Vaginoplasty FAQs

Following are the common questions about Vaginoplasty:

1. What is vaginoplasty?
2. What are the benefits of vaginoplasty?
3. Is vaginoplasty the same as labiaplasty?
4. What is better for vaginal tightening-laser vaginal tightening or vaginoplasty?
5. Which doctor performs vaginoplasty?
6. What are the qualifications of a vaginoplasty specialist?
7. What tests are done before the vaginoplasty procedure?
8. What is the procedure for vaginoplasty?
9. Does vaginoplasty hurt?
10. What is the best time to undergo vaginoplasty?
11. I delivered my baby 2 months back. When can I undergo vaginoplasty?
12. Does vaginoplasty require hospitalization?
13. How long should I rest after vaginoplasty?
14. When can I resume my sex life after vaginoplasty?
15. Does vaginoplasty affect fertility?
16. What are the risks associated with vaginoplasty?
17. What is the cost of vaginoplasty in India?
18. Is vaginoplasty covered under insurance?
19. How long does the effect of vaginoplasty last? Will I have to undergo it again after a year or two?
20. How to prepare for vaginoplasty surgery?
21. How to take care after vaginoplasty?

Q. What is vaginoplasty?

A. Vaginoplasty in the simplest sense is the plastic surgery of the vagina. It is the surgical procedure to recreate or tighten a vagina using cosmetology.

As a woman ages or gives birth, it is natural for the vagina to widen and loosen its shape over the years. This is why we hear women complaining of urinary leakage, less sexual pleasure, or even some cases of vaginal protrusion among women in their 30’s and 40s. Here, vaginoplasty off ers a surgical solution.

Q. What are the benefits of vaginoplasty?

A. Vaginoplasty can be beneficial for women with:

• urinary leakage
• loose pelvic muscles
• sexual discomfort, or
• women seeking enhanced sexual sensation and better muscle control.

Q. Is vaginoplasty the same as labiaplasty?

A. No. Vaginoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that focuses on the tightening and recreation of the entire vaginal area whereas, labiaplasty is targeted only towards the reshaping of labial lips in the vaginal area.

Q. What is better for vaginal tightening-laser vaginal tightening or vaginoplasty?

A. Both laser vaginal tightening and vaginoplasty are procedures targeted at the tightening of the vaginal walls. However, what is specifically better for you, depends on your individual vaginal laxity. While mild-moderate laxity can be treated through laser vaginal tightening, vaginoplasty remains the only solution for moderate- extreme vaginal laxity.

A few other key differences that might help you make a more informed decision include:

• Laser Vaginal tightening, as the name suggests, is done entirely through laser. Whereas, vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure.
• Laser Vaginal Tightening is done in multiple sessions of 2-3 or 3-4 at a gap of every 5-20 days. Vaginoplasty, however, is a one-time surgical procedure with immediate results.
• Laser vaginal tightening is more common among women in their 20s and 30s. However, vaginoplasty may be a better choice for women post 35 years of age.
• Laser Vaginal Tightening does not require any bed rest. However, vaginoplasty requires a minimum rest period of 6-8 weeks.
• Laser Vaginal Tightening requires sexual abstinence-only on day 0 or day 1. However, doctors suggest you restrict any penetrative sexual engagement for 2-3 months post vaginoplasty.

Q. Which doctor performs vaginoplasty?

A. A gynecologist trained in obstetrics or cosmetic gynecology is the most ideal choice to perform vaginoplasty.

Q. What are the qualifications of a vaginoplasty specialist?

A. The doctor performing vaginoplasty should have at least one or more of the following qualifications:

• MBBS
• DGO
• DNB/MS- General Surgery
• MS-Gynecology
• MS- Obstetrics
• MS-Plastic Surgery
• Masters Course in Cosmetic Gynecology (MCCG)
• Diploma Course in Cosmetic Gynecology (DCCG)
• Fellowship in Cosmetic Gynecology

Q. What tests are done before the vaginoplasty procedure?

A. As you approach a doctor with the symptoms of a loosened vagina, the doctor first performs a pelvic exam. Based on the same, the doctor decides the best vaginal tightening treatment for you.

Q. What is the procedure for vaginoplasty?

A. For the procedure of vaginoplasty, the doctor pulls all your loosened vaginal muscles together and sews them again in a manner that the vagina regains its tightness. This makes the vagina both look and feel better, thus enhancing the sexual pleasure for both sexual partners. It also solves urinary leakage and makes personal hygiene easier.

Q. Does vaginoplasty hurt?

A. No. Vaginoplasty is a procedure performed under anesthesia and is hence painless. However, as the anesthesia slowly wears off, you will likely experience a slight itch, tingle, and a pull at the surgery site. Please note that this is completely normal and should swiftly ease with your prescribed medicines, ointment, rest, and the passage of time.

Q. What is the best time to undergo vaginoplasty?

A. Vaginoplasty is best scheduled two days after your last menstrual cycle. This would allow your vaginal area to substantially heal before the start of second menses.

Q. I delivered my baby 2 months back. When can I undergo vaginoplasty?

A. Vaginoplasty is a slightly delicate surgery and doctors thus suggest you wait for at least 3 months after childbirth before undergoing the procedure. This would allow your vagina to heal properly and avoid any unwanted infection.

Q. Does vaginoplasty require hospitalization?

A. Yes, since the procedure is performed on general anesthesia, it typically requires a hospital stay of 24-48 hours. However, it also varies case to case and on your individual health and needs.

Q. How long should I rest after vaginoplasty?

A. A complete recovery post vaginoplasty may take up to 6-8 weeks. However, as you slowly recover and feel well-rested and comfortable, you may resume normal activities in 3-5 days. But, what is important is, you do not overexert yourself. Understand that everybody is different and recovers uniquely. So, listen to your body, be aware and resume work very slowly and in successive intensity.

Q. When can I resume my sex life after vaginoplasty?

A. Doctors advise you to wait for at least 8-10 weeks after vaginoplasty for your vaginal area to heal completely. Soon after, as you, as you feel well-rested and comfortable, you may resume your sex life as you like. However, we suggest you also see your gynecologist for one final clearance.

Q. Does vaginoplasty affect fertility?

A. No. Vaginoplasty as a procedure, is performed only on the outer walls of the vagina. It has no invasion on your reproductive system, be it ovaries/ fallopian tubes/ uterus. This is why vaginoplasty has no direct or indirect effect on your fertility.

Q. What are the risks associated with vaginoplasty?

A. Vaginoplasty is typically a safe and minimum risk surgery when performed under safe conditions and by a medically experienced doctor. However, since the surgery is very delicate, post-care becomes critical. If the same is not followed carefully, it may result in the following risks and complications:

• Post-surgery infection
• Bleeding from the scars
• Hematoma (collection of blood around the wound)
• Temporary numbness

Q. What is the cost of vaginoplasty in India?

A. Vaginoplasty costs an average of INR 35,000 to INR 50, 000 in India. However, the exact treatment cost may slightly vary a little depending on the

• Experience and expertise of your surgeon
• Reputation and infrastructure of the hospital
• Added treatments/ procedures (if needed)
• Medications and post-care

Q. Is vaginoplasty covered under insurance?

A. At times, yes, but mostly no. The approval for insurance coverage changes from case to case depending on the need for the treatment.

When vaginoplasty is done as an elective surgery for cosmetic reasons, it is not covered under insurance. However, the same when done as a medical necessity because of the patient’s specific health conditions, such as pelvic organ prolapse, the procedure may be covered under insurance. Please confirm the same from your insurance or health care provider.

Q. How long does the effect of vaginoplasty last? Will I have to undergo it again after a year or two?

A. Vaginal laxity is a natural body process and an unavoidable effect of body aging and childbirth. Therefore, no medication/ surgery/ treatment can permanently cure or reverse it. But yes, vaginoplasty can help you shape back your vagina to its original state for multiple years. Additionally, when paired with specialized exercises and a healthy lifestyle, vaginoplasty can be a great long-term solution for a loosened vagina.

Q. How to prepare for vaginoplasty surgery?

A. As you schedule the vaginoplasty surgery, doctors suggest you follow the following guidelines for preparation:

• Disclose all your current health conditions and medication to your doctor. You might be recommended to halt a few medications (such as blood thinners) for some time. Else, they risk excessive blood flow during surgery.
• If you smoke, drink or use any recreational drugs, stop the intake of the same at least 5 days before the surgery. Else, they interfere with recovery.
• Since the surgery is performed on anesthetics, you are advised to stop the intake of any solid/ liquid before 6-8 hours of your procedure. This would limit any risk of complication due to anesthesia.
• Do not shave the surgical site yourself. Any minor/ major shaving cut risks unnecessary infection.

Q. How to take care after vaginoplasty?

A. Doctors recommend the following guidelines for smooth and risk-free recovery after vaginoplasty:

• Do not engage in sexual activities before a complete clearance from your gynecologist (typically eight weeks)
• Do not use tampons or menstrual cups until your vagina completely heals from the surgery (typically 6-8 weeks). Instead, use soft sanitary pads during menstruation.
• Do not use perfumed lotions, deodorants, soaps, or vaginal washes before eight weeks from the surgery. Use only clear water and makes sure you keep the vaginal area clean and moisture-free.
• Do not swim/ lift heavy weights/ physically exert yourself before complete clearance from your gynecologist.
• Make sure you complete your full cycle of the prescribed medicinal course.
• Keep yourself hydrated, and eat a well-balanced diet including fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, milk, and dry fruits to give your body its required source of proteins, calcium, and iron.