There’s a lot of variation when it comes to the appearance of the female genitals. Not only that, but it’s very common for the appearance of the area to change over the course of a woman’s life. Childbirth and the aging process are two factors that can cause these changes, and many women aren’t thrilled with the aftermath.
In recent years, vaginal rejuvenation procedures have become increasingly popular, as more and more women seek out ways to reverse the effects of aging or childbirth so they can feel more confident “down there.” Vaginal rejuvenation isn’t just one or two different treatments. It refers to a range of surgeries and non-surgical rejuvenation options, all of which are intended to enhance one or more aspects of the genital area.
Types of Vaginal Rejuvenation Procedures
Vaginal rejuvenation treatments each focus on changing the appearance or function of a specific area of the female genitals. Some procedures focus on the external areas of the genitalia while others address the internal areas. Each procedure might be performed on its own or in combination with another.
Some of the more common types of vaginal rejuvenation include:
- Labiaplasty: During labiaplasty, a plastic surgeon focuses on reducing the size of the labia minora, the skin around the vaginal opening. A separate surgery, labia majoraplasty, focuses on reducing the size of the outer labia.
- Monsplasty: The mons is the front part of the vulva, where pubic hair grows. Monsplasty, or mons pubis reduction, removes excess fat and skin from the area, minimizing any bulging.
- Clitoral Hood Reduction: A clitoral hood reduction is often performed along with a labiaplasty. The procedure removes excess skin from the clitoral hood, helping to give the area around the clitoris and labia a more streamlined and balanced appearance.
- Vaginoplasty: Vaginoplasty is a surgery that is performed to tighten the vaginal muscles, helping to create a tighter vaginal canal.
- Non-Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation: Non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation treatments use either laser or radiofrequency energy to help tighten the vaginal canal.
Benefits of Vaginal Rejuvenation
Women seek out vaginal rejuvenation for a variety of reasons. The exact benefits of the procedure depend on the type of surgery. In some cases, the goal of vaginal rejuvenation is to improve the appearance of the external genitalia. Some women feel that their labia are too large or notice that the tissues have become enlarged after having children. Reducing the size of the labia can help a woman feel more confident in her appearance.
Certain procedures, such as mons reduction, can help a woman feel less restricted in her clothing options. A bulging or enlarged mons pubis can be a source of embarrassment. A woman might feel uncomfortable wearing a bikini or other type of swimsuit in public. She might also feel self-conscious about wearing tight pants. Reducing the size of the mons can help tight-fitting garments fit and look better.
Some women seek out vaginal rejuvenation to improve functional problems with their vagina, particularly after having kids. Vaginal birth can cause the muscles of the vagina to become stretched out. The vaginal canal can become enlarged or loose. After childbirth, some women find that vaginal sex isn’t as satisfying as it once was because of the enlargement of the vagina.
An enlarged vaginal canal can also make it difficult for women to wear tampons. If the muscles of the vagina are lax and stretched out, certain types of tampons might fall out or not stay in place well. Tightening the muscles can help.
Questions to Ask Before Vaginal Rejuvenation
Like any type of plastic surgery or cosmetic procedure, vaginal rejuvenation isn’t something to rush into. The first step is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon and to ask questions during your meeting.
It’s important to ask the surgeon if they think you are a good candidate for the surgery and what type of procedure seems the most appropriate for you. If you aren’t a good candidate, it can be worthwhile to find out what you can do to improve your candidacy.
Also, ask about what you need to do to prepare for your treatment and what kind of downtime you can expect afterward. Depending on the type of procedure you have, recovery might take a few weeks. You might not be able to use tampons, exercise, have sex, or do other everyday activities during the recovery period.
Finally, get to know the surgeon themselves and ask about their experience with vaginal rejuvenation. Learn more about how many procedures they’ve performed and what types. It might also be a good idea to ask to see before and after photos displaying the results of the treatment you’re considering and to speak with women who have had the procedure.
What You Can Expect After Vaginal Rejuvenation
What you can expect after vaginal rejuvenation depends in large part on the type of procedure you end up having. Your plastic surgeon will give you specific instructions for caring for the area after treatment, as well as specific instructions about when you can return to work and resume activities such as sex and exercise. Certain things, such as wearing tampons, might be off-limits for a couple of months after your procedure.
Dr. Paul Vitenas performs a variety of vaginal rejuvenation procedures at his practice in Houston, Texas. A board-certified plastic surgeon with nearly three decades of experience, Dr. Vitenas has regularly been named a top doctor and is highly regarded for providing patients with natural-looking results. To learn more about your vaginal rejuvenation options, call 281-484-0088 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vitenas today.
