One of the latest plastic surgery procedures gaining popularity in recent years is vaginal surgery. This procedure can refer to a number of things, all aimed to either enhance, fix, rejuvenate, even create, vaginas.
Vaginal plastic surgery is quickly becoming popular, especially to older women who are critical about the appearance and feel of their vaginal area.
What Is Vaginal Rejuvenation?
Vaginal cosmetic surgery is used to restore “rejuvenate” the vaginal tone and appearance. This is done either by removing excess tissue, tightening the supportive structures, or both.
It can be done in many ways, either by normal surgery, or by the use of lasers. Although not all plastic surgeons can do the procedures, it is not difficult to find the specialists that can.
Most of the major plastic surgery clinics in the country offer vaginal surgery procedures, and have the doctors and equipment to do so.
Vaginal Rejuvenation for Improved Sexual Confidence
Many women seek vaginal rejuvenation not only for aesthetic improvement but also for enhanced sexual confidence and satisfaction.
Procedures such as vaginal tightening surgery, also known as vaginoplasty, can help restore muscle tone and firmness to the vaginal walls, particularly after childbirth or aging.
This can lead to improved intimacy, heightened sensation during intercourse, and greater self-esteem.
Labiaplasty: Enhancing Comfort and Aesthetics
An example of the procedures that can be done is labiaplasty, or labioplasty. It is an operation which aims to reduce the external folds of skin of the vagina that surround the vulva to make it look younger.
While the reasons could be purely cosmetic, for some it is a perfectly practical operation, because larger labia can actually be painful.
More importantly for those with cosmetic concerns, however, is the fact that the labia is often the most noticeable thing in the vaginal area.
Hymen Reconstruction Surgery (Hymenorrhaphy)
Another vaginal plastic surgery procedure is called Hymenorrhaphy, which is the surgical reconstruction of the hymen.
While it is not as common as labiaplasty, hymenorrhaphy is done so that a woman who had her hymen broken, whether through sexual intercourse or rigorous physical activity, will have an artificial one.
Normally, this is done so that during sexual intercourse after weddings, bleeding will occur, which is then considered in some cultures as a proof of virginity.
Neovaginoplasty: Creating or Reconstructing a Vaginal Canal
A practical application of vaginal surgery is what’s known as neovaginoplasty, an operation that either creates or reconstructs a vaginal canal and mucous membrane for women with birth defects, or congenital diseases.
This is also done for trauma or cancer victims that have their vaginal canals damaged, and for males undergoing sex changes. For women, this allows not just for sexual intercourse, but also menstruation, and even fertilization. And in some of the best cases, even childbirth through the constructed vagina.
Colovaginoplasty for Complex Vaginal Reconstruction
Another practical vaginal rejuvenation procedure is what’s known as colovaginoplasty, a procedure that involves cutting away a section of what’s known as the sigmoid colon and to use it to create a vaginal lining for women.
This is mostly considered a last resort for females with a variety of complications, such as androgen insensitivity syndrome, vaginal agenesis, or other intersexed conditions.
This is also used on male to female transsexual operations to create an artificial vagina.
Risks and Recovery Associated with Vaginal Surgery
Like any surgical procedure, vaginal plastic surgery comes with risks such as infection, bleeding, scarring, and potential changes in sensation.
Recovery time can vary depending on the type of procedure performed but generally ranges from one to two weeks for basic operations like labiaplasty, and up to six weeks for more complex surgeries like neovaginoplasty.
During this time, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity and sexual intercourse.
Cost and Consultation for Vaginal Cosmetic Procedures
The cost of vaginal cosmetic surgery varies widely depending on the type of procedure and the expertise of the surgeon.
Labiaplasty, for instance, typically costs between $3,000 and $6,000, while more complex surgeries like neovaginoplasty can cost upwards of $15,000.
Most reputable cosmetic surgery clinics offer confidential consultations where patients can discuss their concerns, learn about the risks and benefits, and get a personalized cost estimate.