Reasons for Procedure
This may be done if your vaginal opening has increased in size due to:
- Damage during childbirth
- Weight changes
- The normal aging process
It may also be done in women who have medical problems that cause pain during sex.
Possible Complications
Problems from the surgery are rare, but all surgeries have some risk. Your doctor will review problems that could happen, such as:
- Infection
- Too much bleeding
- Pain during sex
- Scarring
- Change in vaginal sensation
- A reaction to anesthesia
- Nausea and vomiting
Before surgery, talk to your doctor about ways to manage things that may raise your risk of problems such as:
- Smoking
- Drinking
- Long-term health problems like diabetes or obesity
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Leading up to your surgery:
- Arrange for a ride to and from the hospital. Also, arrange for someone to help you at home.
- Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some up to 1 week before surgery.
- Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery.
Anesthesia
Your doctor may choose:
- General anesthesia—you will be asleep
- Local anesthesia—the vaginal area will be numbed
Description of the Procedure
The amount of skin that you would like tightened will be marked. The exact steps will depend on your needs. Sutures may be placed under the skin to change the size and shape of the area. Extra skin may also be removed with a scalpel or laser. Stitches may be needed to close the skin.
How Long Will It Take?
1 hour
Will It Hurt?
Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and swelling is common in first 1 to 2 weeks. Medicine and home care can manage pain.
Post-procedure Care
The staff may give you pain medicine right after surgery.
During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to lower your risk of infection such as:
- Washing their hands
- Wearing gloves or masks
- Keeping your incisions covered
There are also steps you can take to lower your risk of infection such as:
- Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and your care team to do the same
- Reminding your care team to wear gloves or masks
- Not letting others touch your incisions
More intense activity will be limited for 2 weeks. Sexual intercourse will need to be avoided for about 6 weeks.
Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor if you have:
- Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, or leaking from the incision
- Heavy bleeding
- Pain that you cannot control with medicine
- Pain and burning during urination
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
RESOURCES
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists https://www.acog.org
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians https://www.familydoctor.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Health Canada https://www.canada.ca
Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada https://www.sogc.org
References
Barbara G, Facchin F, et al. Vaginal rejuvenation: current perspectives. Int J Womens Health. 2017;9:513-519.
Furnas H, Canales F. Vaginoplasty and perineoplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2017 Nov;5(11):e1558.
Perineorraphy (perineoplasty). Women’s Health Specialists—Washington Township Medical Foundation website. Available at: https://www.mywtmf.com/documents/Women-s-Health-Library/Perineoplasty-Perineorraphy.pdf. Accessed May 9, 2019.
Vaginal rejuvenation surgery. International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery website. Available at: https://www.isaps.org/procedures/body/vaginal-rejuvenation/. Accessed May 9, 2019.
Vaginal rejuvenation surgical options. American Society of Plastic Surgeons website. Available at: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/vaginal-rejuvenation/vaginoplasty. Accessed May 9, 2019.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Elliot M. Levine, MD, FACOG
- Review Date: 12/2019
- Update Date: 06/09/2020