Vaginoplasty Surgery

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon – Dr. Michael Anthony Pasquale D.O. specializes in labiaplasty, vaginoplasty and many other female cosmetic surgery procedures at his Plastic Surgery Hawaii Honolulu clinic.

After the birth of a child, the muscle tone of the vagina often becomes loose resulting in diminished strength of the vaginal muscles. The vaginal tissues can stretch. Multiple child births can obviously cause a stressful expansion of the vaginal walls and enlargement of the vaginal opening. This, along with aging can cause incontinence, or a reduction in sexual enjoyment as the frictional force generated between genital organs is lessened. Some women elect to have vaginoplasty surgery to repair a badly healed incision from episiotomy from child birth at the muscle (perineum) between the vagina and the anus.

Increased Sensitivity

Many women who have not given birth to a child just want to increase their sexual pleasure through vaginal rejuvenation. Vaginoplasty is performed to rejuvenate and tighten a women’s vagina by decreasing the diameter of the vaginal walls resulting in increased friction during intercourse. By removing excess lining and repairing the soft tissue, this procedure returns the vagina to a “pre pregnancy” state and creates greater contraction, strength and tone, which can permit greater sensation during sexual intercourse. Vaginoplasty is primarily a reconstructive procedure as compared to labiaplasty which many times is done for pure cosmetic reasons.

Vaginoplasty Surgery in Honolulu Hawaii

Dr. Michael Pasquale is a vaginoplasty surgeon in Hawaii having performed many procedures to tighten the vaginal canal as well as redo perineal tears that healed badly. He has been performing this procedure dating back to 1990’s with his general surgery background and plastic reconstructive training. If you have problem in the vaginal area he may be able to help. Procedures vary with the exact condition.

The exact procedure elected to be performed may vary depending on the tissue needing restoration, combined with the desires of the patient. Vaginoplasty literally means plastic surgery of the vagina. It is not a specific procedure, but vaginoplasty is a general term covering several types of reconstructive surgery. The vaginal wall muscle may need reconstruction or there may simply be the need of removing some of the inner lining of the vaginal vault. The exact procedure can only be determined by examination at consultation.

Vaginoplasty can be combined with other female genital surgery such as labiaplasty or with other cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction or tummy tuck. These mommy makeovers are extremely popular at our Honolulu Hawaii clinic and Dr. Pasquale and his expert team is here to handle your needs. If you are traveling from the mainland, Europe or Asia, arrangements can be made for the examination one day prior to the procedure.

Vaginoplasty Cost

The cost of vaginoplasty can vary greatly depending on the extent of the procedure, the individual surgeon and location. Vaginoplasty is a broad term for this type of procedure and simply means plastic surgery of the vaginal area. There may be only a required simple tightening or could be a full reconstruction of the entire vaginal canal within tissue flaps. All of these procedures can rightfully be called vaginoplasty.

Reputable surgeons in the United States charge from $3000 up to $10000 which may or may not include operating room fee, nursing and anesthesia. Make sure you have the total cost when you have your consultation for vaginoplasty.

The cost factors are many and some Vaginoplasty surgeries may require more time thus more cost. Less developed countries like Thailand and India may charge substantially less for vaginoplasty. However it may be very difficult to assess the quality, as some countries do not have the stringent regulatory oversight as they do in the United States.

Vaginoplasty Specialists aren’t common

When considering the cost of vaginoplasty make sure your surgeon is experienced and qualified. Board Certification is yet one measure, but how long the surgeon has been in practice is yet another. Most important is that you feel comfortable with your surgeon and his staff.

We do all we can to make your cost affordable with out compromising quality at our Hawaii Clinic for Vaginoplasty. Yet remember the cost of vaginoplasty is just one factor in making your decision regarding vaginoplasty.

Vaginoplasty Recovery

Dr. Pasquale and his staff want to make certain you have a comfortable recovery. We do all we can to make sure that you do not have pain or feel anxious after surgery.

For discomfort oral pain medications are administered and prescribed to reduce any pain. Antibiotics will be taken the day before surgery to reduce the risk of any infection. We also use dissolvable sutures so there are no stitches to be removed which adds to overall comfort.

Our patients come in the day after surgery for a post-operative check up and for our staff to reinforce your instructions. Additionally we just want to make sure there are no potential problems after surgery.

All patients heal at different rates and will react differently to surgery. As a result each individual patients length of recovery will vary. Patients may have the labia and surrounding tissue to be slightly bruised and slightly swollen for several weeks after the surgery. Many patients heal surprisingly quickly and notice little discomfort bruising or swelling.

Most of our patients can relax at the beach or home within a day or so depending on the extent of the procedure. Dr. Pasquale and his staff will provide you specific individual guidance as you heal after vaginoplasty.

Post Operative Care & Instructions

It is important that patients follow all post-op instructions after vaginoplasty given by Dr. Pasquale and his team after surgery. Urgent questions can be answered 24 hours day by calling his answering service at 808-524-2575. In the case of life threatening emergency one should call 911.

During your short term recovery, female hygiene products, sexual intercourse or strenuous exercise must be avoided for 4-6 weeks. This will best promote healing and reduce any risk of complication. Many patients will be able to return to light work in 3-5 days. Generally any strenuous activity can be resumed 4 to 6 weeks, but Dr. Pasquale and his team will advise you on an individual basis.

Vaginoplasty Final REsults

The final result can usually be seen after 2-3 months after the procedure. After healing, the incisions are rarely visible and there should not be noticed that any surgery was done.

Oral medications are administered and prescribed to reduce pain, as are oral antibiotics to reduce the risk of any infection occurring. Dissolvable sutures are used, so there are no stitches to be removed. Patients are instructed to come in the day after surgery for a post-op check up to evaluate your progress. All patients heal at different rates and react differently to surgery with varying lengths of recovery. Patients can expect the labia and surrounding tissue to be slightly bruised and swollen for several weeks after the surgery.

Vaginoplasty Healing

It is extremely important that patients follow all post-op instructions given by Dr. Pasquale after their surgery. This is the only way to ensure quality, predictable results and faster healing, as well as improved comfort during recovery.

The final result can usually be expected after 2-3 months post op. After healing, the labial incisions are very rarely visible. During your recovery, all feminine hygiene products and sexual intercourse must be avoided for 4-6 weeks to best promote healing and reduce risk of complication. Most patients will be able to return to light work in 3-5 days. Any strenuous activity can be resumed 3-4 weeks later.

Vaginoplasty Risks

All cosmetic surgery carries some degree of risk and complication. A labiaplasty is no different and could result in unwanted scarring and/or infection. Although these events are infrequent, they sometimes can occur. Plastic surgeons who perform this procedure report low rates of complications and side effects, ranging between 1-3%. There are always complications that are specific to each individual patients needs and physiology.

As with all of our plastic surgery patients, there are thorough discussions and medical background checks done at the initial consultation and the pre operative appointment. Dr. Pasquale will always make an expert determination with the primary concern being the patients health and wellness, not just the cosmetic improvement. The degree of risk involved with any surgery can be greatly affected by the plastic surgeon you choose. Your surgery should be performed by a trained & experienced, board certified plastic surgeon. Complication can also be lessened by strict adherence to pre and post-operative instructions given by Dr. Pasquale and his clinical staff.

All cosmetic surgery carries some degree of risk.. A Vaginoplasty is no exception and could result in scarring and/or infection. Although these events are rare, they sometimes can occur. Experienced Plastic Surgeons who perform this procedure report low rates of complications and side effects, ranging between 1-3%. Dr. Pasquale’s clinic has kept statistics for several years and reports a less than two percent complication rate. This would be considered excellent for labiaplasty.

There are risk that are specific to each individual patients medical conditions and physiology. In our Hawaii clinic, plastic surgery patients, are screened carefully and medical background checks carried out at the initial consultation and again at the pre operative appointment. Dr. Pasquale will make an expert determination with the primary concern being the patients health and wellness, not just the cosmetic improvement. For our patients who fly in from out of state we can do preliminary screening via email with your own doctor if needed.

In the case of labiaplasty or vaginoplasty make sure the surgeon you choose performs this procedure regularly and is fully knowledgeable in the risk and how to correct complications if they should occur.

Common Patient Concerns

• 1. Do you perform the procedure often?
• 2. What type of complications have you seen with labiaplasty?
• 3. What type of complications have you seen with vaginoplasty?
• 4. Are you board certified?
• 5. Do you have hospital privileges for labiaplasty and vaginoplasty?
• 6. Did you receive specific training in genital procedures such as labiaplasty or vaginoplasty?
• 7. How long will be my recovery for the type of surgery I will undergo?
• 8. What type of anesthesia will I have and what type do you offer?

Make a list of your own questions you may have about labiaplasty and vaginoplasty to bring with you. A confident and experienced surgeon will have no problem answering your questions. In fact in our practice we find those who ask a lot of questions make for more satisfied patients who undergo labiaplasty or vaginoplasty.

Vaginoplasty FAQ

Who should have vaginoplasty surgery?

Any women who feels that there is a loss of sensation during sexual intercourse due to lack of tightness in the vaginal canal. This loss of tone can be seen after giving birth or simply from aging. Sometimes an episiotomy (cut) made to help the baby pass through the canal can cause this as well.

Is a laser used for vaginoplasty?

It can be used in vaginoplasty, but Dr. Pasquale will discuss the risk and benefits of LASER at your consultation.

How long does vaginoplasty surgery take?

Typically the vaginoplasty procedure takes about an hour. However some cases may take longer depending on exactly the extent of surgery needed.

Is there much scarring from vaginoplasty surgery?

The type of tissue that makes up the vaginal canal is muscle and mucosa. All tissue scars when cut, but the mucosa lining of the canal should not show any visible or scar that you can feel. The muscle may form a firmness that can be felt if not done correctly. It is important that your surgeon knows how to minimize this.

Is vaginoplasty surgery only for women who have had children?

No as stated it can be due to aging, these tissues can become loose and lose there tone, but also we have seen this from injury as well as genetic defects or developmental problems.

Will vaginoplasty increase my sexual gratification?

No surgery can promise an increase in sexual gratification as so much of this is mental / psychological. A perfect example is that people who are spinal cord injured and have no lower nerve connections can have orgasms. Yet for the majority of women who are “too loose” the procedure can help by increasing friction which can help them and their partners.

Where is the vaginoplasty surgery performed?

Dr. Pasquale has his own private operating suite for your privacy.

What kind of anesthesia is used for vaginoplasty surgery?

We use general anesthesia meaning you’re completely asleep. The procedure can be done with local and sedation which we will do on occasion for vaginoplasty. However the muscle repair or tightening is better accomplished when there is complete relaxation with general.

If I am out of town for vaginoplasty surgery, how long should I stay before I return home?

Our guest patients typically stay a week to ten days to make sure that all healing is well underway. Outer island patients can leave the next afternoon but will return for vaginoplasty check in 5-7 days. In some cases if good supporting physician is at home town patients may leave earlier. Yet this needs to be discussed in advance.

Will vaginoplasty surgery have an affect on the actual appearance of my vagina?

No this should not unless labiaplasty is performed with vaginoplasty.