Perineoplasty, or perineorrhaphy, is a surgical procedure that tightens the entrance to the vagina and corrects damage to perineal tissue, the area between the vagina and rectum.Â
The procedure can be performed on its own to improve sexual function, but it’s frequently performed along with other vaginal rejuvenation procedures, such as vaginoplasty (which creates a tighter vaginal canal) and labiaplasty.
Most women who have a perineoplasty previously had an episiotomy—a surgical incision that widens the vaginal opening— during childbirth. Even when the incision has been closed with sutures, the sensation of vaginal laxity can remain, or the perineum can feel too rigid.Â
This plastic surgery procedure can also benefit women with vaginismus (involuntary contraction of the perineal muscles that makes sex painful), a thick hymen, or other congenital conditions.
A 2016 study reported that perineoplasty has a success rate of 87.9% in tightening a wide vagina, along with a partner satisfaction rate of 92.6% during sexual intercourse after 6 months. Complication rates were low.
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Your perineoplasty cost will depend on the experience level of your surgeon, their practice location, whether you have local or general anesthesia (which is more expensive), and who administers it.
The perineoplasty photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.
The surgery itself is done under either general or local anesthesia with IV sedation. Using a laser or scalpel, your surgeon will make a V-shaped incision in the vaginal mucosa on the back of the vaginal wall, cutting from the vaginal entryway (introitus) through to the perineum, just above the anal opening.
They will suture the perineal body back together, tightening the levator muscles and covering them with fascia. Then they'll remove any excess skin and scar tissue before suturing the incision closed in a way that will look as natural as possible.Â
Many surgeons use stitches that dissolve on their own within the first week or two. If yours doesn't, your stitches will be removed at a follow-up appointment about a week after your procedure.
The initial perineoplasty recovery period is a few days to a week, depending on whether your procedure was combined with a vaginoplasty. If your job involves heavy lifting or above-average physical activity, you may need to take two weeks off, to help you heal without injury.Â
You should be fully recovered from a perineoplasty within three months.
You’ll have some bruising and swelling for up to two weeks, though most discomfort should subside within a week. Your doctor will likely prescribe pain medication to help keep you comfortable.
Avoid any penetration of the vagina, including tampons or sexual intercourse, for six to eight weeks afterward.Â
You’ll also need to avoid exercise that puts pressure on the surgical site. Most patients undergo physical therapy to strengthen their pelvic floor, after an initial healing period.
Your surgeon will give you perineoplasty aftercare instructions that should help mitigate potential complications—which include bleeding, infection of the incision, painful intercourse (which should become more comfortable over time), vaginal dryness, constipation, and vaginal and perineal tightness.Â
They will also recommend a gentle cleanser, to help reduce the risk of infection. Steer clear of irritating chemicals or heavily scented soaps as you heal.
If it's performed as medically necessary reconstructive surgery, your health insurance plan may cover part or all of your procedure. Talk with your doctor and insurance provider about whether your case would qualify.Â
Cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance.
Updated July 20, 2023