It is very common for women to experience certain changes in their vaginal areas that can have a significant impact on their everyday lives. This may occur after pregnancy, childbirth, weight fluctuations, sexual activity, and the natural aging process—or even just from genetics. Because of this, women may suffer from urinary issues and infections, painful intercourse and vaginal discomfort due to dryness, tenderness, and laxity, and/or difficulty exercising.
Fortunately, there are vaginal rejuvenation procedures available that can effectively improve the comfort and aesthetics of the vaginal region. Below, our board-certified female plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, Dr. Semira Bayati, shares the potential benefits of treatment for intimate areas from procedures such as labiaplasty, vaginoplasty, and the new, non-invasive CO2LIFT V® and how they can effectively address both cosmetic and functional concerns.
Generally, body changes can cause the labia to become enlarged or asymmetrical, leading to the symptoms listed above. With vaginal rejuvenation, also referred to as aesthetic genital plastic surgery, a highly trained and experienced surgeon can perform either surgical or non-surgical options to ease pain and discomfort and/or enhance the appearance of the labia:
Labiaplasty
Potential Benefits:
- Reshapes and recontours labial tissues
- Relieves pain from twisting and tugging of the labia during intercourse and certain activities, such as cycling
- Maintains a natural appearance after surgery
A labiaplasty is designed to reduce the length of the labia, which are the folds of skin around the vagina opening, and recontour the labial tissues—labia majora (outer folds) and labia minora (inner folds)—so they are the same size and one does not protrude beyond the other. The surgery can be performed using either a “trim” or “wedge” technique with further specialized options for a labia majora or labia minora reduction, clitoral hood reduction (removal of excess skin hanging over the clitoris) or enhancement of volume of the labia majora with either a fat transfer procedure or dermal fillers.
Vaginoplasty
Potential Benefits:
- Tightens the vaginal opening
- Repairs significant vaginal laxity
- Improves sexual dysfunction
In addition to a labiaplasty or as a standalone procedure, a vaginoplasty is intended to repair stretched tissues, separated muscles, and additional external skin at the vaginal opening. Vaginoplasty procedures can be especially beneficial for women who have had multiple vaginal childbirth deliveries or have had babies born with macrosomia. The outcome can reverse an overstretched vaginal opening for a renewed, tighter form and aesthetic appearance.
On average, surgical treatments will require a few days of rest and healing following the procedure, as well as the avoidance of strenuous activity for at least three weeks or sexual activity for at least six weeks. However, many patients find the surgeries to be well worth the recovery period as the results can often last a lifetime.
CO2LIFT V® Carboxy Gel Treatment
Potential Benefits:
- Lifts and tightens vaginal tissues with no downtime
- Increases blood flow for enhanced sensitivity and natural lubrication
- Improves vaginal dryness, urinary issues, and discomfort during intercourse
As a non-invasive alternative, CO2LIFT V® is a hormone-free gel treatment developed to recondition vulva vaginal skin to improve some cases of vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse, as well as other vaginal tissue concerns associated with childbirth and aging. The CO2LIFT V® carboxytherapy topical can help lift and tighten vaginal tissues, promote circulation to bring oxygen-rich blood to the vaginal area, and regenerate tissue cells to enhance sensitivity and produce natural lubrication. CO2LIFT V® can be performed as a complement to labiaplasty or provided as an in-office or at-home treatment.
Ultimately, to ensure the most advantageous outcome, it is important to be under the care of a board-certified plastic surgeon who is extensively trained and experienced in your procedure of interest. Vaginal rejuvenation can be complex and, as with all medical treatments, involves some degree of risk. However, with the advanced techniques and technology that are now available, a plastic surgeon with the highest level of certification, such as Dr. Bayati, is capable of helping patients accomplish their goals for treatment in an intimate area without harming surrounding vaginal tissues.
To learn more about vaginal rejuvenation procedures, or to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Bayati, please contact us today.
