Awake body surgery
Awake Vaginoplasty in Ottawa
Vaginoplasty tightens or reshapes the vaginal canal and opening, commonly after childbirth or with aging. For selected patients, the extent of surgery can allow an awake approach with local anesthesia and sedation.
Vaginoplasty at a glance
| Typical operating time | About 1.5 to 3 hours |
|---|---|
| Awake suitability | Selected patients |
| Typical return to desk work | Desk work often within 1 to 2 weeks |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia with or without sedation. General anesthesia arranged if needed |
| Setting | Outpatient, with an anesthesiologist present throughout |
Times are typical ranges for planning, not promises. Your plan is individualized.
What is vaginoplasty?
Excess or lax tissue is removed and the underlying support is tightened, often together with perineoplasty. The plan is individualized after a private examination.
Who may be a good candidate
- People with laxity or discomfort after childbirth or aging
- Those with a functional or cosmetic concern about the vaginal canal
- Adults who understand that results and satisfaction vary
Why awake vaginoplasty may work
Outpatient female genital cosmetic surgery is increasingly described, and a systematic review and meta-analysis examines outcomes of outpatient approaches. Procedure-specific published evidence for awake vaginoplasty is limited, so we describe it as an option for selected patients only. Local anesthesia with sedation may suit a more limited repair.
When awake may not be the right choice
Deeper or more extensive repairs, or combination with other pelvic procedures, may be better with regional or general anesthesia. We will recommend the safest option.
Your awake vaginoplasty journey
1. Before surgery (pre-op)
A private, chaperoned examination and a discussion of goals, risks and alternatives. Pelvic floor physiotherapy may be considered.
- A consultation to review your goals, health history, medications and previous surgeries, and a physical examination
- An anesthesia assessment to decide whether an awake plan is appropriate and safe for you
- Photographs, with your consent, and a written plan, quote and consent form
- Medication guidance, including when to stop blood thinners, certain supplements, and smoking or vaping
- Fasting instructions from the anesthesia team. Follow them exactly
- A ride home and an adult to stay with you after surgery
2. Day of surgery (intra-op)
Your dignity and privacy are protected. The area is numbed and sedation is adjusted as needed.
- You arrive, change, and meet the surgeon and anesthesiologist, and your markings and plan are confirmed
- An IV and monitors are placed. The anesthesiologist stays with you from start to finish
- Local anesthetic is given. Expect brief stinging, then numbness, and light sedation if planned
- You can listen to music, talk with the team, and tell us at any time if you feel discomfort
- Afterward you rest in recovery, receive written instructions and go home with your driver
3. Recovery (post-op)
You are observed in recovery, given written instructions and pain-control guidance, and scheduled for follow-up. Call us or seek urgent care for fever, spreading redness, severe or worsening pain, heavy bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg pain or swelling.
| When | What is typical |
|---|---|
| Days 1 to 3 | Soreness and swelling. Rest, cold packs and pain control. |
| Week 1 to 2 | Light activity. Avoid straining. No intercourse or tampons. |
| Weeks 3 to 6 | Gradual return to activity. Stitches dissolve. |
| Months 2 to 3 | Healing continues. Intimacy resumes after clearance. |
Timelines are general and vary. Your surgeon gives you instructions specific to you.
Anesthesia options
Anesthesia options range from local anesthesia, with or without sedation, to general anesthesia. An anesthesiologist is present throughout your procedure and recommends an approach after reviewing your health, the extent of surgery and your preferences. If an awake approach is not suitable, general anesthesia is arranged. Plans can change during surgery if comfort or safety requires it, including deepening sedation or converting to general anesthesia.
Learn more: anesthesia options, levels of anesthesia, fear of intubation, and pain perception and music.
Alternatives
Pelvic floor physiotherapy, non-surgical devices, or no treatment.
Risks
Bleeding, infection, wound separation, scarring, pain with intimacy, over-tightening, altered sensation, unsatisfying results, and anesthesia-related risks.
Anesthetic risks include reactions to medications, breathing or airway events, the need to deepen sedation or convert to general anesthesia, and, rarely, transfer for further care. All surgery carries risk, and results are not guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions about awake vaginoplasty
Can vaginoplasty be done awake?
In selected patients with a limited plan. Many are better under other forms of anesthesia.
Will it improve sexual function?
Results vary and cannot be guaranteed.
Is it covered by insurance?
Cosmetic surgery is generally not covered.
Is my privacy protected?
Yes. A chaperone is offered.
Related procedures
Pricing for this procedure is quoted at your consultation. See pricing and financing.
Explore your options at a consultation
References
- Padovesi Mota IL, et al. Outpatient female genital cosmetic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Aesthet Surg J. 2026. PMID 42615976
Starting from $7,000 for Vaginoplasty (CAD, before 13% HST). Your personalized written quote follows consultation. See pricing and financing.