Vaginoplasty

A vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the appearance and function of the vaginal canal. It aims to restore tone and tightness to the vaginal muscles, addressing issues of vaginal laxity from hormonal changes, childbirth, or the aging processes. A vaginoplasty, also called vaginal floor reconstruction, can help reverse these effects, improving sexual satisfaction, confidence in intimate situations, and issues of urinary incontinence. Surgeons can create dramatic changes by making adjustments to the alignment of the levator ani muscle of the pelvic floor. With this surgical approach, patients can expect results that last 10 years or more, providing more rejuvenation than what simple kegel exercises or non-surgical treatments can offer.

If you have been struggling with decreased vaginal sensation, a vaginoplasty may be the solution you have been searching for. To find out if this procedure is right for you, consider talking about your concerns with Dr. Michael Omidi, M.D., F.A.C.S, or Dr. Malcolm D. Paul, M.D., FACS, award-winning plastic surgeons with involvement in the latest surgical research and organizations. At our practice in Beverly Hills, you can expect premium-quality treatment that prioritizes your safety, trust, and desires.

To get started today, please call (310) 281-0155 or inquire with our contact form, and a member of our staff can walk you through the necessary steps toward greater satisfaction in your intimate life.

About the Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor, also called the pelvic diaphragm, is a series of superficial and deep muscle tissues, connective tissue called fascia, and ligaments. The most significant muscle in this area is the levator ani, split into three separate muscles: the coccygeus, iliococcygeus, and pubococcygeus. ⁽¹⁾ A sheet-like structure, the levator ani serves to stabilize internal organs, prevent incontinence, and constrict the vaginal and anal canal. In pregnant women, it helps to position the fetus. During contraction, the pelvic floor turns from a basin into a dome shape due to the shortening of these muscle fibers. With age, these muscles can weaken like all other skeletal muscles within the body, but pregnancy and childbirth play a significant role. As the uterus and fetus increase in size during pregnancy, the pelvic floor must help support around 100 times more weight than what was present in pre-pregnancy life. In addition, two connective fibers, elastin and relaxin, increase dramatically, further contributing to laxity in these muscles. During childbirth, most women experience at least some amount of damage and/or separation of these structures that never fully heal. In cases where vaginal delivery is conducted with obstetric instruments or there is a difficulty due to fetal malpositioning, a smaller pelvis, or a uterus/cervix functioning failure, the amount of laxity may be even greater. It is not uncommon for these women to experience less blood flow to the area (ischemia), muscular degeneration, nerve damage, and other dysfunctions. ⁽²⁾

Benefits of the Vaginoplasty

Vaginoplasty offers numerous benefits for women who feel self-conscious about the nature of their laxity issues. Some of the key advantages include:

Candidates

If you have yet to restore vaginal tightness and sensation with pelvic floor physical therapy, non-invasive vaginal rejuvenation treatments, or kegels, you may be an excellent candidate for a vaginoplasty. Dr. Omidi or Dr. Paul will perform a pelvic exam to assess your level of weakness. They will also take into account your overall health and ensure that you do not have any major conditions that could interfere with the procedure or your recovery. The procedure is only suitable if you do not plan on having any more children. Ideally, you should also be a non-smoker or be willing to quit for at least a month before and after your surgery. Doing so will help optimize your circulatory system and aid in the healing process.

Personal Consultation

At our practice, we value individualized, one-on-one consultations with our patients. During your personal consultation with Dr. Omidi or Dr. Paul, they will listen to your concerns, answer any questions you may have, and thoroughly explain the vaginoplasty procedure. He will assess your medical history, perform a physical examination of your vaginal area, and discuss your aesthetic goals and expectations in detail. He will provide you with comprehensive information about the procedure, including potential risks and complications, expected recovery time, and realistic outcomes based on your specific condition.

For a full evaluation, we can help you find a time and date that works best for you. Call our Beverly Hills office at (310) 281-0155 or fill out our online form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Vaginoplasty Procedure Steps

This type of vaginal rejuvenation is done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia, an epidural block, or local anesthesia with twilight sedation, depending on your specific needs and the procedural approach. At your consultation, Dr. Omidi or Dr. Paul will further speak with you about their personalized recommendations, but the surgery generally goes as follows: 

Recovery and Results

The following day after your surgery, your surgeon will remove the internal bandage. Though you will have some discomfort and swelling, your surgeon will provide you with the most effective prescription medications to help you have a comfortable recovery. You may have a feeling of pressure in the pelvic region, but this side effect should subside within the first week.

Depending on the extent of your procedure, you may require a urinary catheter to help you urinate for the first few days, and it is usually removed 2 to 4 days after. After about 4 to 5 days, you should be able to return to sedentary work. To encourage the swelling to go down, you should apply an ice compress for short periods of time and avoid standing too much. You should also refrain from soaking in a bathtub or using a sauna for at least 3 weeks, but it may be longer. Within 4 to 6 weeks, the sutures will be fully dissolved and any residual swelling will have receded. After 6 weeks, you should be able to participate in sexual activity once again, but make sure to consult your surgeon first. They will also inform you about the best vaginal exercises to support renewed strength and techniques for scar reduction.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

Perineoplasty

A perineoplasty, or a perineorrhaphy, is a similar procedure that surgeons can perform at the same time as a vaginoplasty. It aims to restore the tissues of the perineum, the area between the vagina and anus that often experiences tearing during childbirth. Obstetricians may also perform an episiotomy during labor to allow the baby to come out. Sometimes, the area does not heal well and is too short, further contributing to vaginal laxity.

Vaginal Rejuvenation Lasers

Vaginal rejuvenation lasers create micro-injuries within the vaginal walls, triggering an influx of collagen that supports tightness, better vascularization, and improved moisturization. These lasers are gentle and ergonomic for vaginal use and only require the application of topical anesthesia. The most popular devices for laser rejuvenation are hybrid fractional laser, DiVA and CO2 lasers MonaLisa Touch and FemiLift.

Vaginal Rejuvenation with Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency is an electromagnetic frequency that acts as thermal energy when in contact with soft tissues. Within the vagina, radiofrequency devices heat and stimulate many of the same regenerative processes as lasers. Geneveve is one of the most popular radiofrequency devices for the vagina, promoting a more youthful, cushioning texture within the canal. The device balances heating and cooling pulses and delivers long-lasting effects without even requiring topical anesthesia.

Cost of a Vaginoplasty in Beverly Hills

The cost of your vaginoplasty will depend on the extent of the surgery, anesthesia fees, prescriptions, and follow-up appointments with Dr. Omidi or Dr. Paul. During your consultation, your surgeon will speak with you about all associated fees and provide you with a total cost estimate. If you are interested in the vast benefits of vaginoplasty but are concerned about the financial aspect, our practice offers CareCredit payment options. Your surgeon or a member of our staff will gladly go over how to apply and help answer any other related questions.

To begin your vaginal rejuvenation journey today, call our Beverly Hills practice at (310) 281-0155 or request a consultation online. You can also explore other procedural options through our blog. Dr. Omidi and Dr. Paul provide exceptional care and exhibit the utmost professionalism.

References

1. Raizada V, Mittal RK. Pelvic Floor Anatomy and Applied Physiology. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America. 2008;37(3):493-509. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gtc.2008.06.003 
2. Zhang Y, Yang H, Lin L, Yang W, Xiong G, Gao G. The relationship between pelvic floor functions and vaginal microbiota in 6–8 weeks postpartum women. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2022;13. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2022.975406