What is Vaginal Rejuvenation?

Vaginal rejuvenation is a broad term used to describe a range of vaginal corrective and reconstructive surgeries. Indications for vaginal reconstructive and corrective surgeries include:

1. Urinary Incontinence post pregnancy

2. Vaginal Dryness or lack of lubrication secondary to ageing

3. Sagging skin

4. Lack of sexual pleasure

5. Surgical reconstruction for individuals assigned male at birth or those undergoing sex change procedures.

6. Weakened Pelvic floor.

Vaginal rejuvenation is brought about by surgical and non surgical means.

The various surgical procedures which come under the umbrella of vaginal rejuvenation include:

1. Vaginoplasty-  surgery to repair or construct a vagina

1. Labiaplasty- surgery to change the size and shape of the labia minora (inner lips of the vagina)

2. Vulvoplasty- surgery to change the size and shape of the labia majora (outer lips of the vagina)

3. Clitoral hood reduction- surgery to reduce the amount of skin around the clitoris.

4. Monsplasty: Removes fatty tissue from the public bone area.

5. Vulvoplasty: Reshapes the vulvar area (external genitalia).

6. Perineoplasty: Strengthens the perineum (space between your vaginal and anus)

Non Surgical methods are non invasive with a shorter recovery period. These procedures tighten and tone the vagina without the aid of needles or surgery. This involves heating the vagina,which signals to the underlying connective tissue to produce more collagen leading to natural, firmer tissue texture. Types of non surgical vaginal rejuvenation include:

• CO2 laser treatment: The laser heats the upper layers of the tissue in your vagina, causing the tissue in the lower layers to make more collagen. This makes the skin firmer and tighter. Brand names of laser devices include MonaLisa Touch®, FemTouch® and FemiLift®.

• RF (radio frequency) treatment: RF treatment uses electromagnetic waves, similar to the waves used in a microwave (but to a lesser extent). RF waves heat the vaginal tissue, encouraging blood flow and collagen production. Brand names of RF devices include Viveve®, Emsella® and ThermiVA®.

RF and laser treatments are done in an office setting. Little, if any, local anaesthetic is used during the procedure. You can typically continue with your day without needing any recovery time.

What to expect while undergoing vaginal rejuvenation

Depending on the type of procedure one is undergoing i.e. surgical or non surgical, the patient experience and post op instructions differ. It is pertinent and should be encouraged for the patient to ask as many questions as required about the procedure, benefits, post op care and possible risks of the procedure.

Several Post op instructions are given by the Gynaecologist and it is very important for the patient to follow these instructions rigidly.

1. Antibiotic cover post surgery to prevent any infections. Anti inflammatory drugs and pain killers also prescribed generally for post op comfort.

2. Adequate rest for faster healing

3. Keep the genital area dry and clean properly after urination.

4. Wear loose fitting clothes and cotton underwear only, to promote healthy healing.

5. Avoid smoking and alcohol for 2-3 days after the procedure.

6. Refrain from heavy exercise for 4-5 days after the procedure

7. No sexual intercourse for 2-3 weeks after surgery.

Vaginal rejuvenation is a valuable tool for those that have suffered from trauma and indifference all their life, just for being different. Trans individuals and even those undergoing sex change procedures will benefit greatly from these procedures, so as to feel more at peace with themselves. The decision to undergo surgeries such as these, as well as others which may be classified as aesthetic surgeries are a person’s choice and should remain as such. Undergoing such therapies under societal or familial pressure can have long standing adverse effects on a person’s mental health. So anyone taking these drastic measures needs to take a step back, re assess every aspect and understand their true reasons and then, and ONLY then consider any surgical or non surgical aesthetic procedure.

 

References:

1. Vaginal Rejuvenation:Current Perspective;  Guissy et al. Int J Women’s Health. 2017; 9: 513–519.

2. Vaginal Rejuvenation. Cleveland Clinic