Vaginal rejuvenation treatments are done to reverse the effects of ageing, childbirth, etc. on a woman’s vagina. These are basically treatments that act as cosmetic surgeries for the female genitalia. However, vaginal rejuvenation not only improves appearance but also solves issues like dryness, stress urinary incontinence and laxity (lack of tightness) of the vagina. Women in the postmenopausal stage or postpartum stage are the ones who mostly require undergoing this procedure.
Here are some effective vaginal rejuvenation treatments
According to a woman’s expectations with vaginal rejuvenation treatments, she can opt for either non-surgical or surgical treatments.
Non-Invasive Energy-Based/ Non-Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation Treatments
In an energy-based treatment, the focus is on heating up the top layers of tissue to induce Type-1 collagen in underlying layers. Collagen creates new firmer tissue and thus, helps solve issues like stress urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction and dryness.
- Radiofrequency Vaginal Rejuvenation Treatment
Radiofrequency devices use electromagnetic waves for vaginal rejuvenation. The therapy is delivered at approximately 45-55 degree Celsius. Recovery time is zero to none. Pain or some irritation is possible. However, it can be ignored with the help of a local or regional anaesthesia.
Some types of radiofrequency treatments are used for specific purposes. For example, Transurethral monopolar RF is used for stress urinary incontinence while Nonablative RF is used for tightening the vaginal canal.
- Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Treatment
Very similar to radiofrequency, laser treatment is an energy-based treatment done with laser sources like carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium-YAG.
The procedure involves a pelvic examination after which the gynaecologist inserts the laser device 4-5 centimetres into the vagina. After being turned on, the laser beam induces heat deep into the vaginal wall, heating up the tissue at the upper layers. This as we know, induces collagen production which heals the vagina and helps tone and strengthen its muscles.
The therapy is delivered at 60-70 degree Celsius. The procedure is quite short and can be done easily in an office setting. However, you may require a couple of settings based on your expectations. Rare cases of irritation, bleeding and infections have sometimes been observed.
The tool used in energy-based non-invasive treatments is heat. These treatments are generally pain-free, require no downtime and hence, do not interfere with one’s daily life. However, staying away from sexual activity for three to four days is always recommended.
Many clinical studies with energy-based treatments have been performed in recent years. You may find these studies with results here- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6451893/.
Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation Treatments
● Vaginoplasty
Vaginoplasty is the layman term used for posterior colporrhaphy.
The treatment involves tightening up of the vagina using surgical methods. It is considered better than non-invasive methods of radiofrequency and laser for women with extreme laxity. Laxity may be defined as the looseness of tissues and muscles leading to sexual dysfunction. When reached a point where a tampon falls out, we can easily call it extreme.
The procedure is done by bringing the separated muscles closer after a proper determination of how much tightening is required. Afterwards, the doctor stitches up the extra mucosal skin. Finally, if she finds some external skin protruding, she may remove that for aesthetic results.
Like every other surgery, you should be concerned about the risks and pain that comes with it. Amongst risks, you may face some rare complications along with infections and bleeding. Local or general anesthesia can help tolerate the pain. Also, a recovery time of a couple of weeks is required after this vaginal rejuvenation surgery. For at least six weeks post this, intercourse and the use of tampons is restricted.
● Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty is a cosmetic procedure used to reduce the length of labia minora. But what is labia minora? It is a plural term used to denote the inner lips closer to the urethra opening of the female genitalia.
Women who bear pain, irritation or itching from twisting of the labia during intercourse usually go through this surgical procedure. This is common when the labia minora hangs below the labia majora (hair-bearing outer lips).
Thus, labiaplasty reduces the length of the labia so as to get rid of any twisting or tugging that causes trouble. Additionally, any sort of asymmetry found in the labia can also be treated with the help of this vaginal rejuvenation surgery.
Common types of labiaplasty are the trim procedure and the wedge procedure. To know more about these, feel free to ask in the comments. Better still, book a consultation to get your answers from Dr Sheetal Agarwal who has a rich experience of 24 years in the field of gynaecology.
Just like most vaginal rejuvenation surgeries, risks like bleeding, scarring and infections are associated with labiaplasty as well. Also, one may have to face hematoma or over-resection. Recovery from this vaginal rejuvenation surgery may take up to one to six weeks. Intercourse and usage of tampons is severely restricted during this time.
● Monsplasty
Monsplasty can be defined as a cosmetic surgery on a woman’s mons. For those who don’t know, mons refer to the upper region of the hair-bearing part of the vulva in a woman. In some woman, the mons develop extra fatty tissue or skin that causes the region to bulge. This can result in discomfort or embarrassment for a woman.
Monsplasty involves reduction in this bulging of the mons by getting rid of the extra fat or skin. Your doctor may choose a local or general anaesthesia depending on the amount of fatty tissue/skin to be removed.
The procedure involves risks like that of bleeding, infection, scarring and hematoma. Additionally, you might need a downtime ranging from one to six weeks.
These treatments involve a highly sensitive genital organ of the human anatomy. Thus, making it extremely important to ensure consulting only an experienced and trusted gynaecologist. The feedback from her patients say Dr Sheetal Agarwal is one such doctor. Know more by booking a consultation with her now!
