Vaginal Rejuvenation (Vaginoplasty)

The female genitals are part of a complex and crucial system that plays an important role in women’s personal, romantic, and reproductive lives. Various issues, both aesthetic and functional, can arise with this area of the body, which includes the labia, clitoris, vagina, and mons pubis. (The part of the genitals outside of the body is collectively known as the vulva.)

Vaginal rejuvenation is a general term that refers to various procedures aimed at improving the look and function of the female genital area. Let’s look at some of the most common issues and procedures that a surgeon may recommend to treat them.

• Vaginoplasty is a procedure that addresses issues with the vaginal wall, bladder, and rectum, including prolapse, laxity, or loss of support. This can happen after childbirth, injury, or menopause and can lead to issues with urinary incontinence. The creation of a completely new vaginal canal is a more involved surgery that may be performed after cancer surgery or for gender affirmation surgery.
• Labiaplasty is a procedure that can alter the size or shape of your labia majora or labia minora (the flaps of skin around the vaginal opening). Your surgeon will typically make incisions and remove excess parts of the labia to give it a less prominent profile and shape more aligned with your aesthetic preferences. Excess labial tissue can also cause discomfort for some individuals.
• Monsplasty addresses the mons pubis, the area above the vagina and below the abdomen. A surgeon typically makes an incision right above the mons and below the lower abdomen to slim or lift the area. This may be done with or without liposuction.
• Clitoroplasty is a procedure that can change the appearance of your clitoris or create a clitoris, the small nub at the top of the vulva known as the “pleasure center.” Your surgeon rearranges the tissues to modify this area while retaining pleasure-producing properties. This might be done to minimize the size of the clitoris or to better align your body with your gender.

To determine which of these procedures might suit you, you should seek expert advice from a board-certified gynecologist or plastic surgeon with expertise in vaginal rejuvenation.

The areas of your body that can be addressed through vaginal rejuvenation often play a crucial role in your sex life and self image. It’s important to understand how modifications could affect related feelings, sensations and interactions.

Vaginoplasty affects the vaginal canal, and there is a risk it could negatively impact the penetrative sexual experience if there are complications. Excessive narrowing of the opening to the vagina can occur because of scarring, or there may be pain upon penetration. A key factor in avoiding these complications is to have a thorough consultation and examination before deciding which type of operation would be right for you.

It is also very important to carefully follow instructions after the operation. In the case of vaginoplasty, this usually includes a specific schedule of gradual daily dilation of the vaginal canal to make sure the canal heals properly without constriction.

Labiaplasty, monsplasty, and clitoroplasty also involve a period of healing but should not ultimately affect your ability to receive and enjoy penetrative sex. Of these, clitoroplasty is the most likely to affect your ability to orgasm, given its role as a nerve center for the area. If this occurs, it is usually a temporary effect during the healing process, but individuals can occasionally experience more permanent effects.

Discuss each surgery’s possible benefits and risks during a consultation with a sub-specialized board-certified gynecologist or plastic surgeon.

Before you go

During a vaginal rejuvenation consultation, the doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation, discussing your medical history and specific concerns. They will examine the area to assess your condition and determine the most suitable treatment options, which may include laser vaginal rejuvenation therapy, radiofrequency treatment, or surgical procedures. The doctor will explain the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes of each option.

You should ask about the procedure details, recovery time, potential side effects, and costs. It’s also essential to review before-and-after photos, inquire about the doctor’s experience with the procedure, and discuss any personal goals or expectations you have for the treatment.

During the procedure

Many vaginal rejuvenation procedures can be done under local or regional anesthesia using an epidural or other nerve blocks. General anesthesia may also be used, especially for vaginoplasty.

The sutures used for the skin incisions are usually absorbable and will not need removal. Surgical incisions always leave scars, but plastic surgeons are experts at minimizing their size and visibility. Your physician should take great care in placing incisions in natural creases and folds of the body so that they are as inconspicuous as possible. They should also close incisions using techniques that minimize scar size and optimize the appearance of scars as they heal.

The surgical technique employed in clitoroplasty is critical because it directly impacts both functional and aesthetic outcomes, ensuring sensitivity is preserved and natural appearance is maintained. Meticulous attention to detail is essential to avoid complications and achieve the desired results.

Vaginal Rejuvenation Aftercare 

You should usually be able to shower 48 hours after surgery but should avoid submerging any incisions in a bathtub, hot tub, or pool. Rest is important, but you should walk short distances at least three times daily to help prevent blood clots. Your surgeon may advise you to avoid strenuous exercising, carrying heavy objects, and having direct sexual intercourse for a few weeks, depending on the procedure performed.

You will be seen in your doctor’s office at predetermined intervals to ensure you are healing as expected and without any wound complications. Restrictions will gradually be lifted so that you can return to the usual activities of daily living, hobbies, and sexual activity. Typically, you can expect to fully return to all everyday activities and exercise in four to six weeks.

Depending on the area being treated and the vaginal rejuvenation procedure performed, small surgical scars may be present along the labia or clitoral hood or by the mons or lower abdomen. Surgical scars usually fade and soften with time, but their final color and texture depend on each person’s skin type and wound healing capacity.