Perineoplasty/Perinealplasty

 

Perineoplasty is the surgical procedure that restores a torn perineal muscle, which can make the vaginal opening wider than normal, also known as Gaping Introitus, Episiotomy Damage, and Perineum Damage.

The visible area between the vagina and the rectum is called the perineum. This is the region where episiotomies are cut and where tears during childbirth are most common.

Figure 1. The Perineum

Figure 1. The Perineum

 

  • Perineoplasty (or Perineorrhaphy)/ Perinealplasty  aims to make this region appear normal by excising excess skin, loose skin tags, and suturing the underlying muscles or the perineal body closer together to give a more snug feeling in the introitus or vaginal opening.
  • It is a more superficial procedure that does not tighten the entire depth of the vaginal canal.
  • Performing a perineoplasty will not give the vaginal tightness deeper into the vagina. Perineoplasty surgery does not go deep into the vagina but intends to repair the damage of childbirth or tearing right at the opening of the vagina.
Figure 3. Third Degree Laceration of the Perineum

Figure 2. Third Degree Laceration of the Perineum

 

Figure 3. gaping introitus

Figure 4. After perineoplasty

  • This procedure is performed in the Operating Room under General anesthesia/IV sedation by our board-certified anesthesiologist.


Commonly Asked Questions About Perineoplasty

 

Why does my Perineum feel loose?

  • The perineum can become badly stretched, particularly in childbirth. It may have been torn during delivery and required stitching. The stitching may have been badly done, leaving a lot of scarring. It can make the vagina feel wider than normal, meaning that lovemaking is not the same as it was prior to giving birth.

What are the problems associated with a damaged Perineum?

  • You may have noticed changes in your bowel habits as a result of childbirth (e.g. you had third or fourth degree perineal tears). A third-degree tear means that the muscle and skin in your perineum and the muscle surrounding your anus are torn. A fourth-degree tear is the same as a third-degree tear, but the area immediately inside your anus is torn as well.

Can my Perineum be restored to normal?

  • Yes, it can.

What does the surgery involve?

  • The scarred and redundant tissues in the vaginal introitus/opening narrowed, and the muscles stitched back together using dissolvable stitches. The stitches remain in place for up to 6 weeks. A general anaesthetic or deep intravenous sedation  will be given. You should not have to remain with us longer than a day.

Will there be complications?

  • There may be some bleeding. You should contact us if it is heavy. As with most invasive surgery there is always a risk of infection, but this is easily treated.

How long does the surgery take?

  • The procedure can take just 30 to 45 minutes.

What will happen in the recovery period?

  • You should avoid sexual activity and physical exertion (especially carrying heavy things) for about 4-6 weeks. You may be able to return to work a week after your surgery. Your surgeon will discuss with you all possible complications and limitations of the operation before it is carried out.

What is the recovery time?

  • You can expect to be fully recovered in 6 weeks.

What can I expect from the surgery?

  • You can expect a tightened vagina, leading to better sexual pleasure. Your vaginal area should also feel and look better. Perineoplasty can also be performed during Vaginoplasty (an operation to tighten the vagina).