Vaginal Rejuvenation
Vaginal rejuvenation is a cosmetic procedure and reconstructive surgery in which the vaginal canal, its mucous membrane, and its vulvovaginal structures are reconstructed. This may be needed because the structures are damaged or absent due to congenital disease or due to some type of acquired cause. In many cases, pelvic relaxation due to childbirth or other types of trauma maybe the culprit that inspires women to have the surgery completed. While the procedure is relatively safe, the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure should be considered thoroughly before pursuing this option.
Types of Vaginal Rejuvenation
Procedures in vaginal rejuvenation typically fall into one of three main categories:
Labiaplasty: The reduction of the labia through the use of surgery, usually requested by women who experience embarrassment or physical discomfort due to an enlarged labia.
Hoodectomy: Sometimes called clitoral unhooding, this surgery removes the extra skin found around the clitoris, and this helps to improve stimulation and sensation.
Vaginaplasty: This type of procedure rejuvenates and tightens the vagina. This can be used to counteract the natural aging process or to fix issues that occur when a woman goes through childbirth. Both situations can lead to a lack of stimulation during intercourse and an overall feeling of looseness in the vagina.
Labiaplasty is the most common of the three rejuvenation surgeries, and it is designed to change the labia majora and the labia minora. This surgery enhances the exterior labia appearance and improves the genital’s cosmetic appearance.
Why Women Choose Vaginal Rejuvenation
Many women choose to undergo vaginal rejuvenation to tighten their vaginal opening and inner vaginal canal. It is the most common of the cosmetic gynecology procedures available. Typically, women seek a vaginal rejuvenation for the following reasons:
- To improve or enhance sexual function
- To resolve symptoms related to pelvic relaxation
After giving birth, a lot of women feel that their vagina does not function or feel the same way that it did before they became mothers. Vaginal rejuvenation can help to correct these issues.
Vaginal Rejuvenation Surgery Description
A vaginal rejuvenation surgery can be completed with or without a laser, and it is described as the modification of a typical gynecological surgery. The technique results in precision procedures that lead to little blood loss, and in most cases, the healing process is relatively quick. Most women can return to their normal activities in a short period of time.
Typically, the surgery will last between an hour or two and it is completed as an outpatient surgery. However, the surgery duration depends on the extent of relaxation of the vagina, as well as whether the bottom, or the top, vaginal muscles and walls need to be treated. Two major approaches can be evaluated for surgery. The traditional method involves the use of a scalpel to remove extra vaginal tissue, while the newer method uses a laser to remove this tissue.
Advantages of Vaginal Rejuvenation
Vaginal rejuvenation surgeries are quick, effective, and safe, and they can be associated with a variety of benefits to the patient.
Cosmetic Benefits
A woman’s body doesn’t always bounce back after childbirth, and the vaginal region sometimes needs assistance to get back to its pre-baby form. This procedure can tighten the lining of the inner vagina while providing other cosmetic benefits. Excess tissue can be removed to improve the appearance of the vagina. Other cosmetic and reconstructive procedures may also be completed in addition to vaginal rejuvenation to maximize the results.
Medical Conditions
Certain bladder problems may warrant a vaginal rejuvenation surgery. These surgeries may also be used to treat pelvic prolapse, specifically the urinary incontinence caused by it. In these situations, the vaginal walls or uterus is situated extremely low, and the procedure can correct this issue. For these types of procedures, it is important to find a cosmetic surgeon who is skilled and experienced in treating these conditions.
Physical and Psychological Effects
Vaginal rejuvenation surgery can improve the sexual experience of the patient and her partner. Often women complain of losing sensation after they have children, and the tightening of these vaginal muscles can lead to better orgasms and increased sexual pleasure. Psychological effects can also be experienced, as vaginal rejuvenation can boost self-confidence and ultimately improve the quality of life a woman experiences. A physical appearance enhancement can also help a woman’s self-esteem.
Disadvantages of Vaginal Rejuvenation
Like any surgical procedure, vaginal rejuvenation comes with a certain level of risk. Anesthesia is used throughout the procedure, so the benefits should be weighed against the possible risk of a problem occurring when choosing whether to have this surgery completed. Cost should also be considered with this procedure, as cosmetic procedures are not typically covered by any type of medical insurance. A typical vaginal rejuvenation surgery can cost around $7,000. Some women may attempt to use a natural method to try and tone their vaginal walls rather than pursuing this costly and potentially risky procedure.
