Vaginoplasty Risks & Precautions

Some patients may experience adverse reactions to anaesthesia, including anaphylaxis brought on by an allergic reaction. While some vaginal tightening procedures can be performed using local anaesthesia, which carries minimal risk of complications, more extensive or combined procedures may require the use of general anaesthetic. When this is the case, a board-certified anaesthesiologist will be present to administer spinal, epidural, IV sedation, nerve block, or general sedation. While they can be serious, reactions to anaesthesia are rare, and your anaesthesiologist is trained to handle them.

In order to mitigate the risks associated with anaesthesia, it is important to inform your surgeon of any known or suspected reactions to medications, as well as providing a detailed medical history. Patients are also advised to refrain from smoking before and after surgery, as certain chemicals in cigarettes may alter the way that blood carries oxygen, which could interfere with the effectiveness of anaesthesia. Patients are cautioned to avoid certain drugs and herbal supplements, such as ginseng, gingko biloba, garlic, Vitamin E, and St. John’s Wort, which may also interfere with anaesthesia. It is crucial that you inform your surgeon of any medications, including herbal supplements, you may have taken prior to surgery.

Certain foods and medications, such as alcohol, garlic, Aspirin and some anti-inflammatories can prevent blood from clotting properly, increasing the risk of excessive bleeding during and after surgery, and potentially worsening bruising. It is best to avoid these foods in the weeks leading up to and following surgery, and to inform your surgeon if you have taken any medications or consumed any foods which are natural anticoagulants. In addition, patients are advised to avoid any strenuous activity, as well as excessive bending or stretching, as this increases the risk of tearing sutures, which may also cause excessive bleeding. Minor bleeding is normal and can be expected in the days following surgery.

Because vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure that typically involves making incisions, there is an associated risk of scarring. However, scarring is usually minimal and limited to discrete areas. Specialized laser techniques can greatly reduce the risk of scarring following vaginoplasty. Lasers cauterize as they incise, essentially sealing and sterilizing incisions as they are made. In rare cases, the formation of excess scar tissue may lead to a loss of sensitivity in the vaginal area. Your surgeon may recommend specific exercises to stimulate blood flow to the surgical area, promoting healing and discouraging the formation of excess scar tissue.

While any surgery carries some risk of infection, Clinic 360 will take the utmost care to minimize this risk. Your vaginoplasty will be performed in a clean, sterile environment that adheres to rigorous infection-sensitive standards. The procedure will also be scheduled around your menstrual cycle. Your surgeon may prescribe an oral or topical antibiotic in order to mitigate the risk of infection following surgery, and patients are advised to keep the vaginal area clean and dry following any vaginal tightening procedure. A light sanitary napkin is recommended in the days following the procedure, as well as loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.

It is important to maintain realistic expectation after undergoing a vaginal tightening procedure. Your initial consultation is the best time to discuss your expectations with your surgeon, who will describe the types of results you can anticipate. Healing times vary between women, so it is important to be patient if your recovery time is longer than average. You will be scheduled for follow-up visits to ensure your recovery is going smoothly. Mild to moderate pain and discomfort can be expected following vaginoplasty, and mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness are not uncommon. Overtightening of the vagina is possible and could lead to painful intercourse, making it crucial to discuss your expectations in detail at your initial consultation. Physical therapy and a vaginal dilator may also be suggested by your surgeon in order to alleviate this condition. Finally, it is important to be aware that undergoing vaginal tightening does not guarantee sexual satisfaction, which is complex and highly subjective.

At Clinic 360, our patients’ safety and comfort are of paramount importance, and every measure is taken to mitigate the risks associated with surgery. Our medical facilities are clean, modern, and designed with patient comfort in mind. Thorough consultations provide the opportunity for patients to express their concerns, and detailed medical records are collected. Clinic 360 employs only qualified gynaecological specialists who are highly trained in their fields. Medications are stored according to strict guidelines and the clinic adheres to rigorous infection-sensitive standards. All equipment is state-of-the-art and designed to minimize risks, such as laser technology that greatly reduces the risks of scarring, bleeding, and infection. Clinic 360 devotes substantial time to ensuring that each patient receives top quality care with the utmost attention to detail. Extensive follow-up routines ensure that patients recover smoothly, and patient satisfaction is the clinic’s number one objective.