Vaginoplasty Recovery
Clinic 360Vaginoplasty, or vaginal tightening, is a surgical procedure that involves tightening the vaginal muscles and reducing the diameter of the vaginal opening in order to restore the vagina after the effects of aging and childbirth. While vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure, it is not considered major surgery, and is performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure is minimally invasive, and full recovery typically takes a few weeks.
Patients will be able to walk around same day after surgery, and typically return to sedentary work within a week following vaginoplasty. Sexual activity can be resumed, under the advice of a physician, after 6 weeks, once sutures have fully healed and there is no risk of them being reopened. Until this time, sexual intercourse and other activity in the vaginal area should be avoided, including the use of tampons or douches
After the Surgery: Vaginoplasty Aftercare
Immediately following vaginoplasty, you will be monitored in a recovery room for about an hour to ensure no complications arise as a result of the surgery. Patients are advised to arrange transportation from the clinic, as walking and driving is not permitted. Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and cotton underwear are recommended, especially for patients who have undergone a simultaneous labiaplasty. It is useful to arrange medications and meals, and to make any other preparations ahead of time.
Tenderness, swelling and bruising
Tenderness, swelling, and bruising can be expected following the procedure, as well as some mild to moderate pain and discomfort, which may be treated with prescription pain medication. Swelling can be managed by applying cold compresses or ice packs on and off to the surgical area for the first few days. Antibiotics, whether oral or topical, are often prescribed to mitigate the risk of infection. Baths should be avoided for at least a month following a vaginal tightening procedure, after which they may aid in dissolving stitches.
Diet and Activities
Straining during defecation may adversely affect healing, and your physician may prescribe stool softeners to combat constipation, a common side effect of some pain medications. Eating fibre-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables should also ease defecation. Patients are advised against lifting heavy objects, bending, stretching, or engaging in any high impact or strenuous activity for about 3 weeks following surgery.
A number of vitamins and supplements are recommended in the days prior to vaginoplasty, as they may combat adverse side effects during recovery and expedite healing. Vitamin C has been found to promote healing, while Vitamin A is essential to new tissue growth and cell regeneration. Iron Phosphate and Omega 3 fatty acids may reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, and arnica montana, an herbal supplement, can help reduce pain, bruising, and swelling. A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fatty fish should naturally provide many of these nutrients. It is best to avoid salty foods, as sodium can worsen swelling. As with any medications or supplements, it is important to follow the advice of qualified physicians, and to inform your physician of any medications, including supplements, you may have taken prior to undergoing vaginoplasty.
Foods and Drugs to Avoid
Medications and foods that are natural anti-coagulants, such as Aspirin, alcohol, garlic and foods containing Vitamin E are best avoided for 2-3 weeks following surgery, as they may worsen bruising and increase the risk of bleeding. It is important that you contact the clinic immediately if you develop any serious symptoms, such as severe or sudden pain, bleeding, shortness of breath or chest pains, as well as fever, foul discharge and other signs of infection.
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Patients will attend follow-up appointments to monitor recovery, and physicians will provide detailed post-operative care advice. You can expect to see some results immediately after the procedure, but the full results will be evident after about 2-3 weeks, or once all swelling has subsided. Some patients find that vaginal tightening can make sexual intercourse painful. It is therefore important to discuss in detail at your initial consultation the level of tightening desired so that your surgeon can make the appropriate recommendation.
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Related Links
Vaginoplasty
Vaginoplasty Risks & Precautions
Vaginoplasty Recovery
Vaginoplasty Cost
Vaginal Rejuvenation
Perineoplasty
IntimaLase Non-Surgical Laser Vaginal Tightening
Labiaplasty
Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)
Hymenoplasty (Hymen Restoration)
Clitoral Unhooding
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Vaginoplasty Recovery FAQ
How long does it take to recover from vaginoplasty?
While healing rates vary between patients, full recovery typically takes a few weeks.
How soon after vaginoplasty can I return to work?
Patients can usually start to walk around within a few days following surgery, and can typically return to sedentary work within a week.
How long do I have to wait before having sex following vaginoplasty?
Sexual activity can usually be resumed, under the advice of a physician, after 4-6 weeks following surgery. Until this time, patients are advised to refrain from any activity in the surgical area, including the use of tampons or douches.
How do I know if my recovery is going smoothly?
Patients will attend several follow-up visits to monitor recovery and will receive detailed post-operative care advice from Clinic 360.
When can I expect to see results after vaginoplasty?
You can expect to see some results immediately after the procedure, but full results won’t be evident for another 2-3 weeks, or until all swelling has subsided. The true result may not be evident until a few months following surgery, as your body adjusts to the changes.
Can vaginoplasty over-tighten the vagina?
It is possible that sexual intercourse may become more painful following vaginoplasty. For this reason, it is important to discuss in detail at your consultation the level of tightening desired so that your surgeon can make the appropriate recommendation. In the case of painful intercourse following vaginoplasty, your surgeon may suggest the use of a vaginal dilator in order to gently condition the vagina for intercourse.
Will I need to stay in the clinic overnight after a vaginal tightening procedure?
While vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure, it is considered minor surgery and is performed on an outpatient basis. Following the procedure, patients will typically be monitored in a recovery room for about an hour to ensure no complications arise as a result of the surgery. While patients are free to go home the same day, it is recommended that you arrange transportation from the clinic, as walking and driving will not be possible for several days following vaginoplasty.
Do I need to make any preparations prior to surgery?
Following vaginoplasty, your mobility will be greatly decreased for a few days. In order to avoid the risk of tearing sutures, it is recommended that you avoid movement unless absolutely necessary. For this reason, it is recommended that you make as many preparations as possible prior to surgery, such as preparing meals, arranging medications, and predicting any other needs you may have. It is also recommended that patients wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing and cotton underwear.
Are there any medications or supplements that can help with healing?
A number of vitamins and supplements are recommended for a few days prior to vaginoplasty. Vitamin A and Vitamin C are beneficial for their tissue-regenerating and immune-boosting properties. Herbal supplements such as bromelain (found naturally in pineapple) and arnica montana can help reduce pain, bruising and swelling. Iron Phosphate and Omega 3 may reduce inflammation. Many of these nutrients are found in common foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and fatty fish, and can also be taken as supplements. As with any medications, it is important to follow the advice of your consulting physician and to inform your surgeon of any medications, including herbal supplements, you may have taken.
Will I experience any pain or other side effects after vaginoplasty?
Tenderness, swelling, bruising, and minor bleeding are all expected side effects following vaginoplasty. Some patients report mild to moderate pain and discomfort, which may be treated with prescription pain medication. Swelling can be managed by applying a cold compress on and off to the surgical area, and should subside within a couple of weeks.
Is there a risk of infection following vaginoplasty?
As with any surgery that involves incisions, vaginoplasty carries a slight risk of infection. In order to mitigate this risk, your surgeons may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics to apply to the surgical area for a number of days following surgery. It is important to apply such medication as prescribed and to keep the surgical area clean and dry. Patients can usually return to showering the day after vaginoplasty, but baths should be avoided for about a month following the procedure.
What should I do if I experience serious side effects after a vaginal tightening procedure?
It is important that you contact the clinic immediately if you develop any serious symptoms, such as sudden or severe pain, bleeding, shortness of breath or chest pains, fever, foul discharge, or any other signs of infection.
Is there anything I should avoid following vaginoplasty?
Medications and substances that are natural anticoagulants, such as Aspirin, alcohol, garlic and foods containing Vitamin E are best avoided for 2-3 weeks following surgery, as they may worsen bruising and increase the risk of bleeding. Similarly, foods high in sodium may worsen swelling. Straining during defecation can adversely affect healing, and your surgeon may prescribe a stool softener to combat constipation, a common side effect of some pain medications. Eating fibre-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, should also ease defecation. Patients are also advised to refrain from smoking as much as possible following vaginoplasty. In order to reduce the risk of tearing sutures, any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise should also be avoided for about a month following surgery. Patients should limit themselves to only essential movements for the first few days.
Is there anything I can do to facilitate healing after a vaginal tightening procedure?
Your surgeon may recommend specific exercises to increase blood flow to the surgical area and minimize the risks of scarring and encourage healing. A vaginal dilator may be necessary to help condition the vaginal canal by gently stretching it prior to intercourse.
Ultimately, rest is one of the most essential parts of recovery: keeping a healthy immune system by getting ample sleep and light exercise, avoiding or completely quitting smoking, and maintaining a balanced diet are the best ways to ensure a speedy and comfortable recovery.