Enhancing Intimacy and Aesthetics: A Guide to Vaginal Rejuvenation
Surgical vaginal rejuvenation includes vaginoplasty (also known as posterior colporrhaphy), the surgical procedure that tightens the posterior wall muscles inside the vaginal canal, and an additional procedure at the same time to improve the aged appearance of the female external genitals. The surgical vaginal rejuvenation could also potentially improve sexual satisfaction for both woman and man.
Who can be a good candidate for Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation?
Surgical vaginal rejuvenation is performed when a woman experiences significant vaginal laxity and a lack of friction. Vaginal laxity can be caused by vaginal childbirth, multiple pregnancies, or even heavy lifting or excess weight putting pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and supporting tissues. In addition, woman concerns about the less attractive appearance of her external genital area due to an aged vagina and external genital area. Other cosmetic procedures such as labioplasty or fat grafting to the labia can also be performed at the same. Therefore, surgical vaginal rejuvenation is recommended when a woman is experiencing significant vaginal laxity that cannot be improved by non-surgical treatments, or for those who are looking for more and consistent permanent results.
How the procedure should be performed?
This procedure is done either in an office operative room or at a surgery center by a board-certified plastic surgeon. It is usually done under general anesthesia, conducted by a board-certified anesthesiologist, although it can be done under strict local anesthesia in selected patients. Once the amount of tightening in the vaginal canal is determined by the surgeon, a pie-shape wedge of the excess vaginal mucosa in the posterior wall of the vagina is marked to outline the extra tissue to be removed from inside the vagina. The excess mucosa of the posterior vaginal is removed first and the tissues under the mucosa, usually the muscle in the posterior wall of the vagina, is tightened with strong but absorbable sutures. Once the vaginal canal is tightened, the mucosal edges from each side are closed, again, with absorbable sutures. The perineal open area, located in the posterior midline between the vaginal opening and the anus, is closed in layers with absorbable sutures after removal of any excess tissues and more precise approximation for closure. In this way, a rejuvenated and more cosmetic pleasing female external genitalia can be recreated. The entire procedure usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Postoperative Care
Postoperative care is minimal. For the first several days to one week, you should just be resting. You can walk around and drive but must avoid all lifting, exercise, intercourse, vacuuming and swimming. The vaginal packing can be removed in 3-5 days. Do not insert anything into the vagina! No Tampons and no sex for at least 6 weeks. Most patients are able to resume their daily activities within 6 weeks. Some patients may feel a deep itch for the first few days. It is also normal to have vaginal discharge in the first few weeks after surgery.
How to choose a vaginal rejuvenation surgeon?
First, choose an American-board certified plastic surgeon for any of your cosmetic surgical procedures. Second, choose a plastic surgeon with experience and expertise for vaginal rejuvenation surgery. Third, request to see before and after photos during your consultation. (Due to the nature of graphic disturbance, before and after photos are only viewed during an in person consultation) Dr. Pu has extensive experience in both reconstructive and cosmetic gynecologic surgical procedures such as vulva reconstruction, vaginal reconstruction, labioplasty, hymenoplasty, and vaginoplasty. He was a university plastic surgeon and a Professor of Plastic Surgery with over 2 decades of experience in plastic surgery. He has also done live surgery in foreign countries to demonstrate his unique technique of vaginal rejuvenation surgery.
