If childbirth has left you with vaginal laxity, you might find your sex life isn’t as rewarding as it used to be. Noreen Kamal-Mostafavi, MD, in Staten Island, New York, can resolve this problem for you with vaginoplasty ― surgery to tighten your vagina. Find out more by calling Dr. Kamal-Mostafavi’s office today or schedule an appointment online.
Vaginoplasty Q&A
What is vaginoplasty?
Vaginoplasty is a form of cosmetic surgery that helps to tighten your vagina. It involves bringing together muscles in the vaginal walls and removing excess skin to create a narrower, more muscular space. The most common reason for needing a vaginoplasty is the effects of childbirth.
Why would I need a vaginoplasty after childbirth?
You might find that after having children, the stretching of your vaginal canal during birth causes permanent damage. Although the design of your vagina means it can open up to allow a baby out, excessive stretching might mean your muscles aren’t able to return to their former tightness.
The separation of muscles in the walls of your vagina and general stretching of the tissues could be severe enough to mean you can’t stop a tampon from falling out, for example.
Vaginal laxity can also have a serious impact on your sex life. It can be hard to enjoy sex, which can lead to problems with your self-esteem and significantly impact on your relationship.
If the stretching isn’t too severe, you might find that noninvasive treatments like radiofrequency or laser therapy can help tighten the tissues in your vagina. However, if your condition isn’t suitable for radiofrequency or laser therapy, vaginoplasty could be the answer.
What happens during a vaginoplasty?
Once you and Dr. Kamal-Mostafavi agree that vaginoplasty is the best option, you can discuss the exact requirements for your surgery. It’s possible to carry out vaginoplasty under local anesthesia, or you might prefer general anesthetic. Dr. Kamal-Mostafavi can discuss the advantages and risks of each so you can make an informed choice.
During your vaginoplasty procedure, Dr. Kamal-Mostafavi marks a wedge-shaped area of skin. She uses strong sutures to stitch the vaginal muscles back together, then removes the excess skin marked by the wedge shape. She makes sure everything looks neat and natural, including removing surplus skin at the entrance of your vagina.
How soon will I recover after a vaginoplasty?
Your recovery from vaginoplasty is likely to take several weeks. Your vaginal area will probably ache for a few days, so Dr. Kamal-Mostafavi can advise you on what medication to take to keep you comfortable. You can’t use tampons or have sex for at least eight weeks after a vaginoplasty.
After recovering, you should find that your vagina feels significantly tighter and more elastic again. This should help you enjoy a more rewarding sex life.
To find out more about vaginoplasty, call Noreen Kamal-Mostafavi, MD, today or book an appointment online.