Vaginoplasty procedure is a reconstructive surgery for the vagina, performed with the effect of strengthened vaginal muscles. The procedure can be undertaken as a medically required reconstructive surgery or an elective cosmetic surgery. 

Reconstructive surgery is judged to be a medical necessity when the vaginal canal or its structures are damaged or absent. This is usually due to either a congenital cause such as vaginal atresia which is the condition of having a deformed, absent or non-functioning vagina or an acquired cause such as an illness (cancer) or physical trauma (injury).

As an elective cosmetic surgery it provides women who experience discomfort or don’t feel as confident about their genitalia a safe and effective solution. Some women feel as though their vagina is too loose commonly following vaginal childbirth or as they get older. Some women feel that they have lost sensation in their vagina during intercourse due to vaginal laxity, and some women simply prefer a different appearance. 

“Women complain of sexual discomfort, they may not be able to ride a bike, run or even wear tight clothing.In some rare cases the longer labia increase susceptibility to infections, itchiness and discharge. Even in the absence of functional reasons, some women are deeply distressed by their labia, affecting their sexual relationships and overall confidence” – Dr Natalia Novikova.

What is the vaginoplasty procedure?

A full vaginoplasty procedure takes about one to two hours depending on the patient’s anatomy and specific concern. It is performed under general anesthesia and involves either pulling the pelvic floor muscles together to tighten the vaginal entry with sutures or tightening of the vaginal wall muscles along the back of the vagina.It can also involve removing any loose excess skin and scar tissue, as well as any combination of these or other aesthetic genital procedures.

What are the results for vaginoplasty?

Postoperative care is important to achieving your desired results and will be explained to you in detail following your procedure. For 4 to 6 weeks, you cannot engage in vaginal intercourse or heavy exercise. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. Painkillers will be prescribed for mild to moderate pain. It is imperative to prevent constipation and to wash with warm water, avoiding any soaps or other solutions in the genital area.

There are three post-op check-ins at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months, at the end of which any existing medical conditions will be improved and you will have a tighter, restructured vagina that will ideally make you look and feel good. You should experience more friction and pleasure during sex, improving both you and your partner’s sexual gratification.

Is a vaginoplasty for me?

The vaginoplasty is just one of seven aesthetic gynaecology procedures offered by Dr Novikova. She will diagnose your personal condition and advise whether vaginoplasty is the appropriate procedure for you. She might prescribe a different procedure that provides similar results such as a labiaplasty or vaginal rejuvenation treatments..

Labiaplasty is a surgery that reshapes the labial lips of the vagina. Sometimes a vaginoplasty is combined with a labiaplasty. Vaginal rejuvenation treatments also improve vaginal laxity, dryness and feeling, however, a vaginoplasty provides longer lasting and more pronounced results in comparison to vaginal rejuvenation. Vaginoplasty can carry higher risk as it is a surgical procedure.

Dr Novikova has performed many vaginoplasties as part of both medical and aesthetic procedures. She is a highly experienced and qualified medical gynaecologist, trained and certified by the European Society of Aesthetic Gynaecology and is president of the South African Aesthetic Gynaecology Society. To book a consultation or for more information regarding vaginoplasty, please see here.