What is a neovagina? Overview and explanation

Medical

Are you considering vaginoplasty surgery? In this article we share an overview and explanation of what a neovagina is.

The human body is not always perfect and, while it’s truly a biological wonder, it does sometimes let us down. Acknowledging that we are not immune to injury and disease is important if you want a healthy attitude toward your health. However, something that’s perhaps more amazing than the body itself is modern medicine. 

Modern medicine has come a long way. This article aims to explore one incredible treatment: vaginoplasty. In it, you will learn what vaginoplasty is, why people get it, and why it’s worth knowing about as a woman.

What is a neovagina?

The first thing to discuss is what a neovagina actually is. Neovagina surgery, also known as vaginoplasty, is a type of surgical procedure that involves the creation of a new vagina. It is important to make clear that there are many different types of vaginoplasty, including one used exclusively by transgender women, which is called penile inversion vaginoplasty, and involves the removal and inversion of the skin from the outside of the penis. 

Once removed and inverted, the head of the penis is reshaped in order to create a clitoris. Skin from the scrotum is then used to create both the labia majora and minora. Traditional neovagina surgery is reconstructive and is typically employed after a cisgender woman has had a vaginectomy in order to treat vaginal cancer. There are other types, also. Speak to a care provider to find out which could help you.

Gender-affirming surgery

Vaginoplasty is an important part of gender-affirming surgery. More and more clinics are starting to offer this kind of surgery, with transgender care becoming a lot more important. In some parts of the world, this care is paid for by the government. In others, it is paid privately or can be paid with the help of charities. If you are interested in undergoing some form of gender-affirming surgery, it’s very important to make sure that you take your time and find a surgeon that’s right for you. 

A good way to determine a surgeon’s suitability is to take a look at their reviews. Their reviews will help you to get a good idea of how experienced they are and make it much easier for you to decide whether or not you want to take a chance and hire them. Also, think about the cost if you are paying privately. Your health insurance might cover treatment costs.

The main types of vaginoplasty

Vaginoplasty with Canal

There are many different forms and types of vaginoplasty, though there are two main types. These are vaginoplasty with canal and vulvoplasty. The former involves the creation of an outer vulva, but also a vaginal canal, which makes it possible for the patient to then have vaginal intercourse afterward.

This is the surgery that’s most popular, because cisgender and transgender women usually want to have penetrative sex after their surgery. Vaginoplasty with a canal involves dilation as part of recovery, so the vagina can function properly.

Patients who’re undergoing penile inversion vaginoplasty often have their vaginal canals created using the skin that surrounded the penis, as well as scrotal skin. If a lot of skin is available, then surgeons can exclusively use that. However, if there is not enough skin, surgeons have to perform skin grafts. Skin is taken from either the abdomen or the thigh in the event that grafts become necessary.

Robotic Davydov peritoneal vaginoplasty is another, newer approach. This type of surgery involves the creation of a vaginal canal with the help of a robotic surgical system. It is becoming the go-to surgery and is the one that most people ask for.

This system is popular because of its efficacy and efficiency. It allows surgeons to go deeper into the body than they would be able to normally, making it a lot easier to get a clear view of a patient’s pelvis. This makes forming the canal much easier. 

The risks of this form of treatment are much lower than with other types, so complications are unlikely. However, it’s worth noting that because of how specialized this treatment is, it’s not something every clinic has available to them.

Vulvoplasty

The other main procedure that’s used in order to reconstruct or build new vaginas is called vulvoplasty. This type is also known as shallow-depth vaginoplasty. This treatment involves the formation of a vulva and a minor canal. Labia, clitoris, and a small vaginal opening are also created. 

The reason that vulvoplasty is not most people’s preferred treatment is because no canal is created, which means that penetrative sex is not a possibility. However, while penetrative sex is completely ruled out if you have this form of surgery, it is a lot less complicated and much more suitable for cisgender or transgender women who are prone to complications or side effects.

It is also a considerably shorter operation, meaning patients have to spend less time in hospital. Hair removal and dilation are not necessary with this form of treatment, either. If you are concerned about side effects and penetrative sex is not something you are especially concerned about, this is by far the best option. 

It is also a lot cheaper, due to the fact that it takes a lot less time to complete. If it’s something you are interested in, reach out to a surgeon and find out more. A surgeon is the best person to help you make a decision about your neovagina surgery.

How to find a vaginoplasty surgeon

In terms of finding a surgeon to perform your surgery for you, it’s important to conduct extensive online research. Make sure that you find the most qualified and experienced surgeon you can. Under no circumstances should you rush the process of finding a surgeon. 

Many people make the mistake of rushing the process of finding surgeons, which leads to them experiencing complications or side effects or having an unpleasant experience.

When you are looking for a surgeon, prioritize quality. Find one whose reviews are positive and show that they know what they are doing. It’s also a good idea to find a surgeon knowledgeable about the particular type of neovagina surgery you plan on undertaking. Their website should tell you about their area of expertise.

Neovagina surgery is a great option for cisgender women who’re experiencing vaginal cancer or transgender women interested in having gender-affirming care. Find the best surgeon you can and talk to them about what this form of surgery entails. You need to become an expert in it before you can make a decision about whether it’s right for you or not.