About the Vaginoplasty Procedure

Some women find, especially after a number of vaginal deliveries, that their vaginal muscles have become weakened and loose. Even women who have never given birth to children find their vaginal muscles become lax with age. Sometimes, even after Kegel exercises, they are unable to restore the tightness and control that they once had. For these women, the answer may be a type of vaginal reconstructive surgery called vaginoplasty.

Many women decide to undergo vaginoplasty as part of a total vaginal restoration. Total vaginal restoration encompasses a number of different procedures designed to improve the appearance of the vulvar area. These procedures include labiaplasty, vaginoplasty, and perineoplasty.

Dr. Safir has a great deal of experience performing vaginoplasty procedures, having completed a year long fellowship at UCLA performing female reconstructive surgery.

The Procedure

There are a number of different methods for performing vaginoplasty procedures. They are not equivalent! As an empowered woman and health care consumer, you should be aware of the pros and cons of these procedures when you decide on a vaginoplasty surgeon.

During the procedure:

• Sedatives and pain relievers are administered to reduce anxiety and pain before the procedure begins
• Local anesthetic is injected into the area
• Dr. Safir then performs the vaginoplasty using the Surgitron device
• After the procedure is completed, the area is carefully sutured for optimal healing
• The entire procedure is usually completed in under an hour

After the Procedure

Recovery time after vaginoplasty is relatively short, usually around two to three weeks. Some swelling and discomfort is normal following the procedure, and taking the prescribed pain medication is recommended. Dr. Safir will schedule a follow-up appointment with you to ensure that healing is progressing nicely. It is important during the recovery period to avoid any strenuous physical activity, take antibiotics as prescribed, and keep the area clean. Sexual activity can usually resume after 5-6 weeks.

Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation - Why We DON’T Do It:

Today, many surgeons – especially plastic and cosmetic surgeons - are promoting laser vaginal surgery, in the belief that all things laser are automatically better. Because lasers look impressive and fancy, the consumer is often easily sold on the supposed merits of laser surgery, including laser vaginal rejuvenation. Dr. Safir is not opposed to lasers – in fact, he uses several of the most advanced lasers available in his Los Angeles area urology practice. However, when it comes to laser vaginoplasty, Dr. Safir prefers to use the radiofrequency Ellman Surgitron device, which avoids the intense heat and possible thermal damage of lasers. This approach results in less swelling, inflammation, and post-operative pain than laser surgery. Because of reduced surgical trauma, recovery times are often much shorter for Dr. Safir’s vaginoplasty patients than for patients undergoing laser vaginal surgery.

Dr. Michael Safir is not only a board-certified urologist; he is also a nationally-renowned urologic surgeon. He specializes in the rapidly developing field of reconstructive urology. Dr. Safir is one of only a handful of urologists worldwide to have completed separate fellowship training in reconstructive female urology surgery (at UCLA) and male genitourinary surgery (at UCSF). The American Board of Medical Specialties has just recently recognized female pelvic reconstructive surgery as a distinct subspecialty.

Dr. Safir lectures at medical conventions and seminars, and travels throughout the country training other urologists and gynecologists in the latest, advanced techniques for surgical treatment of urinary incontinence and pelvic prolapse.

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