Vaginoplasty and Sensitivity: Everything You Need to Know

Do you find it more and more difficult to achieve orgasm or to experience true pleasure during sexual intercourse? Or does having sex cause you physical pain, impeding your intimate life with your spouse or partner? If you answer yes to any of those questions, one possibility you might consider is that your vagina has changed, making it more challenging for you to enjoy a full, pleasurable sex life.

This is an all-too-common reality, but thankfully, there are ways to address it. In some instances, a good course of action may be to seek surgery, specifically a vaginoplasty from a cosmetic gynecologist. This is a treatment we offer to our patients at Sugar Land Medical Spa in Houston, TX.

However, it is important to know some of the basics of the procedure and better understand its effects on sexual pleasure and vaginal sensitivity. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about getting a vaginoplasty.

Common Questions About Vaginoplasty and Sensitivity

What Is Vaginoplasty?

Most basically, vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure that is used to tighten the vagina. This treatment is often recommended for women who feel a general “looseness” in their genital area, who are unhappy with the appearance of their vagina, or who wish to increase their sexual pleasure.

More specifically, a vaginoplasty reduces the diameter of the vagina while tightening both the external and internal vaginal canals. Note that vaginoplasty is different from labiaplasty, which involves the removal of excess skin and tissue from the inner lips of the vagina.

Once you heal from a vaginoplasty, the result should be a notable difference in the appearance, tightness, and firmness of your vagina.

Will Getting Vaginoplasty Increase My Sexual Sensitivity and Pleasure?

One of the primary reasons why women seek vaginoplasty is because they wish to increase their sexual pleasure. A vaginoplasty can accomplish this in a couple of different ways:

1. Because a vaginoplasty makes your vagina appear more youthful, it can increase your sense of confidence. This can carry over into greater pleasure during sex.
2. A vaginoplasty also tightens your vagina, increasing friction. As such, most patients find that having a vaginoplasty performed increases their vaginal sensitivity.

While it cannot be guaranteed that a vaginoplasty will make your sex life better, most women who have their surgery performed tell us that there is a considerable increase in their sensitivity and arousal.

What Are the Other Benefits of Vaginoplasty?

In addition to improving your sex life and vaginal sensitivity, a vaginoplasty procedure can help in other ways, too.

For example, by reducing the diameter of the vaginal canal, vaginoplasty can eliminate problems such as unwanted noise, trapped air, and loose tampons. It can also provide aesthetic improvements, particularly if you have vaginal tissue that protrudes out past the labia.

Am I a Good Candidate for Vaginoplasty?

Generally speaking, ideal candidates for vaginoplasty are women who are not experiencing enough sensation during sex or whose partner is not experiencing enough sensation during sex. Additionally, candidates should be in good health overall and not have any underlying conditions that could prevent them from proper healing.

Is Experiencing Vaginoplasty Painful?

Rest assured that patient comfort and well-being are top priorities for us. As such, we provide anesthesia options to all our patients, allowing them to “sleep” through their surgical procedure to minimize discomfort during the procedure. In other words, you will not experience any pain during the vaginoplasty procedure itself.

What Can I Expect from My Vaginoplasty Recovery?

As for the recovery from vaginoplasty, you can anticipate some bruising and swelling around the treatment area. This usually lasts for one or two weeks. You will also experience some discomfort, though the pain can be mediated with either over-the-counter or prescription pain medications.

Most patients will want to take one or two weeks off from work following their vaginoplasty. However, you will need to wait up to six weeks before resuming strenuous exercise or other vigorous physical activity.

It is pretty common to have some spotting for a few days following your vaginoplasty, and we recommend wearing pads.

How Long Do I Have to Wait Before I Can Have Sex?

When you get vaginal rejuvenation, it is only natural for you to feel eager to resume sexual activity. Indeed, many women who have a vaginoplasty performed are enthusiastic about exploring their newfound vaginal sensitivity.

However, it is critical not to rush back into sex (or tampon use). Doing so may actually compromise your vaginoplasty results. Usually, we will recommend that you avoid sexual activity for about four to six weeks. This can vary from one patient to the next, however, and you will always want to heed the specific instructions from your cosmetic gynecologist.

Should I Have My Vaginoplasty Performed By a Cosmetic Gynecologist or By a Plastic Surgeon?

Both cosmetic gynecologists and plastic surgeons may offer vaginoplasty, but a cosmetic gynecologist is considered a specialist. Their practice revolves around vaginoplasty and labiaplasty procedures, and they have the experience required for a safe and successful surgery. They are very familiar with trauma after vaginal birth and non-healing scars post-pregnancy.

Something else to remember is that plastic surgeons usually focus mostly on aesthetics, while a cosmetic gynecologist will also have the skills and knowledge necessary to optimize your sensitivity and sexual pleasure.

How Much Will It Cost to Have a Vaginoplasty Performed?

The cost of the procedure can vary from one patient to the next, and it depends on a number of factors, including:

• The degree of tightening required; for vaginoplasties that require a simpler procedure, the cost is usually less.
• Whether or not you combine your vaginoplasty with related procedures, such as perineoplasty.

To get an individualized estimate schedule a consultation with your cosmetic gynecologist.

Are There Non-surgical Alternatives to Vaginoplasty?

You may decide that you want to rejuvenate your vagina but do not want to deal with anesthesia or with surgical downtime.

If that is the case, there are certainly some non-surgical alternatives, and your cosmetic gynecologist can provide you with a list. Some of the most popular non-surgical treatments for vaginal rejuvenation include EMFEMME 360™ and BTL EMSELLA®.

Note that while these treatments can produce great results, Dr. Evans is also specialized in the O-shot®. This can be given at the time of your procedure to optimize results.

Are There Any Risks to Having Vaginoplasty Performed?

You can minimize risks by finding a qualified provider, such as a cosmetic gynecologist and board-certified OB-GYN, who can determine your eligibility for surgery and promote high standards of care. Additionally, make sure you closely follow any aftercare instructions you are given, which can help with a smooth, uncomplicated recovery.

How Long Does a Vaginoplasty Procedure Take to Perform?

A vaginoplasty usually takes somewhere between one and two hours to complete, though this can vary from patient to patient, just depending on the complexity of the procedure.

How Do I Know Whether I Need Vaginoplasty or Labiaplasty?

Vaginoplasty and labiaplasty procedures are not the same, though they can accomplish some of the same results. Both can help you achieve greater vaginal sensitivity and increase your experience of sexual pleasure.

Each treatment is individualized and specific to the patient’s needs. Dr. Evans’s office offers a wide variety of treatments to fit your needs. This is what makes Sugarland Medical Spa special. With that in mind, it is generally advisable to consult with a cosmetic gynecologist in order to determine whether your needs would be most effectively met through labiaplasty, vaginoplasty, or a combination of both procedures.

Learn More About Vaginoplasty Surgery from Sugar Land Medical Spa

For women who long to experience a richer, fuller, more satisfying sex life, vaginoplasty can be an ideal solution. The most effective way to learn more about the procedure, and your eligibility for it, is to meet with a cosmetic gynecologist.

If you live in Houston, TX, or the surrounding area, we invite you to contact Dr. Evans at Sugar Land Medical Spa. As a cosmetic gynecologist and board-certified OB-GYN, she has 20+ years of experience performing vaginal rejuvenation. Reach out to our office to make an appointment today.