Can I have plastic surgery the same day as my consultation?

This is usually less likely, unless it is a very small procedure done under local anaesthesia and a procedure room slot is available. Singapore MOH regulation also mandates at least a one-week cooling period following consultation for local patients. Additional medical clearance or tests may be required prior to surgery.

Can I have a video consultation/telemedicine consultation?

Yes. Video consultations are suitable especially for out-of-town patients. For local patients, in-person consultation is still preferred. Video consultations will not be recorded and require pre-payment.

I want to do surgery, but I’m so afraid of the pain. What should I do?

It’s expected to have some pain after surgery. At Argent, appropriate analgesia (oral, local anesthesia, or patient-controlled analgesia) will be provided. Supportive garments may also be used postoperatively to reduce swelling and improve comfort.

Can I have more than one procedure done during the same surgery?

Yes, it is possible to combine multiple procedures, depending on the surgery type and postoperative care needs. For more extensive surgeries, sometimes procedures are staged to ensure maximal safety and optimal outcomes.

Should I bring someone along with me during the consultation?

Bringing a close friend, family member, or spouse can provide emotional support. However, if you come alone, that is also acceptable—Dr Lee Hanjing will provide a written discussion of the procedures and cover your questions.

What should I bring to the consultation?

Bring your full medical and surgical history, current medications and supplements, and a list of questions you wish to ask. This helps the surgeon better understand your needs and propose a suitable plan.

Is there a consultation fee?

Yes. Dr Lee Hanjing performs consultations personally, taking time to understand your concerns, examine you, and create a customized plan. The consultation fee reflects this level of personal care and expertise.

Vaginoplasty in Singapore

Vaginoplasty, also known as vaginal tightening or vaginal rejuvenation, is a surgical procedure that tightens the vaginal canal and restores the tissues around it. Women consider it for a range of reasons, most often a loss of tone or laxity that follows childbirth, ageing or hormonal change, along with the physical or emotional discomfort that can come with it.

Intimate concerns are not always easy to raise, and many women carry them quietly for years before confiding to anyone. At Argent Plastic Surgery (located within Mount Alvernia Hospital), vaginoplasty and intimate aesthetic procedures are performed by Dr. Lee Hanjing, a fellowship-trained, female specialist plastic surgeon. Dr Lee provides a private, compassionate, and unhurried environment to ensure your personal goals and clinical needs are thoroughly evaluated..

What is Vaginoplasty?

Vaginoplasty is a reconstructive or cosmetic procedure that tightens the vaginal canal and reshapes or repairs the surrounding structures. It is typically considered where the vaginal muscles have weakened or stretched as a result of childbirth, ageing or trauma, and it can address both function and appearance, depending on the patient's goals.

At Argent Plastic Surgery, this includes specific surgical variants such as posterior vaginoplasty, which tightens the rear wall of the vaginal canal, and perineoplasty, which repairs and reshapes the perineum, the area between the vaginal opening and the anus. The appropriate approach depends on individual anatomy and is determined at consultation.

Common Reasons Women Seek Vaginoplasty

Women consider vaginal tightening for a wide spectrum of functional, medical, and personal reasons:

Post-Childbirth Restoration

Childbirth can stretch and weaken vaginal muscles, and for some women the tone does not fully return on its own. Vaginoplasty can help restore vaginal function and sensation.

Ageing and Laxity

With age, the vaginal walls may lose elasticity. This may bring a sense of looseness, or reduced sensation during sexual activity, which surgery can help to address.

Aesthetic Confidence

Some women desire a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, which may lead them to pursue vaginoplasty for increased self-confidence.

Medical Conditions Requiring Reconstruction

Conditions like pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, or vaginal trauma may require surgical correction through vaginoplasty.

Surgical and Non-Surgical Options for Vaginal Tightening

Not every concern requires surgery. The appropriate starting point depends on the degree of laxity present and the patient's own preferences.

Treatment Modality	Key Technology / Method	Best Suited For	Downtime & Recovery
Non-Surgical Laser (e.g., IntimaLase)	Thermal laser energy stimulates superficial collagen remodelling in the vaginal mucosa.	Mild laxity, early post-partum changes, or those avoiding surgery.	Zero downtime; requires multiple recurring sessions.
Surgical Vaginoplasty	Physical excision of excess mucosa and surgical tightening (plication) of deep muscle layers.	Moderate to severe laxity, structural muscle separation, or tissue tears.	4 to 6 weeks for complete deep tissue healing.

The appropriate option is assessed at consultation. Dr Lee will compare both approaches based on your anatomy, the degree of laxity present and your recovery preferences, and will advise where a less involved approach would be more suitable at this stage.

Types of Vaginoplasty Surgery

Functional vaginoplasty

Functional vaginoplasty focuses on restoring the function of the vagina. It is often chosen for medical reasons, such as repair following childbirth or in conjunction with treatment for pelvic prolapse. Depending on the case, it may involve:

Restoring Vaginal Tone: Tightening can help restore strength and structure to muscles that have weakened or stretched.
Treatment of Incontinence or Prolapse: In some cases, vaginoplasty is combined with surgery to address urinary incontinence or repair prolapsed organs.
A Change in Sensation: Tightening the vaginal canal may alter sensation during sexual activity, although this varies between individuals.

Cosmetic vaginoplasty

Cosmetic vaginoplasty addresses the appearance of the vaginal area. It is generally chosen for reasons of personal comfort and body image. It can involve:

Reshaping the Tissue: The vaginal entrance or surrounding tissue can be reshaped for a more even and balanced appearance.
A Change in How the Area is Perceived: Patients who have felt self-conscious about the area may feel more at ease afterwards.

Posterior Vaginoplasty and Perineoplasty

Posterior vaginoplasty tightens the rear wall of the vaginal canal, which is frequently where laxity is most pronounced after childbirth. Perineoplasty addresses the perineum, the area between the vaginal opening and the anus, repairing tissue that has stretched, torn or healed poorly. As the muscles involved are closely related, the two procedures are sometimes performed together. Whether either is appropriate is determined on assessment.

The Procedure at Argent Plastic Surgery

Vaginoplasty at Argent Plastic Surgery is carried out by Dr Lee Hanjing at Mount Alvernia Hospital. The stages below outline the process from initial consultation through to recovery.

Pre-Surgery Consultations and Pre-Operative Preparations

Before surgery, you will attend one or more consultations. Dr Lee will review your medical history, discuss your goals and conduct a physical examination. Blood tests and, where indicated, imaging may be arranged to confirm that you are fit for surgery. You will also receive guidance on how to prepare, including any necessary medication adjustments, dietary advice, and stopping smoking ahead of the procedure.

Surgery

Vaginoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia at our plastic surgery clinic, so you will be asleep throughout, and it usually takes between one and two hours. Working along the vaginal walls or the labia, depending on whether the procedure is functional or cosmetic, Dr Lee will remove excess tissue where necessary, and tighten and suture the remaining area. The technique is tailored to individual anatomy and the goals agreed beforehand.

Post-Surgery Recovery and Care

Recovery will take several weeks. Some swelling, bruising and mild discomfort is normal in the first few days. You will be given specific aftercare instructions, which generally include avoiding strenuous activity, heavy lifting and sexual intercourse during the early recovery weeks. Sexual activity is usually resumed between four and six weeks, once Dr Lee confirms the area has healed sufficiently. Pain relief and antibiotics may be prescribed to manage discomfort and reduce the risk of infection. Regular follow-up appointments allow healing to be monitored.

Combined Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty

Some patients wish to address both the internal vaginal canal and the external labia within a single clinical plan. Vaginoplasty tightens the canal, while labiaplasty treatment reshapes the labia, and where appropriate the two can be performed together under a single anaesthetic and recovery period. Whether this is suitable is assessed individually, weighing the benefit of a combined procedure against the demands of a single longer recovery.

Risks and Considerations

Vaginoplasty is generally safe when performed by an experienced surgeon, but like any surgery, it carries risks that should be understood before proceeding. Dr Lee will discuss these with you at consultation. The principal risks include:

Infection: Any surgical wound can become infected, which is why antibiotics are often prescribed and hygiene guidance provided.
Bleeding or Haematoma: A collection of blood may form beneath the skin and occasionally requires further attention.
Scarring: Incisions are placed discreetly, though the way a scar settles varies between individuals.
Asymmetry: The two sides may heal slightly differently, and a minor revision is occasionally required.
Changes in Sensitivity: Altered sensation can occur. This is usually temporary, though it rarely persists.
Discomfort During Recovery: Some tenderness is expected in the early weeks as the area heals.
Effect on Sexual Sensation: Temporary changes are common during recovery. Persistent changes are less common and are a recognised risk rather than an expected outcome.

Cost of Vaginoplasty in Singapore

The cost of vaginoplasty depends on the type of procedure, its complexity, the anaesthesia involved and facility fees, and therefore varies between patients. As an elective cosmetic procedure, vaginoplasty is generally not covered by MediSave or insurance. Where it is performed for documented medical or reconstructive reasons, partial coverage may apply, with eligibility determined on an individual basis. A price estimate is provided at consultation, once the appropriate approach has been established.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vaginoplasty

What qualifications should a vaginoplasty surgeon have?

Vaginoplasty has intricate functional anatomy and aesthetic nuance. It is advisable to choose a surgeon with recognised training and registration in the field. In Singapore, that means a surgeon accredited by the Ministry of Health and registered with the Singapore Medical Council, with experience in both cosmetic and reconstructive vaginal procedures. It is reasonable to ask about a surgeon's qualifications and their experience with the specific procedure you are considering.

What are the risks and potential complications of vaginoplasty?

As with any surgery, vaginoplasty carries some risk. These include infection, bleeding or haematoma, scarring, asymmetry between the two sides, temporary or rarely permanent changes in sensation, discomfort during recovery, and the possibility of dissatisfaction with the result. There are also the general risks associated with general anaesthesia. Dr Lee will explain each of these in the context of your health and circumstances during the consultation.

What is the expected recovery time after vaginoplasty?

Full recovery generally takes around six to eight weeks, though it varies between individuals. The first week typically involves swelling, bruising and discomfort, with rest the priority. By the second week, many patients return to light daily activities and desk-based work. Through weeks three and four, swelling continues to settle. Sexual activity is generally resumed between four and six weeks, once Dr Lee confirms the area has healed. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are usually avoided until around the six-week mark.