Vaginoplasty is also known as vagina tightening. It is a surgical procedure that aims to improve the tone of the vagina by tightening up the muscles in the vagina and the supporting tissues around it. Many patients opt for a vaginoplasty operation after child-birth or after the menopause when there may be a distinct loss in the tightness and tone of the vagina, or just for those people who are looking for the perfect ‘designer vagina’.

The surgery
Vaginal tightening surgery normally takes around an hour. Some patients will be given the full general anaesthetic whereas other will be give a local anaesthetic, sometimes also with sedation. This means that normally the patient will require an overnight stay in hospital.

There are several different methods that are used some operations will use traditional surgical methods whereas others will use a laser. The actual operation normally involves joining the stretched muscle at the back of the vagina together and shortening it before removing any excess or unwanted skin. This reduces the amount of excess vaginal lining and tightens the vaginal muscles. All the scarring from the operation is in the vagina itself and should therefore not be visible.

After surgery, the patient may experience some discomfort and swelling for around a fortnight. Most patients will be allowed back to work within a week of surgery, although patients should avoid heavy lifting or physical activity for around six weeks. Sexual intercourse can normally be resumed around 6 to 8 weeks after the surgery.

As with any cosmetic surgery, there are risks involved. One of the main risks associated with vaginoplasty operations is that of the vagina being overtightened which can lead to urine retention.

It is important that you are completely happy with both your surgeon and the operation itself. Click here to see our free guide to choosing a good surgeon. If you have any concerns about either your surgeon or the operation itself, it may be worth exploring other options such as pelvic floor exercises that may boost your vaginal tightness without the need for an operation.