Are you aware of vaginal reconstruction surgery (Vaginoplasty)?

This may be a bit of a difficult topic to talk about. But it's something that many women think about and want to know about. Maybe after having a child, due to some medical condition or a congenital problem, they may be tempted to think about this. So today, let's talk about Vaginoplasty, that is, vaginal reconstruction surgery, all about it, as simply as talking to a friend.

Simply put, what is Vaginoplasty?

Vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure that repairs or reconstructs your vagina that has been damaged or altered due to a medical condition, accident, or childbirth.

But here we need to clarify something. Although many people refer to a woman's genital area as the "vagina", medically it is made up of two parts. The part that we see from the outside is called the Vulva. The Vagina is the muscular tube inside. This Vaginoplasty surgery is directly related to this inner vagina .

Why would someone resort to such surgery?

There are several reasons why someone might consider this surgery. Some are functional. Others are cosmetic. Let's take a look at the main reasons.

Are vaginoplasty and vaginal rejuvenation the same thing?

No. This is where it gets a little confusing. Think of "Vaginal Rejuvenation" as a big umbrella. Vaginoplasty is just one type under that umbrella. The broad term "Vaginal Rejuvenation" refers to any surgery or treatment that improves the appearance or function of the vaginal area. In addition to vaginoplasty, there are several other commonly performed types of surgery:

• Labiaplasty: Surgery to reduce the size of the labia or to make them equal in size.
• Vulvoplasty: Adjusting the shape of the outer part of the vagina (vulva).
• Clitoral hood reduction: Removal of excess tissue around the clitoris.
• Perineoplasty: Surgery to strengthen the area between the vagina and anus (perineum).

What happens before the surgery?

If you decide to have this surgery, the doctor will perform several tests to prepare you for the surgery.

• Physical examination: This is important to see if you are healthy enough to undergo surgery and to learn about your medical history.
• Education: You will be well informed about the benefits of the surgery, possible risks, and how to care for yourself after the surgery.
• Risk reduction: You will be advised to reduce your risk of complications. For example, if you smoke, you will be told to stop .

Depending on your condition, your doctor will give you specific instructions to prepare for surgery.

What happens during the surgery?

The way the surgery is performed varies depending on the reason you are having it done.

If you are repairing looseness or damage to the vagina:

• Additionally, sagging skin/tissue is removed.
• The loose tissue is attached to the walls of the vagina using stitches.
• The size of the vaginal opening is reduced by removing excess tissue.

If you are fixing a congenital abnormality:

• Creating a functional vagina.
• Abnormal or extra tissue that was present at birth is removed.
• Necessary arrangements are made to prevent blood from pooling during menstruation.

The time it takes for this surgery varies depending on the nature of the surgery being performed. While some surgeries can be completed in a few hours, complex surgeries can take up to 10 hours.

What can you expect after surgery?

Your surgeon will talk to you about the common symptoms and signs of complications after surgery. Some people will stay in the hospital for about five days, while others can go home sooner. You will be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection and painkillers to control pain .

What are the risks of surgery?

Like any surgery, vaginoplasty carries some risks. These can vary slightly depending on the nature of the surgery and the reason for it.

• Dyspareunia: This means pain during sexual intercourse.
• Numbness or loss of sensation: There may be loss of sensation in the surgical area.
• Infection: There is a risk of infection of the surgical wound.
• Bleeding: Excessive bleeding.

Your doctor will talk to you at length about these risks.

When should you see a doctor immediately?

Your doctor will give you follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery. However, if you experience any of the following complications, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) .

• The wound dressings are soaked with blood (a sign of excessive bleeding).
• Yellow discharge from the wound or fever (signs of infection).
• Severe pain that cannot be controlled even with painkillers.
• Unusual swelling in the leg or groin (may be a sign of a blood clot).
• Continuous vomiting and inability to retain fluids.

How long does it take to heal?

The recovery time can range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the extent of the surgery. Your doctor will give you clear instructions on how to care for yourself after the surgery. For example, you may be asked to avoid having sex or using tampons for a few weeks . They will also tell you how to keep your stitches and wound clean.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend using a vaginal dilator to maintain the depth and width of your vagina. This is a device that gently stretches your vagina.