Throughout your life, your body will go through changes–some expected, some unexpected. Some of those changes might have a positive effect on your self-esteem and confidence levels, while others might make you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable.
Although it’s not an area many people are comfortable talking about in public, the vaginal area is likely to go through a lot of changes over the years. The process of giving birth, aging and other factors can all alter the shape or size of the vagina and surrounding area.
Vaginal rejuvenation procedures can help to correct changes in this sensitive area and give you your confidence back. If you’re considering plastic surgery in the vaginal area, the more questions you ask and the more information you can get about the procedure, the better. Here are a few essential questions to add to your list.
Who is Vaginal Rejuvenation For?
Vaginal rejuvenation is ideal for women who are concerned about cosmetic or functional changes in their vagina or vulva. Not every woman who has concerns about “down there” is a good candidate for surgery, though. The ideal candidate will be in good health, with no untreated medical conditions. Women considering vaginal procedures should also lead a relatively healthy lifestyle. Your surgeon will recommend that you not smoke or that you quit smoking prior to surgery. They will also recommend that you eat a healthy diet and follow an exercise routine. Making improvements to your lifestyle habits before your procedure will help you enjoy better results afterward.
What Types of Procedures Are Available?
Vaginal rejuvenation procedures can focus on external or internal concerns. External procedures include labia reduction, which removes or tightens excess skin on the vulva. Internal procedures include vaginal tightening, which tightens the muscles in the vaginal canal. The muscles often become lax or stretched out as a result of vaginal delivery or aging.
Although some women choose to have a single procedure performed, those looking for total rejuvenation might decide to combine procedures. Many women choose to have both vaginal tightening and a labiaplasty performed.
What Happens After Vaginal Rejuvenation?
The recovery time after a vaginal procedure depends in large part on the type of procedure. After most vaginal surgeries, initial recovery time can be anywhere from one to two weeks.
Before your procedure, there are a few things you can do to make the recovery time go as smoothly as possible. Along with requesting time off from work, it’s a good idea to find someone to handle your daily responsibilities and chores. For example, you might consider hiring a housekeeper for a couple of weeks or using a meal prep service. It’s also a good idea to arrange to have someone pick up your children from school or watch them before and after school while you recover.
It is common to have some bruising and swelling in the vaginal area after surgery. Usually, any swelling or bruising fades after the first 48 hours. You might also feel somewhat sore and might notice some bleeding after a vaginoplasty. Your surgeon can prescribe pain relievers and give you advice on how to manage any light bleeding afterward.
Who Should Perform Vaginal Rejuvenation?
The best person to perform vaginal rejuvenation surgery is a board certified plastic surgeon. Ideally, the surgeon you work with will have had experience performing the procedure you are considering.
Working with an experienced and board-certified surgeon significantly lowers the risk of complications from the procedure. You’ll also get expert answers to your questions and valuable information about your surgery every step of the way.
Are There Risks?
Any type of surgery has some risks involved, but medical advances mean that today’s surgeries are much safer than any procedures from the past. You can further lower your risk of complications by choosing an experienced surgeon and by following any and all instructions they give you. Before your surgery, the surgeon will review any risks with you and will discuss what you can do to avoid or minimize them.
Dr. Paul Vitenas is a board-certified, highly rated plastic surgeon in Houston, Texas. He performs a variety of vaginal rejuvenation procedures at his practice, including labia reduction and vaginal tightening. If you have any questions or concerns or want to learn more about your vaginal rejuvenation options, call 281-484-0088 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vitenas today.