How to Prepare for Vaginoplasty

Once you're evaluated for vaginoplasty or you've already been scheduled to undergo vaginoplasty, there are guidelines to follow to prepare for the surgery. If you follow a plan that positively affects your recovery, the surgery should go well. There will be both emotional and practical things to consider with the surgery, so you want to incorporate them in your preparation. What are some other things you should do to prepare for vaginoplasty?

What to Do Ahead of Surgery

You'll want to communicate with those on your medical team. They'll give you information about what to expect with the surgery and how to prepare for it. Also, you'll want to speak with your surgeon and ask questions. Write out what you want to ask.

Questions should include:

• What will my body be like after surgery?
• Will vaginoplasty affect the sensation of orgasm?
• How long will I be out of work, particularly if I have no complications?
• Will the time involved affect exercise, driving, and my sex life?
• How can I prepare for this surgery?
• Are there major concerns with scarring and caring for scars?
• What are the complications, both minor and major, of this surgery?
• Will I know the complications or whether I'm healing in a normal way?

Both your medical team and surgeon will discuss

• Your current physical health
• Any health conditions that require any type of regulation before surgery
• What are the body weight guidelines for the procedure?
• A substance history of any previous use so the anesthesia and pain medications you get are right for you. You may be asked to reduce or stop your use of some substances before surgery.
• Ceasing estrogen supplementation before surgery?
• What about the removal of genital hair for either a full or shallow vaginoplasty? - Your care team and surgeon will recommend hair removal 6-12 months before the actual surgery.
• Further instructions will be given during the surgery evaluation.

Lifestyle Changes

With vaginoplasty surgery, there are lifestyle changes that should take effect obviously before the surgery. Those changes should include;

1. Remaining active and eating healthy. This helps your body recover after surgery
2. Quitting tobacco or nicotine products. Nicotine prevents healing. This includes nicotine from cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping, and nicotine patches. Nicotine constricts blood flow in the healing tissue, which impacts the surgery results and recovery.
3. It's very important to stop tobacco or nicotine as early as possible, at least three months before surgery.
4. Continue to stay nicotine-free after surgery for at least three months.

Prepare emotionally

People often experience a range of emotions leading up to surgery and during recovery, including anxiety, stress, confusion, depressed mood, elation, and joy. Anesthesia and pain medication can contribute to mood changes as well.

Ways to Cope with Challenging Feelings

• Talking with family and friends about your hopes and concerns
• Doing breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation
• Spending time with supportive people
• Journaling and doing creative activities, like painting, crafting, and reading
• Listening to enjoyable music
• Speaking with a therapist

Recovery Process

There are many practical steps you can take for a successful recovery.

• Before your surgery, make sure you arrange sufficient time away from work and school.
• Stock up on supplies you'll need once you've had surgery.
• Arrange for enough time off from work, school, or other responsibilities. You should take at least 4-8 weeks for sufficient healing time.
• Verify the time for recovery with your surgeon. Get documentation if necessary.
• Plan ahead for any financial needs that may be present and be ready for any possible loss of income.
• Clean and prepare your home before surgery, or hire someone to do it.
• Make meals ahead of time that can be frozen and reheated after surgery.

Making Arrangements with Family or Caregivers

• During your hospital stay, make arrangements with family or caregivers for your release from the hospital.
• You'll need personal help on your return from the hospital.
• Follow-up visits will require transportation to and from
• Arrange for the completion of household chores that include meals, cleaning, and laundry.
• Running errands (grocery shopping, going to the pharmacy).
• Have someone with you for emotional backing.
• You'll probably want at least one person to assume duties.

Other Things to Consider with Surgery

Preliminary appointment - The visit will happen between 1-4 weeks before your surgery. You will receive written instructions for your before and after-care.

Another appointment will be set up with the surgery center. You will be given further instructions as well as speak with you about anesthesia and:

• Preparing for surgery
• Managing medications
• Know when to stop eating and drinking
• Scheduling any other medical tests
• Keep a list of present medications you're taking with you

Ten Days before Surgery

• At least ten days before surgery, you'll want to follow the medication instructions given to you in the preoperative appointment.
• Discontinue all medications that include aspirin, ibuprofen, blood thinners, herbal supplements, and Vitamin E.
• No shaving the genital area between now and the surgery.

Two Days before the Surgery

• Bowel cleansing preparation
• Initiate a liquid diet (clear liquids) such as water, apple juice, cranberry juice, coffee or tea (mo milk), clear broth and popsicles.
• Consume a bowel cleansing drink of four 8-ounce glasses two days before surgery. Pick up the prescription for this beforehand..
• On the day of your surgery, follow the eating and drinking instructions

You want to remain on the clear liquid diet and continue the bowel preparation instructions. You also want to follow the medication instructions.

Preparing for the Surgery

• Take a bath or shower before you come in for your surgery
• Brush your teeth and rinse with mouthwash
• Wear comfortable clothing
• Don't use lotions, makeup, perfume, or deodorant
• Don't wear contact lenses as well as jewelry that includes wedding bands or any piercings
• Don't wear nail polish

Items to Bring with You

• Photo ID, either a(driver's license or passport)
• Emergency Contact Information
• A health plan identification card
• Medicare or other medical insurance cards
• Your copay ( if not yet paid)
• Cases for contact lenses or dentures

Leave these Items at Home

• Any valuables, particularly jewelry or wedding rings
• Prescription medications (unless your doctor instructs otherwise)

During Surgery

A nurse will escort you to the preoperative room and will ask you to change into a hospital gown. He or she will ask you to remove contact lenses or dentures. Your nurses or surgical team will

• Check your blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and breathing
• Insert an intravenous line into your arm or hand to administer fluids and medications
• Administer medication for relaxation

Questions You'll be Asked

Your medical team, including nurses, an anesthesiologist, and your surgeon will ask you a number of times that include:

1. Your complete name
2. The surgery/procedure you're having
3. Administer medication for relaxation
4. The area of your body for the incision
5. This process simply ensures your safety
6. The questions are routine, but if you aren't asked, do speak up

Preparing for vaginoplasty is similar to other operations. You simply need to follow the guidelines you are given by your medical team and surgeon and adhere to all instructions for aftercare. If you have further concerns about your procedure or want to schedule a consultation for vaginoplasty, contact Icon Cosmetic Center to schedule an appointment.