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What is intimate surgery?

In the case of a vaginoplasty, women may feel that their genital muscles have become stretched (perhaps as the result of childbirth or ageing) and they want to restore their tone. Vaginoplasty decreases the diameter of the vagina to improve its strength.

Labiaplasty, meanwhile, reshapes the labia to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. There are many reasons why a woman chooses to have labia surgery. This may range from a perception of how she looks to discomfort caused by wearing tight clothes or exercising.

Realistic expectations

You must have realistic expectations about what intimate surgery can achieve for you. It will not change your personality or make people treat you differently. Everyone is individual and surgery will not transform you into someone else. It is critical that you spend time thinking about what you want to achieve and talk about your hopes with your surgeon.

What happens during consultation?

The surgeon will discuss your medical history and want to know why you want intimate surgery to gain a complete understanding of what you want to achieve. It is important that you are honest and your expectations are realistic.

Getting the most out of your consultancy

Often in cases where clients are unhappy with the results of surgery it is because they did not discuss their expectations thoroughly or were afraid to talk about the outcome or risks.

You have to make an informed decision before signing the consent form so ask plenty of questions. You want to feel relaxed, confident and completely understand what will happen during surgery.

You may want to know:

About the surgeon’s qualifications.

How many operations of your procedure are carried out each year.

How you prepare for the surgery.

What realistic results can be expected and when.

How long the results will last.

About the side-effects and possible complications.

How long it will take to recover.

About the extent of scarring and how it will change in time.

What happens if anything goes wrong.

Preparing for surgery

Avoid alcohol, aspirin, garlic and food oils a least a week before surgery as they can cause excessive bleeding.

The surgeon and anaesthetist (if necessary) need to know your medical history and if you are on medication.

You will be advised of any health checks or X-rays required before your procedure.

Prior to surgery you will be met by your surgeon who will assess and discuss your queries.

Try and give up smoking a couple of weeks before your procedure as it interferes with healing processes.

What happens during intimate surgery?

Labiaplasty: Under local anesthesia, excess skin is gently removed to create the desired shape of the labia in an operation that lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Vaginaoplasty: During surgery the vaginal vault and the pelvic floor are decreased in size and the key muscles of the vagina are strengthened. The ‘G-spot’ area is unaffected by the procedure.

After surgery

Labiaplasty: the patient can usually return home immediately to normal activities.

Intercourse can be resumed within seven to 10 days.

There is only minimal discomfort that soon disappears.

Swelling is mild and there is usually no bruising.

Vaginaoplasty: after surgery the patient can normally walk comfortably within a few days.

The patient can return to sexual activity within four to six weeks.

Your surgeon will visit and advise you when you can leave.

After the surgery it is likely that you will experience some pain and discomfort

You should not drive for two days after anaesthetic.

Avoid alcohol, aspirin, garlic, food oils and smoking as these can interfere with the body’s healing processes.

Road to recovery

If the surgeon recommends that you take medication make sure you complete the course.

Your treated areas are likely to feel sore, so take it easy and get plenty of rest.

The surgeon will advise you of when you can return to physical activity.

You must contact your doctor if you suffer from an abnormally high temperature, severe pain that is not treated with Paracetemol or if you experience severe bleeding.

If you are in doubt about any of the post operative effects speak to your surgeon.

All surgery carries an element of risk

Most people believe that the benefits of surgery far outweigh the risk. However before you sign the surgery consent form you should be aware of any possible complications and side effects.

Complications associated with any type of surgery include problems healing, the danger of infection and the potential formation of clots that may be life-threatening. Excessive bleeding or bleeding under the skin, known as a haematoma, may require a return visit to the surgery. Some patients may also have an allergic reaction to anaesthesia. In a minority of cases there may be a problem with fluid loss or an excessive build up of fluid that needs to be drained.

Complications are rare and depend greatly on individual circumstances such as a person’s health, age, skin type or extent of the procedure. Your surgeon will be able to explain how the risks apply in your circumstances.