The term “vaginal rejuvenation” refers to procedures (e.g., vaginoplasty and labiaplasty) that aim to improve both the function and appearance of the female anatomy. This complex area of reconstructive surgery should be performed by an experienced and qualified plastic surgeon or gynecologist with an expectation of significant improvement in the functional and aesthetic outcome. Our Charleston plastic surgeons have extensive experience performing vaginal rejuvenation surgery and can address your unique concerns.
For women who struggle with stretched or enlarged labia—a common and natural condition—labiaplasty is intended to reduce redundant tissue and minimize irritation and discomfort, as well as potentially visible bulging through clothing, bathing suits, or underwear. Labiaplasty is usually intended to reduce the inner labia (“labia minora”) for both functional and aesthetic enhancement, with the procedure used to minimize the risk of twisting and tugging on excess tissue. The procedure can also be used to correct asymmetry and improve the cosmetic appearance of the labia and the clitoral hood. This type of vaginal rejuvenation can often lead to increased self-confidence and comfort in situations that previously may have led to embarrassment and self-consciousness.
Vaginoplasty involves the surgical tightening of the vaginal canal. The procedure can benefit women who suffer from laxity or stretched vaginal muscles due to age, trauma from childbirth, or a variety of other factors. In the hands of a qualified surgeon or gynecologist, vaginoplasty can comprehensively enhance functionality, sensation, and appearance. It can also ease symptoms of urinary incontinence or pelvic floor complications, and can reduce pain, irritation, and psychological distress. In many cases, vaginoplasty can be combined with labiaplasty, depending on the patient’s unique needs.
Vaginal rejuvenation typically benefits women who have enlarged and/or asymmetrical labia minora or stretched vaginal muscles and experience aesthetic or functional discomfort as a result. Depending on your unique needs, this type of surgery can generally achieve the following:
If you are unsure whether you would benefit from vaginal rejuvenation surgery, our team can determine whether this type of procedure is right for you during a consultation. Many women include vaginal rejuvenation surgery as part of a Mommy Makeover for a full restoration of their pre-pregnancy status.
Our plastic surgeons are proficient in several types of vaginal rejuvenation, and the techniques they use will depend on your specific physical findings. After an initial consultation, your surgeon can determine the optimal treatment plan for you and discuss the details of your surgery to ensure you are well-informed about the procedure.
To perform a vaginoplasty, your surgeon will place incisions within the vulva or mucosal walls of the vagina. From there, muscles will be pulled and repositioned, excess skin trimmed, and scar tissue reduced as needed to produce a narrower canal.
A common labiaplasty approach involves a trim procedure, in which excess tissue is removed with a straight-line incision along the edge of the labia. Rarely, a wedge excision may be used to eliminate redundant skin in the labia minora and restore a typical anatomic appearance. Extra skin folds in the clitoral hood may also be reduced, depending on your individual needs.
In the case of both procedures, the surgical incisions are generally closed with absorbable sutures and skin adhesive, which acts as a water-resistant sealant. Furthermore, vaginal rejuvenation surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure in under two hours, and general anesthesia is usually administered.
After vaginal rejuvenation surgery, patients generally experience temporary bruising, tenderness, and swelling in the treated areas. We will administer a timed-release local anesthetic medication at the time of surgery, which should eliminate most post-operative discomfort almost entirely for two to three days. These symptoms should resolve as recovery progresses, but any discomfort can often be managed well with additional oral pain medication, for which you will be given prescriptions before your surgery.
Individuals typically return to work and daily activities within two weeks at most, although strenuous physical activity such as exercise, spin class, riding a bicycle, and sexual intercourse should be avoided for at least four weeks.
As the final outcome of surgery is fully realized, patients almost uniformly report 100% satisfaction from their surgery and often experience not only alleviation of their pre-operative symptoms, but also an increased sense of confidence—particularly in situations that may have previously been anxiety-provoking. In the vast majority of cases, the improvement from vaginal rejuvenation surgery is permanent and lifelong.
Complications are, thankfully, rare with professionally performed vaginal rejuvenation, although the risks are similar to those of any surgical procedure. There is a theoretical risk of bleeding, infection, hematoma, or delayed healing in a portion of the suture line. In addition, there is a risk of asymmetry, but some degree of asymmetry in this part of the body is more the rule than the exception. In general, vaginal rejuvenation patients are more symmetrical after surgery than they were before surgery.
Although serious complications are rare, it is essential to select an experienced and well-qualified plastic surgeon to perform your procedure to ensure you are receiving the highest standard of safety and care during your vaginal rejuvenation surgery. Your surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your medical history and unique needs to confirm that you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Surgical vaginal rejuvenation is priced according to the details of your treatment plan, such as the extent of your concerns, the complexity of the surgical correction(s), and costs related to the surgical facility and anesthesia. Rest assured that our patient care coordinator will provide you with a personalized quote of your expenses after we evaluate you during your consultation.
Many patients can make their surgery more affordable with the payment plans available through our financing providers. These reputable lending institutions offer qualified applicants a multitude of low- to no-interest payment plans that can accommodate virtually any budget. For more information, please reach out to our office to speak to a member of our team.
The right vaginal rejuvenation procedure (or combination of procedures) will depend on the nature of your concerns. For instance, if you are primarily interested in reducing excess labial tissue, you may be best suited for labiaplasty. If conditions concerning the vaginal walls need to be addressed, or if you wish to enhance the appearance of your entire intimate area, you may be eligible for vaginoplasty or a combination of these surgeries. As with all of the solutions we offer at Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas, we will help you decide upon a procedure that meets your needs after an in-depth consultation.
Because vaginal rejuvenation is usually performed under a light general anesthesia, patients should not experience pain during the surgery itself. In addition, local anesthesia is typically used to keep you comfortable and pain-free for at least 24 to 72 hours after surgery. During recovery, you may experience effects such as swelling, bruising, and soreness, but these can generally be mitigated with pain medication.
While many different kinds of doctors may offer vaginal rejuvenation procedures, it is a good idea to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon for this treatment. Women who are considering vaginal rejuvenation should seek out board-certified plastic surgeons who are experienced with this type of procedure. It’s often best to ask a prospective doctor about his or her level of skill as it pertains to cosmetic vaginal rejuvenation procedures. It can also be helpful to view before-and-after photos of patients who have been treated by the surgeon.
Most patients who undergo surgical vaginal rejuvenation are aged 18 and over. It is typically advisable for patients to have completed the development process before undergoing vaginal rejuvenation. Individuals who are younger than 18 will need consent from a parent or legal guardian.
The total length of the healing process after vaginal rejuvenation will depend upon the specific concerns being addressed, the surgical technique(s) being utilized, and anatomical indicators unique to each patient. While most individuals are able to resume work schedules and other normal daily routines within just a few days, it is important to remember that patients should avoid certain fitness regimens, sexual intercourse, and strenuous activities for a minimum of four weeks, or as recommended by one of our plastic surgeons. By strictly following post-operative guidelines during the recovery period, patients can help maximize the safety and efficacy of the healing process after vaginal rejuvenation.
After recovery is complete, patients are often able to enjoy sexual intercourse more fully, with less interference from vaginal dryness, elongated tissue, or similar concerns. That said, it is very important that you wait at least four weeks before engaging in sexual activity, as doing so too early can potentially mar the results of your surgery or disrupt the healing process.
The results of vaginal rejuvenation tend to be extremely long-lasting, if not permanent. While factors such as age and hormonal changes may cause some laxity to reappear, patients should experience significantly firmer tissues in this area than they did before surgery. As with any major procedure, we advise you to closely follow your aftercare instructions for best results.
The entire staff is wonderful, very kind, friendly and professional. Dr. Rowin is awesome. He cares about his patients and listen to you. He and his staff are always available for you and provide you with care for your needs. My experience was great and I’m satisfied with my results prior to my healing and after I’m completely healed, I will look even more amazing!
If you are interested in vaginal rejuvenation surgery, our team at Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas can find the best treatment plan to meet your needs. To schedule a consultation, contact our office today.
American Society of Plastic Surgery
The Aesthetic Society®
UCLA Health
National Library of Medicine
Our Mt. Pleasant plastic surgery practice is looking for an experienced CMA to join our team in a full time position. If you are a self starter who take initiative and enjoys working with patients, we’d love to hear from you.
Please send your resume to jacque@plasticsurgerycarolina.com
