on the tube inside the vagina.
- It can take between 6 and 8 weeks to fully recover, and it is very important to follow medical advice.
- If you have this kind of problem, don't be shy and talk to your gynecologist and get the right advice.
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