Vaginal Tightening Surgery

Vaginal Tightening Surgery

During life, women may experience decreased sensation from the vagina. The decrease in vaginal sensitivity is mostly due to the tissue laxity and a widened vagina, which reduce contact and friction.  This condition may cause reduced sexual sensation.

The goal of vaginal tightening surgery is to reconstruct the vagina. The surgery enhances the vagina tone and decreases the diameter of the vagina. In vaginal tightening procedures, parts of the loose vaginal mucosa are removed in order to surgical tighten the vagina. Many patients treated with vaginal tightening reported an improvement in vaginal tightness and sexual sensitivity.

Preparation

1. Inform the doctor of any pre-existing medical conditions and drug allergy. All medical conditions must be treated and stabilized before surgery.

2. Stop smoking at least one week before surgery. Smoking is harmful to wound healing and increases the risks of other post-operation complications.

3. Stop taking the following medications and supplements one week before surgery:

   1. Medicine that increases bleeding during surgery such as aspirin, NSAIDs and warfarin. However, you may need to consult your physician who prescribed the medicine before you stop them.

   2. All supplements that contain vitamin E, ginseng, ginkgo, garlic, fish oil and other ingredients that increase bleeding during surgery. Other supplements, traditional medicine and herbs in which ingredients are unknown have to be stopped as well.

4. On the day of surgery, wear simple and comfortable clothing and do not wear any makeup. Do not wear any jewelry and metal objects on the face and body.

Surgery

Duration: 1-2 hours

Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia

Hospitalization: Not required

Recovery: Back to work in 7 days, light exercise after 2 weeks, heavy exercise after at least one month.

* The speed of recovery may vary from person to person.

Technique: The vagina mucosa is elevated and the underlying muscle is exposed. The muscle is tightened with sutures and the excess vaginal mucosa is excised.

Post-operative Care**

1. What to expect: Swelling usually peaks on the second to third day after surgery and will gradually subside thereafter.

2. Avoid squatting, pass urine in standing position in the shower room. Tampons and sexual intercourse are to be avoided for at least 6 weeks.

3. General care:

   1. Apply cold pack first 3 days to reduce swelling and pain.

   2. Avoid smoking for at least one month. Smoking increases the risk of wound complications.

   3. Good rest and adequate sleep are helpful for a speedy recovery.

   4. Be relaxed and calm. Contact the clinic if there are any queries.

4. Medicine: Finish the oral antibiotics as prescribed. Take the painkiller as prescribed when necessary.

5. Wound care: clean the wound with terile water/saline. Apply antibiotic ointment.

6. Physical activity: Avoid heavy physical activity and exercise for at least one month.

7. Follow-up: Come back one week after surgery for review.

8. Emergency: If there is heavy bleeding, rapid increase in swelling or severe pain, immediately contact the clinic/doctor for advice.

** The instructions in this list are only for general guidance and the list is not meant to be exhaustive. If you have any specific queries or concerns during the post-operative recovery, please contact the clinic for further advice.