Perineorrhaphy, also called perineal repair, is a surgical procedure to repair the perineum, the area between the vagina and anus, often after childbirth. Women may experience tearing, stretching, or a feeling of looseness after delivery. Perineorrhaphy helps restore structure, function, and comfort, and can support bladder, bowel, and sexual health.
Why Women Might Need Perineorrhaphy
After pregnancy or vaginal birth, some women notice changes in the perineum, including:
Tearing during delivery or after an episiotomy
Feeling of vaginal looseness or discomfort
Difficulty with bladder or bowel control
Desire to improve healing and pelvic support
Dr Sharon Li assesses each patient individually and discusses whether perineorrhaphy is appropriate.
How Perineorrhaphy is Performed
The procedure can be done under local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic, depending on the extent of repair and patient preference.
The perineal tissues are carefully sutured to restore anatomy and support healing.
Recovery is gradual, with most women noticing improved comfort and function over several weeks.
Can Perineorrhaphy Be Combined with Labiaplasty or Vaginal Repair?
Perineorrhaphy can be performed on its own or in combination with other procedures, depending on individual needs. Combining procedures can address multiple concerns at once.
1. Combining with Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty reshapes or reduces the labia for comfort, hygiene, or personal preference.
When combined with perineorrhaphy, both the perineum and labia can be repaired or reshaped in a single procedure.
2. Combining with Vaginal Repair
Vaginal repair, including sacrospinous colpopexy, can help improve vaginal prolapse symptoms and restore support to the vaginal walls.
Perineorrhaphy can be combined with vaginal repair to:
Address vaginal bulging or prolapse symptoms
Support bladder, bowel, and sexual function
Restore pelvic floor support and comfort
3. Anaesthesia Options
Local anaesthetic: suitable for smaller repairs or simpler combinations
General anaesthetic: preferred if multiple procedures are performed together (e.g., perineorrhaphy + labiaplasty + vaginal repair)
4. Benefits of Combining Procedures
Addresses multiple functional and anatomical concerns
Tailored to the patient’s individual anatomy and needs
Patient education: Combining procedures is optional and should be discussed with your gynaecologist. Dr Sharon Li provides detailed explanations, risks, benefits, and aftercare to help women make informed decisions.
Recovery and Postoperative Care
After perineorrhaphy (alone or combined):
Pain management and wound care guidance is provided
Pelvic floor exercises help support healing and long-term function
Advice on hygiene, infection prevention, and resuming sexual activity
Follow-up appointments monitor healing and recovery
Most women notice gradual improvement in comfort, tissue function, and confidence over several weeks.
Medicare and Health Insurance
After your initial consultation with Dr Sharon Li, we can:
Assess the procedures you may need
Explain whether Medicare and/or private health insurance may cover part of the costs
Provide guidance on billing, rebates, and documentation
This ensures you understand your financial options before making decisions about surgery.
Making Informed Decisions
Perineorrhaphy and related procedures are highly individualised. Dr Sharon Li helps patients understand:
Which procedures are suitable for their situation
Expected recovery and outcomes
Alternatives or non-surgical options
This ensures patients can make safe, informed, and supported choices.
Consult Dr Sharon Li
Dr Sharon Li is an experienced gynaecologist providing perineorrhaphy, labiaplasty, and vaginal repair in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. She can discuss:
Procedures performed alone or in combination
Anaesthesia options (local or general)
Recovery and postoperative care
Medicare and health insurance coverage
For more information or to arrange a consultation, please call 07 3219 6868.