Vaginoplasty: Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

The surgeon and the anesthesiologist will give you an overview of the procedure. They will prescribe an antianxiety medication to help you relax. During a penile inversion vaginoplasty, you would be in general anesthesia. The procedure is slightly complex and involves some delicate tissues, nerve fibers, and vasculature. The testicles are then removed and discarded. The new vaginal cavity is sharply carved out between the rectum and the urethra. A penile prosthesis is slowly inserted into the cavity to give the shape. The skin is then removed from the penis. The skin forms a pouch-like structure that is inverted and sutured.

A triangular piece is gently removed to form the clitoris. The urethra is then removed, curtailed, and well-prepared for repositioning just before the remaining parts are amputated and discarded.

All parts are sutured together and then bandages are applied. The whole procedure will take 2-4 hours. The bandages and the catheter remain in place for 4 days, and time postoperative steps should be taken.

Postoperative Complications and Risks

There are some risks associated with surgery, however, vaginoplasty complications are very rare. Infections can usually be treated with antibiotics. Some postsurgical risks include:

• Rupture of the sutures
• Urinary retention
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Skin or clitoral necrosis
• Vaginal prolapse
• Fistulas

Benefits of Vaginoplasty

More enjoyment during intimacy

• Improved self-confidence
• More strength and control of vaginal muscles
• Designed as per your individual needs
• Enhance sexual gratification
• Improve the partner's sexual experience
• Restore tightness to the vaginal area
• See improvement to the appearance of the treated area
• Treat existing medical conditions like urinary incontinence

Follow-Up Care

The long-term success of vaginoplasty depends on how properly you follow the postoperative instructions. The surgeon would give you a vaginal dilatator once your bandages are removed. This device should be used for at least a year to maintain vaginal depth and girth.

Your surgeon will provide you a dilation schedule. It involves inserting the dilator for about 10 minutes, three a per day for the first 3 months and one time per day for the next 3 months. You will do it 2-3 times per week for at least 1 year. The diameter of the dilator would also increase as the months pass by.

During recovery, you must not insert anything into the vaginal canal and should avoid sexual intercourse for about 6 weeks. Don’t submerge the vagina and you should avoid swimming, baths, and hot tubs. Tough exercise and activities like cycling, horseback riding, and motorcycle riding must be avoided during the recovery.