Vaginal Rejuvenation
The term “vaginal rejuvenation” refers to procedures (e.g. vaginoplasty and labiaplasty) that aim to improve both the function and appearance of the female anatomy. This complex area of reconstructive surgery should be performed by an experienced and qualified plastic surgeon or gynecologist with an expectation of significant improvement in the functional and aesthetic outcome. Our Charleston plastic surgeon has extensive experience performing vaginal rejuvenation surgery and can address your unique concerns.
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What is Labiaplasty?
For women who struggle with stretched or enlarged labia—a common and natural condition—labiaplasty is intended to reduce redundant tissue and minimize irritation and discomfort, as well as potentially visible bulging through clothing, bathing suits, or underwear. Labiaplasty is usually intended to reduce the inner labia (“labia minora”) for both functional and aesthetic enhancement, with the procedure used to minimize the risk of twisting and tugging on excess tissue. The procedure can also be used to correct asymmetry and improve the cosmetic appearance of the labia and the clitoral hood. This type of vaginal rejuvenation can often lead to increased self-confidence and comfort in situations that previously may have led to embarrassment and self-consciousness.
What is Vaginoplasty?
Vaginoplasty involves the surgical tightening of the vaginal canal. The procedure can benefit women who suffer from laxity or stretched vaginal muscles due to age, trauma from childbirth, or a variety of other factors. In the hands of a qualified surgeon or gynecologist, vaginoplasty can comprehensively enhance functionality, sensation, and appearance. It can also ease symptoms of urinary incontinence or pelvic floor complications, and can reduce pain, irritation, and psychological distress. In many cases, vaginoplasty can be combined with labiaplasty, depending on the patient’s unique needs.
What are the Benefits of Vaginal Rejuvenation?
Vaginal rejuvenation typically benefits women who have enlarged and/or asymmetrical labia minora or stretched vaginal muscles and experience aesthetic or functional discomfort as a result. Depending on your unique needs, this type of surgery can generally achieve the following:
- Tightening of the vaginal canal
- Removal of stretched or excess labial tissue
- Reduction of incontinence, vaginal dryness, or pelvic floor dysfunction
- Improved symmetry of labia
- Enhanced appearance of intimate area
- Reduced length of the labia minora
- Overall improvement of sexual satisfaction and quality of life
If you are unsure whether you would benefit from vaginal rejuvenation surgery, our team can determine whether this type of procedure is right for you during a consultation. Many women include vaginal rejuvenation surgery as part of a Mommy Makeover for a full restoration of their pre-pregnancy status.
How is Vaginal Rejuvenation Performed?
Our plastic surgeon is proficient in several types of vaginal rejuvenation methods, and the techniques he uses will depend on your specific physical findings. After an initial consultation, Dr. Rowin can determine the most optimal treatment plan for you and discuss the details of your surgery to ensure you are well-informed about the procedure.
Vaginoplasty
To perform a vaginoplasty, our surgeon will place incisions within the vulva or mucosal walls of the vagina. From there, he will pull and reposition muscles, trim excess skin, and reduce scar tissue as needed to produce a narrower canal.
Labiaplasty
A common labiaplasty approach involves a trim procedure, in which excess tissue is removed with a straight-line incision along the edge of the labia. Rarely, a wedge excision may be used to eliminate redundant skin in the labia minora and restore a typical anatomic appearance. Extra skin folds in the clitoral hood may also be reduced, depending on your individual needs.
In the case of both procedures, the surgical incisions are generally closed with absorbable sutures and skin adhesive, which acts as a water-resistant sealant. Furthermore, vaginal rejuvenation surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure in under two hours, and general anesthesia is usually administered.
What is Recovery Like after Vaginal Rejuvenation?
After vaginal rejuvenation surgery, patients generally experience temporary bruising, tenderness, and swelling in the treated areas. We will administer a timed-release local anesthetic medication at the time of surgery, which should eliminate most post-operative discomfort almost entirely for two to three days. These symptoms should resolve as recovery progresses, but any discomfort can often be managed well with additional oral pain medication, for which you will be given prescriptions before your surgery.
Individuals typically return to work and daily activities within two weeks at most, although strenuous physical activity such as exercise, spin class, riding a bicycle, and sexual intercourse should be avoided for at least four weeks.
What are the Results of Vaginal Rejuvenation?
As the final outcome of surgery is fully realized, patients almost uniformly report 100% satisfaction from their surgery and often experience not only alleviation of their pre-operative symptoms, but also an increased sense of confidence — particularly in situations that may have previously been anxiety-provoking. In the vast majority of cases, the improvement from vaginal rejuvenation surgery is permanent and lifelong.
What are the Risks of Vaginal Rejuvenation?
Complications are, thankfully, rare with professionally-performed vaginal rejuvenation, although the risks are similar to those of any surgical procedure. There is a theoretical risk of bleeding, infection, hematoma, or delayed healing in a portion of the suture line. In addition, there is a risk of asymmetry, but some degree of asymmetry in this part of the body is more the rule than the exception. In general, vaginal rejuvenation patients are more symmetrical after surgery than they were before surgery.
Although serious complications are rare, it is essential to select an experienced and well-qualified plastic surgeon to perform your procedure to ensure you are receiving the highest standard of safety and care during your vaginal rejuvenation surgery. Dr. Rowin will thoroughly evaluate your medical history and unique needs to confirm that you are a good candidate for the procedure.
How Much Does Vaginal Rejuvenation Surgery Cost?
Surgical vaginal rejuvenation is priced according to the details of your treatment plan, such as the extent of your concerns, the complexity of the surgical correction(s), and costs related to the surgical facility and anesthesia. Rest assured that our patient care coordinator will provide you with a personalized quote of your expenses after we evaluate you during your consultation.
Many patients can make their surgery more affordable with the payment plans available through our financing provider, CareCredit®. This reputable lending institution offers qualified applicants a multitude of low- to no-interest payment plans that can accommodate virtually any budget. For more information, please reach out to our office to speak to a member of our team.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Vaginal Rejuvenation
Which vaginal rejuvenation procedure is right for me?
The right vaginal rejuvenation procedure (or combination of procedures) will depend on the nature of your concerns. For instance, if you are primarily interested in reducing excess labial tissue, you may be best suited for labiaplasty. If conditions concerning the vaginal walls need to be addressed, or if you wish to enhance the appearance of your entire intimate area, you may be eligible for vaginoplasty or a combination of these surgeries. As with all of the solutions we offer at Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas, we will help you decide upon a procedure that meets your needs after an in-depth consultation.
Is vaginal rejuvenation painful?
Because vaginal rejuvenation is usually performed under a light general anesthesia, patients should not experience significant pain during the surgery itself. In addition, local anesthesia is typically used to keep you comfortable and pain-free for at least 24 to 72 hours after surgery. During recovery, you may experience effects such as swelling, bruising, and soreness, but these can generally be mitigated with pain medication.
What kind of doctor can perform vaginal rejuvenation?
While many different kinds of doctors may offer vaginal rejuvenation procedures, it is a good idea to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon for this treatment. Women who are considering vaginal rejuvenation should seek out board-certified plastic surgeons who are experienced with this type of procedure. It’s often best to ask a prospective doctor about his or her level of skill as it pertains to cosmetic vaginal rejuvenation procedures. It can also be helpful to view before-and-after photos of patients who have been treated by the surgeon.
How old do you have to be to get vaginal rejuvenation?
Most patients who undergo surgical vaginal rejuvenation are aged 18 and over. It is typically advisable for patients to have completed the development process before undergoing vaginal rejuvenation. Individuals who are younger than 18 will need consent from a parent or legal guardian.
Are there non-surgical alternatives to vaginal rejuvenation?
In some cases, a non-surgical alternative to vaginal rejuvenation such as ThermiVa™ may be an effective option. ThermiVa™ utilizes radiofrequency technology to tighten inelastic labial tissue and other concerns in the vaginal area. Since ThermiVa™ does not require anesthesia or surgery, the treatment is often completed in less than 30 minutes, and many patients can resume normal daily routines immediately.
While ThermiVa™ can be an ideal alternative for some individuals, others who have more severe concerns may require surgical vaginal rejuvenation to achieve the best results. During your consultation, our team can talk with you about your options and help you determine the best treatment for your needs and goals.
How long does vaginal rejuvenation take to heal?
The total length of the healing process after vaginal rejuvenation will depend upon the specific concerns being addressed, the surgical technique(s) being utilized, and anatomical indicators unique to each patient. While most individuals are able to resume work schedules and other normal daily routines within just a few days, it is important to remember that patients should avoid certain fitness regimens, sexual intercourse, and strenuous activities for a minimum of four weeks, or as recommended by one of our plastic surgeons. By strictly following post-operative guidelines during the recovery period, patients can help maximize the safety and efficacy of the healing process after vaginal rejuvenation.
Will vaginal rejuvenation surgery affect sexual intercourse?
After recovery is complete, patients are often able to enjoy sexual intercourse more fully, with less interference from vaginal dryness, elongated tissue, or similar concerns. That said, it is very important that you wait at least four weeks before engaging in sexual activity, as doing so too early can potentially mar the results of your surgery or disrupt the healing process.
How long do the results of vaginal rejuvenation last?
The results of vaginal rejuvenation are often permanent, if not extremely long-lasting. While factors such as age and hormonal changes may cause some laxity to reappear, patients should experience significantly firmer tissues in this area than they did before surgery. As with any major procedure, we advise you to closely follow your aftercare instructions for best results.
Is the cost of vaginal rejuvenation covered by insurance?
Vaginal rejuvenation is typically considered an elective cosmetic surgery and is therefore not covered by most medical insurance policies. Fortunately, our practice accepts a comprehensive range of payment methods, including financing arrangements through renowned companies such as CareCredit®. We understand that cost is an important factor for many patients, and we can talk with you about ways to pay for this procedure that are most convenient for your budget.
The entire staff is wonderful, very kind, friendly and professional. Dr. Rowin is awesome. He cares about his patients and listen to you. He and his staff are always available for you and provide you with care for your needs. My experience was great and I’m satisfied with my results prior to my healing and after I’m completely healed, I will look even more amazing!
If you are interested in vaginal rejuvenation surgery, our team at Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas can find the best treatment plan to meet your needs. To schedule a consultation, contact our office today.
Medical References
American Society of Plastic Surgery
The Aesthetic Society®
UCLA Health
National Library of Medicine
