Vaginoplasty & Vaginal Tightening

Women's Health Clinics

This procedure is commonly known as a ‘designer vagina’ but it is a cosmetic procedure that can have much benefit for women, especially those who have experienced childbirth and as a result have weak or loose vaginal muscles.

For many women this can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable condition which can lead to sexual difficulties or dissatisfaction.

In some cases exercise can help improve the vaginal muscles but the aim of this surgery is to improve the overall tone of the vagina by tightening vaginal muscles and the supporting tissues.

What is involved in vaginoplasty surgery?

Vaginoplasty will help to tone the vaginal muscles. After the procedure you should have greater strength, contraction, and control. The stretched muscle at the back of the vagina is joined together and shortened with dissolvable stitches. Unwanted skin is also removed during the procedure at Kingsbridge Private Hospital. This will help to tighten the vaginal muscles and the surrounding soft tissues by reducing the excess vaginal lining. Scarring is inside the vagina.

How long does the procedure take?

Vaginal tightening is performed under general anaesthetic which means you will be asleep and will not feel any pain. Local anaesthetic may be used but you will be sedated during the operation.

The procedure will normally take about one hour to finish and may require you to stay at the hospital overnight.

Am I suitable for vaginoplasty?

Vaginoplasty surgery is used to help improve the tone of the vagina by tightening the vaginal muscles and its supporting tissues.

You may be suitable for vaginoplasty if you are a women whio:

wants to restore self-esteem and self-confidence
suffers from stress incontinence, this is the involuntary loss of urine while coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, or during sexual intercourse

Women who are pregnant are not suitable for a vaginoplasty. However, after childbirth, women usually go through this procedure. It is usually recommended that you wait one year after childbirth before considering this type of surgery but this can be discussed at your consultation.

What are some of the things I can expect after surgery?

All surgeries have their benefits and they also have their limitations. After a vaginal tightening procedure, there is an immediate decrease in the diameter of the vagina. There will also be an increase in the tightness of the vaginal muscles. This will help to restore the vagina and its supporting structures to a pre-pregnancy state.

Recovering from surgery

Healing rates will vary from person to person. You are going to be sore and swollen after the surgery. You will be able to walk comfortably after a few days and you may even resume sexual activities after a month and a half. You should be able to return to work after a week from the surgery. The final result will be seen in around two to three weeks after your surgery.

What are the risks?

Like all surgical procedures, there will be risks involved. During a vaginoplasty, there is always a risk for complications.

Complications are rare but include:

an adverse reaction to the anaesthetic
bleeding and haematoma

Risks can be increased in patients who smoke, are overweight, have diabetes, or other health problems.

Will there be scarring after surgery?

Since incisions will be required during the vaginal tightening, some scarring may result. However, your cosmetic surgeon at Kingsbridge Private Hospital will do the best in making sure that the incisions are placed in discreet locations. Your surgeon will try to make the incisions inside the vagina or in a natural crease or fold in the area. With proper care, these scars will eventually fade and become barely noticeable.

Other things that you should consider?

Vaginoplasty can certainly help to remove a woman’s sense of discomfort. There are times where weakened muscles in the vagina can create a rubbing or pulling sensation. This happens especially when a woman wears tight fitting clothes. After a vaginoplasty this feeling will be gone.

Can a vaginoplasty help with a prolapsed pelvis?

Vaginoplasty surgery can offer real relief to women with a prolapsed pelvis. This condition results from the weakening of the muscles at the base of the pelvis area. The weakening of the muscles causes the pelvis to press on the vagina and can be very uncomfortable. So much pressure on the region of vagina will create prolonged discomfort.

Can vaginoplasty be combined with other surgery?

Vaginoplasty can be performed alone or it can be combined with other aesthetic genitalia procedures like labiaplasty which is the surgical removal of reconstruction of the outer or inner lips of the vagina.

What is the first step in getting a vaginoplasty

The first step to deciding on surgery is to have an appointment with a surgeon at Kingsbridge Private Hospital.

During your initial consultation with your plastic surgeon, you will be able to understand how the procedure will be performed, what risks are involved in the procedure, the benefits that you can expect from the procedure, the costs of the procedure, any complications that may arise due to your medical history, your suitability for the procedure, and whether you are psychologically and emotionally stable enough to go through such procedures.

What should you do when you get home after a vaginoplasty?

After the vaginoplasty, you should make sure that there is someone to take you home from Kingsbridge Private Hospital. You should not drive after having this procedure until informed to do so by your surgeon.

You will be sore after the vaginoplasty and a little bit swollen. After a vaginoplasty, you do not need to remove the sutures because they are dissolvable. You will be able to walk comfortably after a few days.

When will you be able to have sexual intercourse?

You will be able to resume penetrative sexual intercourse after two months.

When will you be able to return to work?

Recovery time will vary from patient to patient. Some patients will be able to return to work after two to three weeks while others will take more than month before they resume work.

It is important that you are physically fit before the procedure to help your recovery. Women who are in shape will heal faster than women who are out of shape.

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Treatment Locations

Kingsbridge Private Hospital

811-815 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7GX

Kingsbridge North West

Church Hill House Main Street Ballykelly BT49 9HS

Healthcare Professionals & Consultants

Dr David Glenn

Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist

Dr Patrick Campbell

Consultant Gynaecologist

Patient Journey

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Patient Testimonials

"I am extremely happy with the treatment, and with the standard of care I have received. There is no doubt as to whether this treatment is highly effective. I have had several cosmetic surgeries (although not on my face) but can say in comparing the results of the Spring Thread procedure with other less invasive treatments, the results are more in keeping with the surgical procedures I have had." Spring Thread Patient Review, Cosmetech at Kingsbridge Patient

"I had surgery here at the weekend and I can't recommend this place highly enough. They took great care of me and kept me at ease throughout my stay. The staff were brilliant, really friendly and chatted away and the food was top class. This hospital was better than any hotel I wonder could I book a weekend away in it when I fully recover?" Mr McGinnity, Kingsbridge Patient

"EXCELLENT - Had surgery today under the very caring Dr Stewart and her team. I cannot thank her enough for all she’s done for me over the past few months. Everything was explained to me in detail and all my care was considerate, professional and compassionate. Everyone I’ve met today has been beyond kind from Will the Anaesthetist, the Nurses and theatre staff, the catering staff - there has been no exception. Thank you all for taking care of me so well today - look forward to getting home tomorrow x" Mrs McAleavey, Kingsbridge Patient

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"Their service was excellent and convenient location!" Ms Kneale, Kingsbridge Patient

"Just received surgery at this hospital and I couldn't have been made to feel any more comfortable from the minute I stepped in until the minute I left. All the staff are wonderful and so friendly I will highly recommend this hospital to everyone" Ms McGivern, Kingsbridge Patient

"Had eye surgery here twice for cataracts and lens replacement. Super smooth service from start to finish. Very happy" Ms Jones, Kingsbridge Patient

"As hospitals go this one is pretty amazing! Had surgery with Mr Molloy at the end of October and have another one the end of this month. Mr Molloy is a gentleman who puts you at ease right away and ensured my last procedure went smoothly! From start to finish all the hospital staff go above and beyond to make your stay as comfortable and stress free as possible. The facilities are brilliant with the rooms spacious and modern to recover in. Keep up the good work!" Ms Roulston, Kingsbridge Patient

"My mother had a total hip replacement surgery. We stayed for three days and were discharged today. Honestly, words can't describe the quality of the job and care they do. The doctors Roger Wilson, Sherman, David, the nurses Susan, Sinead, Siobhan, Andrea, the catering staff who provided customised halal food, and the remaining team whose names I cannot remember were the kindest, nicest, politest, the most caring, professional and pleasant people we have ever come across in healthcare environment. These are true gems and real stars. We are indebted to their treatment.
They are 7 star people. We love you!" Mr Yourish, Kingsbridge Patient

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"Currently just back from recovery on the ward. I have just had ACL reconstructive surgery on my left knee. What can I say? This place is brilliant. I arrived at 8.35am, taken to the ward at 8.45am (my admission time was 9am). Tended to by a lovely Nurse. Dr Roger Wilson spoke to me around 9.45am, in Theatre for 10am, recovery for 11.10am and now currently back on ward. These guys are awesome. From the consultant to anaesthetist to nurses to cater assistants. Absolutely brilliant. Thank you so much. I am so grateful to everyone at Kingsbridge for the service." Mr McNicholl, Kingsbridge Patient

"I just had a total hip replacement done by Mr Molloy. He made me feel totally at ease (a real gentleman). I had 1st class treatment and as for the staff they couldn’t do enough for me. My experience was excellent from the time I arrived until the day I left for home. Thanks a million to all involved." Miss Bennett, Kingsbridge Patient

"Excellent experience with Kingsbridge Hospital, my dad had a day procedure here recently and not only did he receive fantastic care, but so did myself and my mum. The staff were so understanding and without saying anything could see I was looking after my mum also who has dementia, they went above and beyond to make the time spent waiting on my Dad as pleasant and stress free as possible, I will never forget the extra mile they went to, to support us. Many thanks x" Ms Forde, Kingsbridge Patient

"I have just been discharged from Kingsbridge today after surgery and was in for 3 days. From start to finish my experience was excellent. From catering staff up to senior nurses and doctors they were all fantastic and made my stay a positive experience. As a nurse myself I probably have high expectations of care and I certainly experienced the best of care in Kingsbridge who have staff they should be proud off. Great teamwork." Ms Armstrong, Kingsbridge Patient

"I recently had my gall bladder removed. All of the staff I had to deal with were excellent and professional. It was the best treatment I have ever received." Ms Burrows, Kingsbridge Patient

"I got my tonsils out yesterday, all the staff were so pleasant and nothing was too much for them. I really did receive one to one care. They just had so much time for me. The food was lovely and the staff from the kitchen where first class. Glad I received my surgery here." Miss Wright, Kingsbridge Patient

"The service and staff are first class. Had my cataract operation done on the 20th of January and I would like to thank all the staff of this fantastic hospital for giving me my life back. You are all a credit to your profession. Excellent service and I would highly recommend you. Once again thank you so much and I am truly grateful to you all." Mr Doolan, Kingsbridge Patient

"Amazing 5-star hospital. Have had other surgery here before on my back.
Yesterday's was a neck disc replacement operation. I would highly recommend this hospital like a hotel manner. Thanks again guys." Mr Phillips, Kingsbridge Patient

"I recently got an MRI scan at Kingsbridge and was very impressed with how simple the process was and how little time I had to wait. The staff were friendly, and it was an all-round pleasant experience." Mr Sharkey, Kingsbridge Patient

"Can’t praise Kingsbridge Private Hospital enough!! I had an operation a couple of weeks ago and I was so well looked after. My surgeon Mr Rashid was fantastic, and the nursing staff was also fabulous. I found they communicated very well to each other, so everyone knew when my meds were due, my allergies etc. They were so kind, so lovely, constantly checked to see how I was i.e. my temperature etc. The food was fabulous and the catering staff very helpful having had an operation were very happy to accommodate ... Thank you to all!" Ms Cheong, Kingsbridge Patient

"Staff very friendly and very efficient. Surgeon and surgery top class. Big thanks to the Nurses for all their care and patience" Mr Howard, Kingsbridge Patient

"I was in your facility yesterday for a day procedure (operation on my left arm). I wanted to write and express how impressed I was with the facilities and more importantly the staff on the Ward.

Everyone was excellent, and I mean excellent, i don't normally write congratulatory e-mails so this is high praise in my view. The Senior nurse was excellent, as was the Theatre nurse and the anaesthetist. Even the assistants that helped with catering and other duties. All came together to form a great impression of the establishment." Jason Carpal Tunnel Surgery, Kingsbridge Patient

"Very well satisfied with everyone at my appointment - firstly with reception who were very friendly and helpful, secondly with Mr Cusick who took his time to explain everything to me and finally One2One with Rose who organised the dates for my pre op and operation. I would highly recommend Kingsbridge Private Hospital." Patient Review, Orthopaedic Clinic

"When I attended Kingsbridge Private Hospital on the 14th May for a knee replacement the care I got was fantastic from entering the door until I was discharged on the 16th May. The surgeon Mr Laurence Cusick and his team was absolutely fantastic, the nurses and the rest of the team you couldn’t ask for better and the food was very good" Paitent Review , Knee Replacement Clinic

"My first knee replacement was October 2023, and this was done the manual way. The pre and post op was fantastic for both! There was almost no pain in my hip or rest of my body after the second surgery which was a huge difference compared to my first knee. I was able to continue my physio as normal and I noticed I had more movement a lot sooner with my second knee, the robotic assisted. I could not thank the staff enough and Mr McCaffrey for how kind and understanding, attentive they were. From the beginning, I felt heard, and understood. The nurses, the caterers, the physios, the doctors, pharmacists, it is top class care! Overall, in summary, I would highly recommend going for robotic assisted. It’s still a serious surgery, so pain is to be expected and recovery is not going to be rosy, but it is worth it. The relief I have now in both knees, walking without that bone-on-bone pain, I am grateful. And the robotic assisted was a noticeably less painful, faster recovery. " Robotic Assisted Knee Replacement , Kingsbridge Hospital North West Patient