Revision of Scar Tissue
Abnormal vaginal scarring is most commonly a result of poor healing after childbirth when tearing or stitching has occurred. This can result in painful intercourse or pain during normal activity. If the area becomes infected after childbirth, it can lead to delayed healing, scarring, and possibly pain.
Symptoms
There are a number of potential causes of abnormal scarring, including:
- After childbirth, where tearing or stitching is involved,
- After inadequate suturing methods,
- In cases of intense vaginal trauma during vigorous intercourse where ripping may have occurred.
Symptoms may include:
- Decreased sex drive; as a result of low self-confidence
- Nervousness about intercourse, leading to dryness
- Pain during sex
- Abnormal tissue elasticity
Causes
After tearing has occurred, infection or continual distress can cause the tissues to heal incorrectly and cause abnormal scarring. This can be painful as the skin will be less flexible and may have joined together creating abnormal anatomy.
Risk factors
The factors that may increase a woman’s chance of developing abnormal scarring include:
- Complications during delivery – Scar tissue may form in cases where the vagina tears during delivery or episiotomy is performed.
- Infection – In the case of infection during the healing process, scarring is more likely to develop around the infected area.
- Low oestrogen levels – In cases where only small amounts of oestrogen are present (e.g. during breastfeeding) the vagina can become thin and acidic. This decreases the tissues ability to heal properly and can cause painful areas in the vagina.
Complications
Abnormal scarring can cause complications, including:
- Infection susceptibility – Infection can cause scarring, taking over the area and leaving it vulnerable to other infections and diseases.
- Pain – Delayed or abnormal healing can lead to vaginal pain, which can affect daily activities, such as sitting or lifting.
- Pain during sex – Scar tissue causes the skin to become inflexible, making it difficult for the vagina to stretch during intercourse.
Treatments
There are many treatments for abnormal scarring, including:
Antibiotics:
Used initially to reduce infection and inflammation. This can reduce the risk for scarring and problems early on.
MonaLisa Touch and PRP
Where there are small areas of scarring, PRP therapy and CO2 laser is used to vaporise abnormal tissue. This allows for appropriate healing or scars.
Oestrogen therapy
Oestrogen levels after childbirth are often low, especially in cases where breastfeeding is continuing. A low level of oestrogen leads to reduced blood flow and higher acidity in the vagina, causing poor healing and discomfort.
The addition of oestrogen will improve blood flow and nerve supply to the area, helping the healing process. This will also help with reducing the chance of repeated infection.
Excision and resuturing
Using newer, biodegradable sutures can help the scarring return to normal. This is often the course taken when refashioning abnormal anatomy, as the vaginal folds may have healed in the wrong place.
