Vaginal rejuvenation is an umbrella term under which various medical and cosmetic procedures/treatment options are grouped. These procedures all gear towards improving the appearance, function and health of the vagina, thus, providing functional and aesthetic benefits.
Vaginal rejuvenation commonly addresses a wide range of women’s concerns regarding their vaginal well-being. Different techniques/ treatment options are available for vaginal rejuvenation, depending on their specific concern.
These procedures are performed by trained gynecologists or gynecological plastic surgeons. It is essential to consult a qualified professional to discuss the available options, potential risks/complications, benefits, expected outcomes, and the most appropriate course of action based on individual needs and goals. This is crucial before considering any specific treatment.
Common Reasons for Undergoing Vaginal Rejuvenation
- Vaginal laxity/looseness as a result of childbirth or aging
- Vaginal atrophy
- Reduced elasticity of the vagina
- Urinary incontinence, particularly stress incontinence
- Vaginal dryness
- Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse
- Dissatisfaction with the physical appearance of the vaginal area
- Pelvic organ prolapse e.g. bladder prolapse (cystocele), rectal prolapse (rectocele)
- Poorly healed/poorly restored perineal tears post-delivery.
Who is Eligible for Vaginal Rejuvenation?
Eligibility for vaginal rejuvenation is determined individually, and this varies from person to person depending on the specific procedure and the healthcare professional performing it.
The healthcare professional usually makes the final decision after a detailed assessment of individual cases. The following are some significant factors that determine eligibility:
- Age: individuals below 18 years of age cannot be considered for vaginal rejuvenation procedures because the genitalia of minors is still developing. ACOG (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) advises that vaginal rejuvenation procedures should only be performed in minors with congenital genital malformation or those with persistent symptoms directly related to the labia structure. Adults undergoing these procedures should also be emotionally and psychologically mature to make informed decisions and have realistic expectations. They are better equipped to understand the risks, benefits and possible outcomes of the procedure.
- Physical Health: women considering vaginal rejuvenation should be in optimum health to reduce complications that can arise. Those with poorly controlled diseases like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, active infections and autoimmune disorders may not be eligible for the procedures.
- Child Bearing Status: depending on the procedure being considered, women who have completed their family size may be more likely than not to be eligible. This is because vaginal delivery affects vaginal tissue, and undergoing rejuvenation procedures before completing family size may affect results.
- Eligibility also depends on the specific concern being addressed and the suitability of the chosen procedure for that particular concern.
Types of Vaginal Rejuvenation
There are several types of vaginal rejuvenation treatments which can be classified into two main groups based on the invasiveness of the procedure and the technique used. These include surgical and non-surgical groups.
A. Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation: these options involve making incisions, removing or altering tissues and generally have a longer recovery period. Common examples are:
- Vaginoplasty
- Perineoplasty
- Labiaplasty
- Clitoral hood reduction
- Hymenoplasty
B. Non-Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation: these are less invasive techniques that usually have a shorter recovery time. They include:
- Laser therapy
- Radiofrequency treatments
- Injectables
- Kegels exercise and pelvic floor therapy
The choice of which type of procedure is to be used for an individual depends on their specific concerns and goals. Hence, the need to consult with a skilled specialist in the field.
If, as a woman, you feel you may need vaginal rejuvenation for whatever reason, you can visit Alinea Labiaplasty & Vaginoplasty Michigan, where our team of specialists is available to help you choose the most appropriate procedure that will provide satisfactory results.
How Does Vaginal Rejuvenation Work?
The specific measures for vaginal rejuvenation vary based on the procedure being performed. However, they all aim to improve the aesthetic appearance, function and sensation of the vagina. Here is an outline of how these procedures work;
Mechanism of Action for Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation
- Vaginoplasty: This is a surgical procedure aimed at tightening the vaginal muscles and tissue, thereby addressing the issue of vaginal laxity/looseness caused by childbirth, aging or menopause.
The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia. It involves making incisions in the vaginal canal, removing excess/redundant vaginal mucosal lining and tightening the underlying muscles by suturing them together. Once the desired outcome is achieved, the incision is closed using dissolvable stitches. This restores the muscle tone and firmness of the vaginal canal.
- Labiaplasty: This surgical procedure alters the shape, size and appearance of the labia minora and/or majora. It is commonly done to address pain and discomfort, improve self-esteem and for cosmetic reasons.
Labiaplasty is performed under anesthesia. The surgeon makes incisions on the labia; the specific incision varies based on the technique and desired outcome. The surgeon carefully excises redundant tissue and reshapes the labia. The incision is then closed using absorbable sutures. When done correctly, it improves the appearance of the labia and can alleviate pain and discomfort.
- Perineoplasty: This surgical procedure involves repairing or altering the perineum (area between the vagina and the anus). It is often carried out in conjunction with a vaginoplasty, but it can also be performed alone. It is used to correct perineal tears, scars and/or laxity.
The procedure is carried out under anesthesia. Incisions are made in the perineum to remove excess tissue, suture the underlying muscles, and reconstruct the perineum. Once the aim is achieved, the incision site is then carefully sutured with absorbable sutures. This improves the look and function of the perineum.
- Clitoral Hood Reduction: Also known as “Hoodectomy”, this surgical procedure involves reducing the excess tissue surrounding the clitoral hood.
The procedure is performed under anesthesia. The surgeon makes precise incisions along the clitoral hood and removes excess tissue surrounding the hood, thereby reducing its size and improving access to the clitoris. Once the desired reduction is achieved, the incision site is carefully closed using absorbable sutures.
- Hymenoplasty: This surgical procedure aims to repair or reconstruct the hymen. Under anesthesia, the surgeon makes incisions in the vaginal tissue surrounding the hymenal area. The surgeon carefully repositions the existing tissue or may use other available tissue to create a natural-looking hymen. Once the reconstruction or repair is complete, the incision site is carefully apposed using absorbable sutures.
Mechanism of Action for Non-Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation
- Laser Therapy: This non-surgical, non-invasive approach used for vaginal rejuvenation involves using of laser energy to target and stimulate tissues in the vagina. The procedure starts with preparing the vagina by cleaning it and ensuring it is free from creams, lotions or other substances.
A handheld laser device penetrates into the deeper layers of the vaginal tissue and delivers controlled laser energy to the vaginal tissues. This stimulates collagen production and tissue regeneration and enhances blood flow, thereby increasing vaginal tone, elasticity, lubrication, sensation and overall health of the vaginal tissues. It may require several sessions to achieve the desired result.
- Radiofrequency Treatment: This is another non-surgical approach to vaginal rejuvenation. This technology utilizes controlled radio frequency energy to heat up the tissues in the vaginal area. The procedure commences with preparing the vaginal area, then applying a handheld device that emits radiofrequency energy to deliver controlled heat to the vaginal tissues.
The energy released penetrates the deeper layers of the vaginal tissue, promoting collagen formation, tissue tightening and enhancing blood flow, thus improving the tone, elasticity, sensitivity, moisture and overall health of the vagina. It also requires several sessions before the desired result is achieved.
- O-Shot: This is a non-invasive approach to vaginal rejuvenation which involves the injection of platelet-rich concentrates/plasma. This is often called the “O-shot” or “Orgasm shot.”
It is done by drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it to obtain platelet concentrates and then injecting the platelet rich plasma into specific areas of the vagina. The platelet-rich plasma is believed to contain growth factors that stimulate collagen production and tissue regeneration. It has been used to improve overall vaginal health and sexual pleasure.
- Kegels Exercise: This is a cheap, natural and non-invasive approach for vaginal rejuvenation which can be performed by women anywhere and on their own.
It involves repeated contraction and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles. This improves pelvic muscle tone and strength, leading to vaginal tightness.
Benefits of Vaginal Rejuvenation
While the effectiveness and the outcomes of these procedures vary from person to person, the following are reported benefits that vaginal rejuvenation procedures help achieve
- Better sexual experiences
- Improved vaginal tightness
- Urinary incontinence symptoms alleviation
- Enhanced vaginal lubrication, which causes relief from vaginal dryness and discomfort
- Positive impact on self-esteem & body image, leading to increased self-confidence
- Prevents dyspareunia
- Aesthetically appealing external genitalia
Risks/Side Effects of Vaginal Rejuvenation
Like most medical procedures, vaginal rejuvenation comes with a few risks/complications. The following are possible risks/complications that may be associated with vaginal rejuvenation;
- It is common to experience pain, swelling, discomfort and bruising after the procedure
- There is a risk of developing an infection following a vaginal rejuvenation procedure
- Sexual dysfunction e.g. decreased libido, dyspareunia, altered sensation around the genitals
- The procedure can result in injury to contiguous structures such as the bladder, urethra and even the rectum
- Procedures involving medications, e.g. (anesthetics), or materials (platelet-rich plasma), may be associated with allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening
- Unsatisfactory results
- Scarring; vaginal rejuvenation, especially involving surgical procedures may lead to scar formation which may even worsen symptoms.
Before embarking on any of these procedures, it’s important to be aware of these risks/complications and discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Cost of a Vaginal Rejuvenation Procedure
The cost of performing a vaginal rejuvenation varies depending on the specific procedure being considered, the geographical location, the skill and training of the healthcare provider, the extent of the procedure required and health insurance coverage. For instance, the cost of labiaplasty is different from the cost of vaginoplasty.
In most places, the procedure is not covered by health insurance as it is viewed as a cosmetic procedure, except when it can be proven to be medically needed.
Surgical procedures like vaginoplasty and labiaplasty can cost anywhere from $3000-$10,000 or even more. This includes fees for surgeons, anesthesia, theatre facilities and post-operative care.
Non-surgical procedures like the use of laser or radiofrequency are usually cheaper than surgical procedures. These treatment options can cost anywhere between $500-$3000 per session, and the client may require several sessions to achieve the desired result. The final quote for an individual’s vaginal rejuvenation procedure can be determined after the initial consultation with our specialist.