Perineoplasty is surgery on the perineum, the skin and muscle between the vagina and the back passage. One use is to remove scar tissue that makes sex painful after a tear or a cut at childbirth. There are simpler things to try, and you can come before you have tried them. The operation is estimated at US$5,000 to US$9,000. You start with a private consultation with Dr. Charles Rockhead, from J$11,000.
No obligation · Every consultation is in-person with Dr. Rockhead.
Perineoplasty at a glance
Dr. Rockhead
Your consultation is with him
In person
Consultation before anything is booked
US$5,000 to US$9,000
Estimated. Quoted in writing first
Kingston
Consultations at 9 Devon Road
No obligation
You decide after the consultation
WhatsApp
Questions answered privately
Every visit, without exception
Four things that are true of every visit
A consultation first
Your first visit is with Dr. Rockhead, in person. No operation is booked at it.
An examination
The cause of the pain is looked for before anything is planned.
Your choices explained
He explains your options, including not having surgery.
The price in writing
You get your quote in writing before you decide.
Treatment Details
Pain after a tear deserves a proper look.
The NHS says up to 9 in 10 first-time mothers who give birth vaginally have a tear, a graze or a cut, and that stitches should heal within a month. Many women do not need this operation. Pain during sex is very common in the first few months. If it does not ease, or the scar itself is giving you trouble, that is worth a doctor's time. Private question? Message us on WhatsApp.
The surgeon removes scar tissue or extra skin from the perineum and stitches the muscle underneath together, with stitches that dissolve. Hospitals in Britain do a similar operation called Fenton's procedure.
What it is for
Pain during sex from scarring or narrowing after a tear or an episiotomy, a cut made at the birth. It is not done until the tear has had time to heal.
Things to try
An examination, to find the cause. Then a water-based lubricant, massaging the perineum, a numbing cream and treatment from a physiotherapist. Leeds also lists having no treatment as a choice.
A wide or loose feeling
The Cleveland Clinic says weak pelvic floor muscles are likely the true cause of that feeling. Ask Dr. Rockhead about your options at your consultation.
Leaking wind or stool
Sudden urges to open your bowels, not being able to hold wind, or soiling after a tear need a specialist team first. Tell Dr. Rockhead about them at your consultation. Wind or stool coming through the vagina needs a doctor urgently.
If you may want another baby
Tell Dr. Rockhead: we advise waiting until your family is complete before surgery. The simpler things above do not have to wait. After a third- or fourth-degree tear, the deepest kinds, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says many women go on to a straightforward vaginal birth, and that a planned caesarean is something you may prefer to consider if symptoms have lasted.
Before you decide
What to expect.
The Cleveland Clinic says that, in general, satisfaction with this surgery is high. Results differ from person to person, and Dr. Rockhead talks you through what to expect for you before anything is booked.
The cause of the pain is looked for first, at your consultation.
02Medical Leadership
Who do you meet, and what is checked first?
Dr. Charles Rockhead, a gynaecologist, in person, at 9 Devon Road in Kingston. He asks about the birth, the tear and what you have already tried, and he examines you to find where the pain comes from. Dr. Rockhead performs the operation himself. Before you book, ask where it takes place and what anaesthetic or sedation would be used, and have it in writing.
Tell him about these
Leaking wind or stool, sudden urges to open your bowels, a discharge that smells, or skin that is red and swollen.
Dr. Charles Rockhead, Medical Director — Oshun Cosmetic Services, Kingston.
Dr. Charles Rockhead
Medical Director · Board-Certified OB/GYN · 30+ years of practice
Dr. Charles Rockhead is a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with more than thirty years of practice in Kingston. He is the Medical Director of Oshun Cosmetic Services and the founding physician of Amadeo Medical Group, the parent clinical practice.
Tell us every medicine and supplement you take. If you take a blood thinner, do not stop it on your own: your doctors decide. We ask you to avoid sex and douching for a week before. Blood tests and a medical check are done beforehand.
ii.
The anaesthetic
Hospitals do this operation under a local or a general anaesthetic. If sedation is offered, ask who gives it and who watches you.
iii.
The operation
The scar tissue is cut away, the muscle is repaired and the skin is closed with stitches that dissolve.
iv.
Going home
You will need someone to take you home. You will be sore: take the pain relief you are given.
04Recovery
Recovery, and when to get help.
Go to a hospital at once
For shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing up blood, for a leg that is painful, red, swollen and hot, or for heavy bleeding.
Call us straight away
On (876) 676-6297, if the pain gets worse, the wound is red or swollen or seems to break open, you have a fever, there is a discharge with a bad smell, you pass blood clots, or you go four or more days without opening your bowels. We are closed at night and from Friday to Sunday. If we are closed, do not wait for us: go to a hospital.
Time off work
Plan for one to two weeks. The Cleveland Clinic says to limit activities for at least four weeks.
Sex, tampons and swimming
Nothing in the vagina for at least six weeks. No swimming, heavy lifting or hard exercise for six weeks.
Washing and ice
Wash daily with warm water and no soap. Ask us before using an antiseptic. Ice packs help at first. Ask when you may take a bath.
Your bowels
Take the stool softener you are given and drink plenty of water, so that you do not strain.
Check-ups
We see you at one week, at two to three weeks, at six weeks and at three months.
05Risks
The risks, and who should not have it.
The risks
Sex can be painful afterwards. Leeds says of its own operation that pain, bleeding, bruising and infection tend to be short term. It can leave scarring or a change in feeling. The wound can open. Rarely, there is a change in bowel function. Another operation may be needed. And there are the risks of the anaesthetic.
Who should not have it
Not in pregnancy, with a genital infection, with a bleeding disorder, with body dysmorphic disorder, or if you plan another pregnancy.
06Cost & booking
How much does perineoplasty cost in Jamaica?
What it costs
The consultation with Dr. Rockhead is from J$11,000. The operation is estimated at US$5,000 to US$9,000. Your written quote lists every part of the cost.
When we are open
Monday and Wednesday, 10 AM to 6 PM. Tuesday and Thursday, 10 AM to 4 PM. Closed Friday to Sunday.
Paying
Cash, debit card, credit card or approved financing. Health insurance does not usually cover cosmetic surgery. A repair done for a medical reason may be partly covered: ask your insurer.
If this sounds right
The next step is a conversation, not a commitment.
Start with a consultation, in person, with Dr. Rockhead.
