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Difference between Vaginal Tightening and Vaginoplasty

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Arti Sharma
Written by Hexahealth Care Team, last updated on 12 December 2023| min read
Difference between Vaginal Tightening and Vaginoplasty

Quick Summary

  • The human body evolves by the second, and there are many parts and organs that change their shape, composure, and strength owing to a magnitude of reasons
  • Like any other body part, the female genital tract (Vagina) is also prone to many conditions
  • These issues include changes in vaginal elasticity, pelvic floor diseases, and other complications that might require either cosmetic (Vaginal Tightening) or surgical (Vaginoplasty) procedures for redressal

The human body evolves by the second, and there are many parts and organs that change their shape, composure, and strength owing to a magnitude of reasons.

Like any other body part, the female genital tract (Vagina) is also prone to many conditions. These issues include changes in vaginal elasticity, pelvic floor diseases, and other complications that might require either cosmetic (Vaginal Tightening) or surgical (Vaginoplasty) procedures for redressal.

What is a Vaginoplasty?

The term vaginoplasty has many meanings; however, it is generally a surgical procedure used to reconstruct or repair the female vagina. The intricacies of the procedure may vary since they differ according to the needs and expectations of the patient.

While looking from a general viewpoint, vaginoplasty is a reconstructive surgery that is used to improve the functionality of the vagina. The procedures are widely undertaken to restore the vagina's shape and size so that the patients can perform normal activities like urination, menstruation, and even intercourse.

Vaginoplasty is also combined with various other surgeries for specific purposes. In the case of gender affirmation surgery for transgender people, it is used to construct the vagina after removing the male genitals.

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How is a Vaginoplasty performed?

The vaginoplasty procedure varies according to the situation at hand depending on whether the surgery is conducted for vaginal reconstruction or gender affirmation. 

In the case of injuries during childbirth

  1. At the beginning of the procedure, the extra skin is removed from the area.
  2. Post that, sutures are used to secure the loose tissue (partly/entirely).
  3. The opening size of the vagina is reduced, and stitches are used again.

In the case of congenital defects

  1. Creation of a functional vagina to restore senses in that area.
  2. Removal of excessive tissue or any other foreign structures that aren’t common.
  3. Prevention of blood pools during menstruation.

In the case of gender affirmation

  1. A variation of the penile inversion method is followed to partially remove the male genitalia for certain redevelopments.
  2. The vaginal vault is created between the rectum and the urethra alongside the vaginal lining created from the penile skin.

Who needs a Vaginoplasty?

As mentioned above, there can be multiple occasions where a vaginoplasty can be deemed to be necessary. These include:

  1. Restoring the ability of childbirth.
  2. Reconstruction of the vagina post-trauma and radiation.
  3. Treating congenital disorders (anomalies present since birth).
  4. Gender affirmation surgeries.

What Is Vaginal Tightening?

The female vagina is prone to changes in elasticity owing to the inevitable process of ageing and childbirth. As a resolution, vaginal tightening works as a cosmetic procedure that focuses on tightening up the vaginal opening and the muscles that support it. 

These procedures are also termed designer vagina procedures that are marketed with uniquely different value propositions, including self-esteem boost and extended self-confidence. Off late, laser technology has also made the cut to replace the scalpel for vaginal rejuvenation and tightening.

Vaginal tightening is a cosmetic procedure performed to rejuvenate the vaginal area, but it is not used to tackle any anomaly that affects the body. It is a completely optional procedure based on the interests of the patient.

Who needs Vaginal Tightening?

Vaginal tightening is an elective procedure; therefore, there are no fixed parameters regarding who should opt for it. Although there are various notions for marketing these surgeries depicting benefits like:

  1. Attaining higher levels of self-confidence
  2. Revamping the aesthetical beauty
  3. It helps in regaining the sexual pleasure
  4. It helps to nullify the effects of ageing

Undertaking a vaginal tightening procedure also helps to cure conditions like dryness, excessive discharge, and recurring infections in the vaginal area.

How is Vaginal Tightening performed?

Here are the various steps that undergo during a vaginal tightening procedure:

  1. The process begins with ascertaining the amount of tightening that is required by the patient.
  2. Once this is determined, the medical practitioner determines a  pie-shaped wedge to mark aside the extra skin which will be required to remove.
  3. Post the excess skin removal, the walls of the vagina regain strength with the help of sturdy sutures holding it in place.
  4. In the end, the mucosal skin is sealed with sutures.

Difference Between Vaginal Tightening And Vaginoplasty

There are fundamental differences between both procedures, and it is imperative for you to know all these pointers beforehand.

POD

Vaginoplasty Vaginal Tightening

Procedure

Vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure

Vaginal Tightening is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure
Pain Involved There is vaginal pain for the first week, and the discomfort may continue for up to three weeks as a common side effect.

No pain experienced under anaesthesia with none to little postoperative effects

Anaesthesia Required. Any between local and general anaesthesia can be opt. Required. Any between local and general anaesthesia can be opt. (Not required for laser procedure)
Target Area and Action Aims to reconstruct the vagina to restore functionality Addressing the loosening and laxity of the vaginal wall
Benefits Reconstruction of the vagina to restore the functionality of the organ, Gender affirmation Aesthetic beauty restoration of the vagina boosts self-confidence
Hospitalisation Yes, typically for 24 to 48 hours. No, The procedures usually conclude in 25 to 90 minutes
Recovery Minimum 6 weeks Immediate recovery
Results It is a permanent surgery that focuses on reconstruction and thus has long-lasting effects (for the next 10 to 12 years or until the next pregnancy) Effects appear after a minimum of three to four sittings
Repeat Session Not required Depending on the treatment. If it is a laser, there will be repeat sessions in 15 to 20 days.

What are the risks associated with Vaginal Tightening and Vaginoplasty?

There are a variety of things that you should be mindful of while undertaking any of these procedures. The risks include:

Vaginal Tightening 

Vaginoplasty
Constant pain and irritation Vaginal stenosis
Scarring Minimal Scarring
Rupture of sutures No sutures are used
Vaginal infection Minimal Vaginal infection

Both procedures may risk the loss of sensation in the areas it is done. Although the procedures are extremely safe and secure, it is imperative to know the risks before taking the final decision.

Dos And Don'ts after the procedures

To gain full recovery with evident results, you must follow this list of dos and don'ts to steer clear of complexities. Post-operative care holds paramount importance in the efficiency of both procedures.

Dos Don'ts
Occasional showers are fine to maintain the general level of hygiene Avoid Long baths or submerging yourself into the water for up to 8 weeks
Get a doughnut ring, and sit on it to relax the muscles No need to panic about swelling, vaginal discharge, and bleeding for up to 8 weeks
Walk slowly to provide ample movement without exerting pressure Don’t Indulge in sexual intercourse for a minimum duration of 3 to 6 weeks
Do ice therapy every hour for the first week after the surgery Don’t  Smoke or consume any type of tobacco products
Have a balanced diet with ample amount of nutrition Don’t take painkillers often, and save the consumption for necessary situations only
Use the dilatator religiously as per your prescription Avoid heavy workouts and any other strenuous activity

Postoperative care can demand some attention and effort from your end; however, it is necessary to follow these things alongside scheduling visits with your doctor regularly.

Takeaway

Vaginoplasty and vaginal tightening provide some of the same benefits to females but address different problems. If you have to reconstruct or repair the vagina then you may want to consider vaginoplasty. If you have to tighten up the vaginal opening and the muscles that support it then you may consider vaginal tightening.

Connect with the medical experts from HexaHealth to weigh your options for selecting the best procedure according to your medical history.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to tighten the vaginal walls is through exercises, cosmetic, and surgical procedures. You can opt for vaginoplasty in the case of reconstruction and vaginal tightening for aesthetic amplification.

Vaginal rejuvenation is an umbrella term that comprises several surgical procedures focused on restoring the elasticity and tightness of the female vagina. These procedures include cosmetic surgeries like vaginal tightening, G-spot amplification and clitoral unhooding alongside the surgical alternative of vaginoplasty.

No. vaginoplasty includes a surgical procedure that is undertaken to improve the functionality of the vagina by repair and reconstruction, whereas vaginal tightening is a cosmetic procedure that aims at the amplification of the vagina after the effects of ageing and childbirth.

Both procedures are different, and therefore a comparison between them does not hold relevance. Vaginal tightening is a cosmetic procedure, whereas vaginoplasty is a reconstructive surgical procedure.

Vaginal tightening is a cosmetic procedure that you can opt for according to your preferences. In general, females who lose elasticity in their vaginas due to the impacts of ageing, alongside experiencing dryness, excessive discharge, and recurring infections opt for this procedure to rejuvenate their vaginas.

Vaginoplasty can be required in the below-mentioned cases:

  1. Restoring the ability of childbirth
  2. Reconstruction of the vagina post-trauma and radiation
  3. Treating congenital disorders (anomalies present since birth)
  4. Gender affirmation surgeries
  5. Urinary incontinences

If proper post-operative care is provided to the body, both procedures can have lifelong effects. However, from a statistical viewpoint, vaginoplasty lasts for around 10 to 12 years, or until the next pregnancy whereas in the case of vaginal tightening, multiple sittings are required every couple of years.

Vaginal rejuvenation includes several surgeries that are focused on solving specific issues. For example, in a labiaplasty, the size and position of the labia are fixed, whereas, in clitoral unhooding, the tissue surrounding the clitoris is lessened.

A surgical vaginal rejuvenation typically lasts for a lifetime if there are no complications in the surgery.

Even though there is no rule of thumb to say for sure, a patient undergoing vaginoplasty typically heals within six weeks post-surgery to experience a lifetime of relief.

Even though there is no rule of thumb to say for sure, a patient undergoing vaginoplasty typically heals within six weeks post-surgery to experience a lifetime of relief.

Yes, it takes around six weeks for the vagina to heal properly if the post-operative instructions are followed religiously.

Your medical practitioner will inject a dose of general anaesthesia to ensure that you do not feel anything during the surgery. Even after the surgery, the symptoms are extremely mild and manageable.

The cost of a vaginoplasty can differ between INR 60,000 and INR 1,00,000, depending upon the required procedure.

Yes, even though the procedure reports a high success rate without complications, there can be some side effects like bleeding, vaginal discharge, loss of sensation, swelling, and even vaginal stenosis.

Femilift is a modern procedure that aims at the vaginal regeneration process with minimal invasion and maximum results. In this treatment, the Alma CO2 laser is used to aid in vaginal revitalization.

Last Updated on: 12 December 2023

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational and learning purposes only. It doesn't cover every medical condition and might not be relevant to your personal situation. This information isn't medical advice, isn't meant for diagnosing any condition, and shouldn't replace talking to a certified medical or healthcare professional.

Reviewer

Dr. Arti Sharma

Dr. Arti Sharma

MBBS, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Diploma In Cosmetic Gynaecology

9 Years Experience

Dr Arti Sharma is a well-known Obstetrician and Cosmetic Gynaecologist currently associated with Aesthetica Veda in Bengaluru. She has 9 years of experience in Obstetrics and Cosmetic Gynaecology and worked as an expert Obstetrician...View More

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HexaHealth Care Team brings you medical content covering many important conditions, procedures falling under different medical specialities. The content published is thoroughly reviewed by our panel of qualified doctors for its accuracy and relevance.

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