Vaginoplasty
A vaginoplasty repairs or crafts a fully functioning vagina for patients who have experienced vaginal damage or who desire gender affirming surgery.
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TAKE OUR SELF EVALUATIONBenefits of Vaginoplasty
Improved Vaginal Tightness.
Vaginoplasty enhances muscle tone and tightens the vaginal canal, addressing issues related to laxity.
Enhanced Sexual Satisfaction.
The procedure can contribute to increased sexual satisfaction for both the individual and their partner.
Increased Comfort.
Vaginoplasty can alleviate discomfort or issues caused by vaginal laxity, improving overall comfort.
Addressing Childbirth Effects.
Vaginoplasty addresses changes in the vaginal structure often associated with childbirth.
Gender Affirmation.
Vaginoplasty is a crucial component of gender-affirming surgeries for individuals seeking alignment with their gender identity.
Vaginoplasty
A vaginoplasty involves the construction or repair of the vagina, and for those identifying as female, it holds significant ties to their sense of femininity. Individuals may opt for this procedure for various reasons:
1. Vaginal Childbirth Effects: The muscles of the vagina can become loosened and stretched after vaginal childbirth, impacting both appearance and function. Issues such as urinary incontinence and changes in sexual function may arise.
2. Congenital Conditions: Some individuals assigned female at birth may be born without a vagina or with an underdeveloped one, preventing menstruation. Vaginoplasty addresses these congenital conditions.
3. Gender-Affirming Care: Male-to-female transgender individuals may choose vaginoplasty as part of their gender-affirming journey, aligning their anatomy with their gender identity.
4. Medical Conditions: Following cancer treatment or radiation, the vagina may require reshaping. In cases where it was removed during treatment, vaginoplasty offers a solution for reshaping.
The specific procedure varies based on your unique circumstances and the underlying reason for seeking a vaginoplasty.
As part of gender affirming surgery
For individuals assigned male at birth undergoing a male-to-female transition, a vaginoplasty encompasses the removal of the penis, scrotum, and testicles, complemented by the creation of a vagina positioned between the rectum and bladder. This transformative process, known as penectomy, utilizes genital tissue to craft both labia and a vaginal canal. The common approach often involves penis inversion vaginoplasties, considered a leading choice for optimal results.
To repair an injury or looseness
In a vaginoplasty aimed at addressing vaginal looseness or trauma, the procedure involves the removal of excess tissue and skin, followed by securing any loose tissue through sutures or stitches. To correct any stretching of the vaginal canal, surplus tissue is either removed or repositioned to diminish the opening leading to the vaginal canal.
For a congenital abnormality
In addressing an underdeveloped or absent vagina in individuals assigned female at birth, the procedure involves constructing a functional vagina. Any irregular vaginal structures or excess tissue are meticulously removed to prevent issues like blood pooling during menstruation.
Recovery
As part of gender affirming surgery
After your vaginoplasty, Dr. Fan will insert a conformer into your vagina to uphold its shape. Throughout this period, you will be instructed to use a dilator to maintain the openness of your vagina and attend follow-up appointments. It's common to experience swelling and potential issues such as spraying or dribbling during urination.
To repair an injury or looseness or to repair a congenital abnormality
After the surgery, you may notice mild bleeding in the area for up to 48 hours, accompanied by swelling and bruising. The use of a catheter might be necessary until your urethra heals, and you might experience temporary itchiness or numbness as your nerve endings recover. It's important to note that scarring is a natural part of the healing process and will gradually fade over time.
Am I a candidate for a vaginoplasty?
Candidates for vaginoplasties are those seeking to address concerns related to the loss of vaginal tightness, often resulting from factors such as aging, vaginal trauma, or childbirth. Additionally, individuals undergoing gender affirmation care may choose a vaginoplasty as part of their transition journey. The procedure aims to restore sensation during sexual activity and improve the overall tightness of the vaginal tissue.
Vaginoplasty in San Francisco, CA
Vaginoplasties help women regain vaginal tightness, whether it's been lost due to injury, childbirth, or specific medical conditions, or as part of their gender affirmation journey. At 77 Plastic Surgery, Dr. Fan works to help every woman in their journey toward reaffirming her femininity and restoring vaginal function. To learn more about vaginoplasties and whether one is right for you, contact our office to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a vaginoplasty?
A vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure that involves constructing or repairing the vagina.
2. Why do individuals choose to undergo a vaginoplasty?
Reasons include addressing issues from vaginal childbirth, congenital conditions, gender affirmation, and resolving medical conditions.
3. How is a vaginoplasty performed for male-to-female transgender individuals?
It involves a penectomy, removal of the scrotum and testicles, and creation of a vagina using genital tissue, often utilizing penis inversion techniques.
4. What happens during a vaginoplasty to repair looseness or trauma?
Excess tissue and skin are removed, and loose tissue is secured with sutures or stitches to address stretching of the vaginal canal.
5. How is a functioning vagina constructed for individuals with underdeveloped or missing vaginas?
Abnormal structures and excess tissue are removed to prevent blood pooling during menstruation.
6. What care is required post-vaginoplasty?
Following surgery, patients may use a conformer and dilator to maintain the vagina's shape, attend follow-up appointments, and manage postoperative symptoms like swelling and urinary changes.
7. What are common postoperative symptoms after vaginoplasty?
Patients may experience light bleeding, swelling, bruising, use a catheter until urethral healing, and encounter temporary itchiness or numbness as nerve endings heal.
8. Who are suitable candidates for vaginoplasties?
Candidates are individuals seeking to address vaginal laxity due to various causes, restore sexual sensation, or undergo gender affirmation care.
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