Vaginoplasty is the surgical procedure of creating a vagina from existing tissues in transgender women. A vaginal tightening procedure can be performed when the vagina is too loose, especially in middle-aged women or it is performed in women who have the problem of urine control. When the vagina loses its elastic ability and strength with increasing age, it can create problems of leakage of urine, dryness of the vagina, loose skin, and sexual dissatisfaction. There are both non-surgical and surgical treatments for vaginal tightening procedures. Non-surgical treatment involves the treatment with medications, laser therapy, and radio frequency techniques. Surgical treatment involves a two-hour-long procedure in which the genitals are removed and replaced and the skin is tightened. Vaginal procedures may have lots of benefits of health and improving the quality of life but it also has some risk of complications. Sometimes, the vaginal procedures lead to unsatisfactory results. Vaginal tightening may not last longer and it may require further treatments after some time. There is also the restriction of sexual activity after vaginal procedures in both surgical and non-surgical treatments. The recovery process after a surgical procedure may last for weeks to months for the complete healing of incisions. It can vary for each individual.
Types of Vaginoplasty Treatment India
Some of the types of vaginal procedures are as follows:
- Vaginal Tightening Vaginoplasty
- Labiaplasty
- Gender-Affirming Vaginoplasty
- Vaginal rejuvenation
- Perineoplasty
- Posterior Colporrhaphy
- Combination procedures
Vaginal Tightening Vaginoplasty
This type of vaginoplasty focuses on tightening the vaginal muscles and tissues. This procedure is performed to solve the issues related to vaginal elasticity and decreased sensation. It can also improve sexual satisfaction for some individuals.
Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty is a procedure that involves changes in the size or shape of the labia. This can be done for cosmetic reasons or to decrease the discomfort caused by enlarged tissues.
Vaginal Rejuvenation
Vaginal rejuvenation is a broader term that involves various procedures such as improving the appearance and function of the vaginal area. It involves surgical and non-surgical methods of vaginoplasty. It may involve labiaplasty and other techniques like laser therapy for vaginal tightening.
Gender-Affirming Vaginoplasty
This type of vaginoplasty is performed as part of gender confirmation surgery for transgender women. It involves creating a vagina by using male genital tissues along with other surgical techniques.
Perineoplasty
Perineoplasty involves repairing the damaged perineum which is the area between the vaginal opening and the anus. It is often performed after the damage from childbirth or to improve the appearance and function of the area.
Posterior Colporrhaphy (Rectocele Repair)
This procedure is focused on repairing a rectocele, which is a condition where the rectum pushes against the vaginal wall and causes an abnormal bulge. It involves strengthening of the tissues.
Combination Procedures
Sometimes the combination of these techniques is performed according to the needs and goals of the individual patient. For example, some individuals may undergo both vaginoplasty and labiaplasty as part of a cosmetic procedure of vaginoplasty.
Monsplasty
Monsplasty is a surgical procedure that focuses on the rounded area of fatty tissue located above the pubic bone. It can involve liposuction or a combination of techniques to reshape and contour the mons pubis.
Procedure of Vaginoplasty
The general overview of the procedure of vaginoplasty is described below:
- Anesthesia: Anesthesia is administered to the patient to make the procedure pain-free and to reduce discomfort.
- Incisions: The surgeon makes incisions according to the specific procedure of the vaginoplasty. Most of the time an incision is made between the anus and vagina.
- Tissue Reshaping: According to the type of vaginoplasty, the surgeon reshapes and tightens the muscles and tissues of the vagina.
- Stitches: The surgeon uses dissolvable stitches to close the incisions. These stitches will gradually dissolve within the skin.
- Dressing and Support: The surgical area is usually dressed with sterile bandages and a special type of garment is recommended to protect the area.
- Recovery: Recovery time can vary from individual to individual. Some instructions should be followed in this phase. This might involve taking pain medication, keeping the area clean, and avoiding certain activities.
Cost of Vaginoplasty in India
The cost of Vaginoplasty in India ranges from 745 USD to 1821 USD. The cost can vary according to the number of procedures and goals of an individual patient. The cost can also vary according to the skills of a particular surgeon and the facilities of the hospital.
Vaginoplasty-Vaginal Tightening : 746 USD - 1004 USD
Monoplasty-Pubic Lift : 1332 USD - 1776 USD
Indications of Vaginoplasty
Some of the conditions where vaginoplasty is usually performed are:
- Loose vaginal muscles
- Leaking urine with stress
- Vagina changes after childbirth
- Aligning appearance with gender identity
- Born with genital issues
- Better sex satisfaction
- Improving how genitals look
- Fixing torn areas after birth
- Enhancing clitoral exposure
- Rebuilding after genital cancer
- Opening a closed vaginal canal
- Intersex conditions
- Absent vaginal canal
- Supporting pelvic organs
- Psychosocial well-being
Risk Factors of Vaginoplasty
Some of the risk factors associated with vaginoplasty are:
Bleeding
Surgery can sometimes cause bleeding even after the closure of incisions. It may require further management of blood transfusions.
Infection
There is a small chance of getting an infection after surgery. Infection can also spread to any part of the body.
Scarring
Some individuals experience poor healing in recovery which increases the risk of visible scarring.
Pain
Pain after surgery can affect the quality of life of patients and social withdrawal due to irritation, discomfort, and pain.
Swelling
There is a risk of swelling after the surgery. But mostly it can resolve within a week after surgery without any treatment.
Nerve Damage
There is a risk of nerve damage that can produce the abnormal sensations and weakness of muscles.
Healing Issues
Sometimes patients may experience delayed wound healing due to many reasons. For example, a person with a bleeding disorder may not have proper healing of wounds.
Unsatisfactory Results
Sometimes, surgery may not give the desired results. It can be due to the poor skill of the surgeon or the unrealistic expectations of the patient.
Anesthesia reaction
Some patients can suffer from allergic reactions and abnormal breathing after the anesthesia administration.
