There’s no doubt that the medical world is a confusing place. It seems like no matter the ailment, modern medicine has found a way to solve many issues women experience. This is especially true in the world of vaginal procedures such as the perineoplasty. Drs. Miklos and Moore are here to help define perineoplasty as well as its intended function for a woman.
What is perineoplasty?
Perineoplasty is a surgery performed on the area of a woman’s body known as the perineum. The perineum, for surgical purposes, is the area of tissue found between the vaginal and anal openings. This specifically known as the perineal body.
How does perineoplasty help?
This procedure can address both cosmetic and sexual issues related to the perineum, which makes it doubly effective and worth considering if you are suffering. The procedure is most often requested by women who have recently given birth, and find that their perineum has either been torn during childbirth or purposely cut (aka episiotomy) by a doctor in order to make room for the infant’s head. Most women’s perineum’ heal on their own, but more extensive wounds can lead to a cosmetically disfigured genital area, a gaping opening of the vagina, a loose vaginal opening or a vaginal opening which is too tight and creates painful intercourse.
How is perineoplasty performed?
A perineoplasty should be performed by a board-certified gynecologist or urogynecologist with experience in genital reconstruction. Dr. Miklos and Dr. Moore are arguably the best in the business when it comes to vaginal procedures as they are both board-certified ob/gyns and urogynecologists (aka female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgeons.). Since it is an invasive procedure that involves incisions and stitches, a perineoplasty can be performed under either local or general anesthesia. Depending on a patient’s needs, a perineoplasty can tighten the outer skin as well as the underlying muscles. It can increase the anogenital distance, and in turn decrease the size of the outer opening of the vagina, which is something desired by many women looking for options. However, this is not a substitute for complete vaginal rejuvenation which is required for the majority of women who are looking to enhance friction with intercourse. Tightening the vaginal opening will not enhance friction on the inside of the vagina.
A perineoplasty can also be performed when the vaginal opening is too tight and creates pain with penile insertion. This is usually the result of a surgeon or midwife who has become overzealous with their episiotomy or perineal tear after a vaginal delivery or when the body scars to aggressively. It is common for the patient to identify this problem to a particular point in time and state “it all began after the delivery of my child”. Drs’ Miklos and Moore can usually diagnose the problem on the first visit and reconstruct the perineum and vaginal opening with one 30-minute surgery.
The perineoplasty procedure is considered an outpatient procedure, and rarely ever requires hospitalization. It takes approximately thirty minutes, and the patient is discharged the same day. It is suggested by Dr. Miklos and Dr. Moore that she should refrain from se for six weeks, and should also avoid activities like cycling, stretching, horseback riding, and other strenuous activities.
What else should I know about perineoplasty?
It’s important to make sure you not just understand what the procedure entails as it only repairs the area between the anus and the vaginal opening and can make the vaginal opening larger or smaller. It should not be compared to other vaginal rejuvenation procedures, such as vaginoplasties and labiaplasties.