Vaginal Rejuvenation Options: Surgical & Non-Surgical Methods

Vaginal rejuvenation, also known as feminine rejuvenation or female genital plastic surgery, is an umbrella term that applies to a range of procedures (both surgical and non-surgical) that can address a variety of different issues. There are vaginal rejuvenation treatments dedicated to enhancing the appearance of the female genitalia, to improving its functionality (i.e., enhancing sexual pleasure or correcting stress urinary incontinence), or to accomplish both feats simultaneously. Additionally, techniques can be performed to address the inner (internal) or outer (external) areas of the vagina.

In this post, we’ll discuss the collection of treatments that fall under the vaginal rejuvenation label. Here is a rundown of the most common surgical and non-surgical treatments.

Vaginal Rejuvenation Basics

Feminine rejuvenation addresses changes to female genitalia that arise due to pregnancy and child-birth, aging, trauma or genetic deformity. While some procedures may improve function and sexual pleasure, female genital plastic surgery is purely cosmetic in most cases.

Labiaplasty and vaginoplasty are perhaps the most well-known vaginal rejuvenation procedures, but there are a number of other surgical and non-surgical treatments available for both the inner and outer female sexual organ.

Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation Procedures

Surgical procedures that address the inner vagina help improve laxity or loss of tightness, vaginal prolapse, decreased lubrication, decreased sexual sensation or pain during sex.

• Vaginoplasty

Vaginoplasty tightens the vaginal canal. The vagina can become loose or enlarged after childbirth or as a result of aging. Vaginoplasty addresses this laxity by surgically removing excess skin and pulling the vaginal walls closer together for a smaller opening and tighter canal.

• Perineoplasty

The perineum is the skin between the anus and vagina. This area sometimes ruptures in childbirth, or is intentionally cut to avoid tearing. A perineoplasty tightens posterior muscles and removes excess skin in and outside of the vagina. It’s primarily recommended for those who wish to address the aesthetics of the perineum after childbirth.

• Hymenoplasty

A hymenoplasty is a surgical technique which reconstructs a broken hymen. This ‘revirginization’ procedure is important in some cultures and for some women, may contribute to healing from past sexual trauma or an unwanted sexual history.

The above surgical procedures typically take 60-minutes to complete and require no hospital stay. They can be done under general anesthesia or a combination of local and twilight anesthesia. Recovery takes 6-8 weeks.

Surgical Rejuvenation Procedures for the Vulva

The vulva is the outer part of female genitalia and includes the labia majora and labia minora, clitoris and pubic mound. Surgical procedures for vulva restoration are largely cosmetic in nature.

• Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is a popular surgery which addresses labia minora which are uneven, enlarged, damaged from childbirth, or sagging due to age. The procedure trims excess tissue to relieve discomfort related to pulling or irritation, and to improve appearance. There are also many different labiaplasty techniques, each offering different benefits.

• Labia Augmentation with Fat Transfer

Labia augmentation is a cosmetic procedure which plumps the labia with fat injections. Fat is surgically removed from the stomach or thighs via liposuction, then injected into the labia to address wrinkles or sagging.

• Clitoral Hood Reduction

Often performed together with labiaplasty, a clitoral hood reduction addresses discomfort when wearing tight clothing and may enhance sexual pleasure. Excess skin is removed, exposing more of the sensitive tissue underneath.

• Monsplasty (FUPA reduction)

A monsplasty, also known as a pubic lift, addresses excess fat or skin in the mons pubis. It’s often performed on patients who have recently lost a lot of weight, which leaves behind loose skin.

The above procedures are often performed in conjunction with liposuction, tummy tuck or mommy makeovers. Most can be done with local anesthesia and require a 4–6-week recovery period. Sexual activity may resume after 6-8 weeks.

Non-Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation Procedures

Non-surgical procedures for vaginal rejuvenation commonly take less than 15 minutes and require no recovery time. These procedures are not permanent, however, and may require touch-ups every 6-12 months.

• O-Shot

The O-shot injects your own PRP, platelet-rich-plasma, into the clitoris and vaginal walls to increase sexual sensitivity. The injection stimulates blood flow, enhances lubrication and may lead to a more youthful appearance.

• G-Shot

The G-shot enhances sexual pleasure by injecting hyaluronic acid into the Grafenberg Spot, or G-spot. This plumps the area for greater contact during intercourse and may also increase sensitivity.

• Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation (FemTouch)

FemTouch is a laser-based vaginal rejuvenation method that requires no surgery. This procedure thickens the vaginal wall to enhance sexual pleasure, increase natural lubrication and decrease urinary incontinence.

Is Vaginal Rejuvenation For Me?

You may be a candidate for feminine rejuvenation if any of the following is true:

• You’ve experienced vaginal looseness, laxity or incontinence
• You’ve recently lost a significant amount of weight
• You experience physical discomfort during intercourse or when wearing tight clothing
• You’re discouraged by natural aging in your genital area
• You feel emotional discomfort regarding the appearance of your vulva

While vaginal rejuvenation may enhance sexual pleasure, it is not indicated as treatment for psycho-sexual dysfunction such as low libido, hormonal imbalance or inability to orgasm.

In addition, vaginal rejuvenation is contraindicated if you are trying to get pregnant or if you are experiencing any infection or illness of the vagina, uterus or endometrium.

To learn more about vaginal rejuvenation surgery and how it can improve your confidence and comfort, speak with your OB/GYN or a board certified plastic surgeon.

Dr. McGee has been practicing plastic surgery for more than 18 years in all areas of the field, including cosmetic surgery and reconstructive breast and facial surgery. Dr. McGee is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He has numerous hospital affiliations in the Round Rock and greater Austin areas and is a member of the American Society of plastic Surgeons, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgeons and Austin Smiles.