Vaginal rejuvenation (VR) is a type of female cosmetic genital surgery (FCGS) that is growing in popularity. It can be performed to enhance sexual satisfaction or to change the appearance of the vagina. Interestingly a number of studies have now been published, confirming that women who opt for vaginal rejuvenation treatment reported greater sexual satisfaction.
What Is Vaginal Rejuvenation Surgery?
During a VR procedure, your cosmetic surgeon will remove, restore or tighten the skin from the inner or outer labia. This may be done surgically or using laser treatment.
Why Is VR Surgery Performed?
The primary reason that women request vaginal rejuvenation is to increase their vaginal muscle tone, voluntary control of pelvic floor muscles, and muscle strength during sexual intercourse.
Life-related factors such as childbirth, muscle atrophy, and age may contribute to vaginal laxity. Urinary incontinence and loss of muscle control is another important reason that more women are enquiring about VR surgery. Having VR surgery can tighten the muscles of the vagina and increase tightness in the perineum (the area between the anus and vagina).
In general, women visit their cosmetic surgeons to enquire about VR surgery because of:
Childbirth and delivery
Some women experience prolapse or trauma after childbirth. Others may have had an incision in their perineum after childbirth that did not heal well.
Developmental needs
Some women have larger labia or a wider vagina even if they have not delivered children.
Ageing
Some women experience a loss of elasticity in their vaginal muscles as they get older
We are living longer lives in general today, and women are also living for longer. And, even though the first recorded vaginal cosmetic surgery was captured in 1050 AD, it is only in recent years that vaginal rejuvenation has shrugged off its social taboos, and women feel empowered to address their sexual health and wellbeing.
It’s important to note that female sexual dysfunction can cause psychological distress and many medical practitioners believe that sexual dysfunction in women is still under-reported.
Why Does Vaginal Laxity Impact On Sexual Satisfaction?
When the vagina is wide, there is less friction during sexual intercourse, resulting in a lack of satisfaction.
How Does Vaginal Rejuvenation Surgery Work?
The first step is to discuss your needs with your cosmetic surgeon. You will have an in-depth consultation to discuss your goals and any fears you might have. Your surgeon will discuss any risk factors with you during this stage. Your surgeon will also perform a physical assessment, where he or she will evaluate which tissues need to be restored.
After an assessment and discussion, your surgeon will prepare a treatment plan. It may include options for the reshaping or resizing of your labia minora (inner vaginal lips) or the restoration of the vaginal wall. Vaginal rejuvenation surgery can be performed by laser
What Can You Expect After The Procedure?
Most women report some discomfort and swelling after the procedure, which should improve in the first week or two following vaginal surgery. You can expect to resume sexual intercourse around four to six weeks after your procedure, once you have healed fully.
Most women are pleasantly surprised by the improvement in sexual satisfaction following vaginal rejuvenation and report a greater sense of sexual confidence.
What Are The Benefits Of VR?
Change the appearance of your vagina
It’s important to note that no two vaginas are the same, and there is no standard ideal for a vaginal appearance. Even so, some women are dissatisfied or uncomfortable with the appearance of their vagina. Sometimes this occurs after childbirth, but some women are dissatisfied with their vaginas before they have had children. VR surgery can be used to reduce the inner vaginal lips to change their appearance.
Improve muscle strength and tone
The muscle tone and strength of the pelvic floor, perineal and vaginal muscles can be tightened and restored to give you greater voluntary muscle control. This can assist in the management of urinary incontinence.
Improve sexual satisfaction
Tighter vaginal, perineal and pelvic floor muscles contribute to greater sexual satisfaction during intercourse.
Improve confidence and mental wellbeing
Women feel psychologically distressed at a lack of sexual satisfaction and the effects it can have on intimate relationships. Improved self-confidence can lead to improved relationships and greater mental health. It also contributes to a sense of empowerment and self-care.
Have you been thinking about vaginal rejuvenation and whether it could work for you? It is always best to seek a professional opinion. Please contact us at (02) 8599 7161 for a private and confidential appointment.
Disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.