Medical description
Vaginal tightening vaginoplasty, often combined with a perineoplasty, aims to correct laxity of the vaginal wall and perineal muscles. This laxity most often occurs after one or more vaginal deliveries, sometimes with age and hormonal changes. It may result in a feeling that the vagina is too wide, a loss of tone, discomfort or widening of the vaginal opening. The procedure involves reducing the diameter of the vagina and bringing the perineal muscles together to restore better support. It differs from surgery for prolapse or urinary incontinence, which requires a specific gynaecological or urological assessment. Pelvic floor rehabilitation remains the first-line treatment, and the surgical indication is confirmed after examination.
What the procedure can correct
- Vaginal laxity after childbirth
- Feeling that the vagina is too wide
- Loss of perineal tone
- Widening of the vaginal opening
- Uncomfortable episiotomy scar
The ideal candidate
An adult woman in good health who is no longer planning a pregnancy and experiences persistent discomfort despite properly conducted pelvic floor rehabilitation. A gynaecological examination and an up-to-date smear test are necessary. The procedure is not performed in the event of a genital infection, and smoking, clotting disorders or poorly controlled diabetes must be reported.
The technique
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia or sedation. Through a vaginal approach, with no visible external scar, the surgeon removes a strip of lining from the back wall of the vagina, brings the levator and perineal muscles together, then closes with dissolvable stitches. The diameter is precisely adjusted to preserve comfort. A vaginal pack is sometimes left in place for a few hours, and local care is prescribed during healing.
Your stay, step by step
- 1
Arrival and consultation
Welcome by your coordinator, examination and pre-operative consultation with the practitioner, who confirms the treatment plan.
- 2
Procedure
General, or local with sedation · 1–2 h
- 3
Monitoring in the clinic
Hospital stay: Day case or 1 night. The care team looks after your comfort and post-operative monitoring.
- 4
Check-up before departure
Follow-up visit, care, instructions and prescription before your flight home. Recommended stay: 6–8 days.
- 5
Remote follow-up
Back home, you send your photos and stay in touch with the practitioner through your patient area, for up to 12 months.
Risks and recovery
The usual after-effects include pain and discomfort when sitting, swelling, light bleeding and discharge during healing. Possible complications are haematoma, infection, separation of the suture, pain during intercourse, excessive or insufficient tightening, temporary urinary problems and, rarely, injury to the rectum or a fistula. Your surgeon will explain these in detail during the consultation.
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and does not replace a medical consultation. Every procedure carries risks; the indication is made by the practitioner after examination, and results vary from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
Is pregnancy possible after a vaginoplasty?
Pregnancy remains possible, but a vaginal delivery may affect the result. It is therefore preferable to consider the procedure once you have completed your family.
When will I be able to resume intercourse and sport?
It is generally necessary to wait until healing is complete, around six weeks, before resuming intercourse, baths and sports that put strain on the perineum. Your surgeon will confirm this timescale at the check-up.
Does vaginoplasty treat urinary leakage?
No, that is not its purpose. Urinary leakage or organ prolapse requires a specific assessment and, if necessary, appropriate treatment, which can be discussed with the surgeon.
