As women, we go through various life stages that have a notable impact on our bodies, more so, our vaginal areas. Think of pregnancy, childbirth, weight loss or weight gain, and the certain aging process. These processes change the way we look and feel, sometimes making us uncomfortable about our new appearance. It is for this reason that many women seek vaginal rejuvenation.
What is Vaginal Rejuvenation?
Vaginal rejuvenation, vaginoplasty, or vaginal restoration refers to various surgical and non-surgical procedures that decrease the diameter of the vagina to rectify a female sexual dysfunction or for cosmetic reasons. These corrective treatments address such conditions as:
- Urinary incontinence
- Laxity of the vagina
- Absence of lubrication
- Correct a ‘popping’ when walking or exercising
Hence, vaginal rejuvenation treatments include surgical procedures like clitoral hood reduction, vaginal tightening, hymen reconstruction, labia majoraplasty, labia minoraplasty, lipofilling, and clitoral unhooding. Likewise, non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation interventions include using fillers and energy-based treatments.
Note that we now have advanced devices like Radio Frequency units and special heating wand that eliminate any downtime or the need for anesthesia when undergoing the treatments. A typical procedure can now take less than 30 minutes. Hence, you can relax and let your doctor perform the surgery for the best results.
Long Term Benefits
Vaginal rejuvenation aims at tightening the inner and outer vulva muscles. Hence, patients undergoing these procedures will have stronger, toned, and controlled vaginal muscles. Hence, they will:
- Experience sexual pleasure and better orgasms after a painful childbirth
- Correct the vaginal discomfort for better confidence
- Rebuild the damaged vagina to restore its tightness
- Improve the appearance of the vagina
- Improve your sexual experience to achieve sexual gratification
- Address existing medical conditions
- Boost your self-esteem
Why Is Vaginal Rejuvenation a Touchy Subject?
Studies indicate that female sexual dysfunction is the leading cause of psychological distress in at least 40% of women. A low sexual desire, inability to experience or maintain sexual arousal, struggling to achieve an orgasm or feeling pain due to sexual stimulation are some of the ways that sexual dysfunction shows up in women.
Women who go through sexual dysfunction, feeling embarrassed to talk about it, let alone seek help. Due to low media coverage on the subject, not many women know or understand that there are non-invasive, painless solutions to such conditions. Hence, the simple mention of vaginal rejuvenation always evokes mixed emotions amongst women.
After The Treatment
Once you undergo any of the above vaginal rejuvenation procedures, you may experience some discomfort and mild symptoms as part of your healing process. These symptoms vary depending on the type of method you choose as follows:
1. Moderate Swelling and Itching
Two to three days after undergoing a surgical vaginal rejuvenation treatment, you may notice moderate swelling in the affected areas. This swelling is due to the accumulation of fluids at the surgical site. You can relieve the swelling by applying ice packs on the swollen areas. Likewise, lie down with your hips raised to drain the fluid away from the surgical site.
Itching in the first one week after surgery is common for women who choose to undergo labiaplasty. Labiaplasty aims to rectify enlarged labia, a common cause of urinary tract infections, and pain during sexual intercourse, chafing and irritation when using tampons, lack of sexual sensitivity, difficulty exercising or maintaining high hygienic standards in women.
Itching should not exceed the first one week after getting your corrective treatment. If it does, the itching may be due to an allergic reaction to the medication, a bacterial infection, or yeast growth. Hence, have it checked to get early treatment.
2. Bruising
Like any other surgery, you may get a bruise after undergoing a surgical vaginal rejuvenation treatment, and may also lead to swelling. Both the swelling and bruising should clear within two weeks after the surgery. However, during the healing period, you may feel pain when peeing, sitting, or having intercourse. Apart from using ice packs for the swelling, the doctor may prescribe some anti-inflammatory drugs as well.
3. Bleeding or Discharge
It is normal to spot or have mild discharge after undergoing vaginal surgery. This spotting may last for several weeks after the surgery. However, alert your doctor if you notice a bad odor, a thick discharge, or a yellow or green spotting. These could be indications of an infection that should be treated right away.
Also, you may notice pieces of sutures stuck on your underwear or pads. These absorbable stitches could be breaking away from the wound as it heals, hence no need for alarm.
4. Scarring
Most of the scars that occur due to a vaginal rejuvenation treatment are internal, hence barely noticeable. Still, incisions and stitches may result in a visible injury outside the vulva. They are usually associated with a pelvic floor prolapse, labiaplasty, or a hysterectomy. There is not much evidence to show if you can or cannot remove a vaginal scar. Still, a finger massage or applying a light touch will help in desensitizing the scar tissue.
5. Moderate Pain
Finally, recovering from most surgeries, including a vaginal rejuvenation procedure, can be painful. Only, the pain is localized at the surgical site. You can manage the pain with medication for the next few days.
You can relieve the above symptoms by doing the following post-operative instructions:
- Wear moisture-wicking clothes to avoid getting irritation in the affected areas. These should be loose-fitting clothes that have minimal contact with the bruised site.
- Follow the doctor’s instructions in keeping the surgical site clean. Here, the doctor may prescribe some ointments or antibiotics.
- Take part in a Sitz bath. This technique promotes blood flow to the affected area for faster healing.
- Postpone sexual contact or intercourse by up to six weeks after the surgery. You do not want to pull or tear the surgical site.
- If you sit for long hours, invest in a donut pillow. It will remove pressure from the surgical site, allowing you to sit with ease for a long time.
Conclusion
Are you going through pain or feeling embarrassed by the appearance or feel or your vagina? Get in touch with Dr. Paul Vitenas, a certified plastic surgeon in Houston, TX, to begin your journey to recovery. The doctor has 20 years’ experience in helping women achieve beautiful and aesthetic results that restore their confidence and comfort. Book your consultation today.
