GENITAL SURGERY OVERVIEW

Hymenoplasty is a thin membrane-like tissue which covers the opening of the vagina. It has a small opening to allow for menstrual fluids to come out. When it ruptures, tiny fibrous remnants are left attached to the walls of the vagina. These remnants are identified, and under general anaesthetic, they are repaired. If enough remnants are not available, small flaps of vaginal lining are used to reconstruct the hymen. This latter procedure is called hymenoplasty. Once it is fully healed, the opening becomes small and repeat sexual intercourse will re-rupture the hymen and bleed. For the sake of traditional beliefs and values, it is important for some women that at the first sexual intercourse after marriage the hymen bleeds. It is essentially suction of lipid or fat below the skin through small incisions and using a cannula and a suction device. A fluid is first injected in the fat to reduce the blood flow and dissolve the fat, hence it is also called Tumescent liposuction

This is a fairly simple procedure and does not have any major complications. Infection, soreness, delayed healing. Excessive tightness of the hole or failure of the hymen to rupture are also some of the rare complications. Very rarely, if it fails to rupture, it may need to be incised and cut.

You will be advised to rest i.e not do a lot of physical activity for approximately one week. You can continue with your normal light activity a couple of days after surgery. You can start taking your normal shower two days after surgery. You may be advised to douche the area with clean water or an antiseptic solution.

The cost will vary on whether there are remnants available for hymen restoration or local flaps have to be made for reconstruction. After a consultation, your surgeon will be in a better position to advise you.

It usually takes an hour to an hour and a half.

No, we do hymenoplasty procedure as a day surgery. You can go home after this procedure is done.

It is not a very painful procedure. It is perfectly bearable with oral painkillers.

It usually heals in approximately one week.

It is most likely to bleed once re-rupture, however, just as in case of primary rupture, there is no guarantee that it will bleed significantly enough to be noticed. You may also have a few spots of bleeding which can be missed.

You would be advised to abstain from sex for at least approximately three to four week after surgery.

The laxity can be due to childbirth, from aging or even due to episiotomy (cut) made to help the baby pass through the canal.

Most of the patients are able to return to work on the day after the vaginoplasty procedure. However strenuous activities should be avoided for about 6 weeks.

Unless you undergo labiaplasty along with vaginoplasty, there should not be any change in the appearance of your vagina.

The vaginoplasty procedure is usually done under General or epidural anaesthesia. Your Aesthetic surgeon will make incisions in the vagina so that loose muscles can be tightened or shortened. Vaginal lining (mucosa) is reduced so as to reduce the diameter of the vaginal opening. Excess skin may also be removed. After this process is done, any incisions are closed with sutures and the area is dressed.

Expect some tenderness, bruising and swelling in the area which should subside once healed. We advise patients to refrain from sexual intercourse and the use of tampons for a period of4-6 weeks, so as to facilitate the recovery process. You should also avoid the lifting of heavy objects as well.

Patients can expect a recovery of about one to two weeks after the surgery. You might experience some light bleeding and soreness during the first day after surgery. Bruising and mild swelling may occur but usually fade within one to two days. You will be advised to do Kegels Exercises before and after the surgery to tighten the pelvic muscles.

The most common factors that contribute to labial enlargement are pregnancy, childbirth, genetics and ageing. There might be some other factors like body modification (such as piercing) and repeated trauma.

Yes, labiaplasty will not impede your ability to bear kids. This surgical procedure does not in any way affect the womb or ovaries, and it doesn’t close off or tighten the vagina.

The procedure can be done either under local or general anaesthetics. The procedure involves very small sections that allow excess tissue to be removed and allows a visually pleasing shape to be created with the labia. There is no pain and virtually no bleeding during the surgery. The sections are made with great care, within the natural folds and creases so that, in time, scarring will be almost invisible. The sutures used are dissolvable and therefore will not need to be removed. If the labia majora are too small, your own body fat can be harvested from tummy or inner thighs, processed and injected into the labia majora to augment them. If, on the other hand, your labia majora are too prominent, they can be reduced by liposuction.

It depends greatly on the procedure, but on average most patients can retain their normal routine within 3 to 7 days. This varies with the type of operation being performed. It also depends on the individual. Some people bruise easily, while others don’t. Generally there will be swelling and some bruising after surgery. Both will usually disappear over a week or two. The final result can usually be expected after a few months.

As with any operation there are certain risks. The most common risks include bleeding, infection and scarring. Although these events are not frequent, they can sometimes occur. All potential risks and complications should be discussed with you during your consultation for this procedure. There can be numbness in the labia majora after liposuction or fat grafting that may take up to six weeks to clear off.

Up to fifty percent of injected fat may get absorbed. Whatever is left survives lasting. It should give more fullness roundness, firmness to the outer lips of the vulva. The stem cells in the fat help in improving the tone and texture of the skin and thus give an overall effect of rejuvenation.