Vaginal rejuvenation usually combines vaginoplasty (“tightening” of the vagina) and/or labiaplasty or vulvaplasty (reshaping of the vulva or labia, the outer and inner lips of the vagina). It has become an increasingly popular option for many women. For individuals who desire re contouring after childbirth, significant weight loss, aging or injury to genital structures, vaginal rejuvenation offers increased self-confidence and comfort.
* If the contours of your vaginal structures have altered and stretched over time.
* If you experience soreness or pain with sexual activity, bicycle riding or horseback riding.
* If the effects of multiple vaginal deliveries have led to reduced sensation during intercourse.
* If your self-esteem would improve from a rejuvenation procedure
* Your vagina and surrounding muscles will return to nearly the tightness you had in your youth or before pregnancies.
* A re contoured, trim vagina may boost your self-confidence.
* You may find that your sleek new shape enhances wearing clothing, such as bikini bottoms or panties.
Are you a good candidate for vaginal rejuvenation?
* Your vaginal structures sag and have become more lax due to aging, weight loss or pregnancies.
* You have discomfort from scarring as a result of previous genital surgeries.
* You have stress urinary incontinence and wish to combine a “vaginal lift” with a corrective procedure.
* You desire a sleeker, more refined contour to your labia and vulva.
If you are in good general health, have a positive attitude and realistic expectations, you are most likely a good candidate for this procedure.
There are several nonsurgical energy-based devices used for vaginal rejuvenation. A labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that is performed in an operating room setting. It involves removal of excess tissue from the labia minora, labia majora or both.
The excessive areas are carefully measured and compared for symmetry. Care is taken to avoid injury around surrounding structures. Once the areas have been anesthetized with local anesthesia, the excess tissue is removed and then the tissue is closed using multiple layers of dissolvable stitches. This procedure may also be performed with other instrumentation such as lasers.
Other procedures may involve reduction of the clitoral hood or vaginal tightening.
Dr. Hakan Gundogan will discuss with you which areas of correction or enhancement are best for you:
* Reduction of the labia minora (inner lips of the vagina)
* Reduction or augmentation of the labia majora (outer lips)
* Mons pubis reduction
* Clitoral hood remodeling
For vaginoplasty surgery, the incisions are made to the mucosal walls inside the vagina. For a labiaplasty, the incisions are made to the labia minora or majora so that excess tissue can be removed.
Dr. Hakan Gundogan will provide you with preoperative instructions, answer any questions that you may have, take a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam to determine your fitness for surgery.
In advance of your procedure, Dr. Hakan Gundogan will ask you to:
* Stop smoking before undergoing surgery to promote better healing.
* Avoid taking aspirin; certain anti-inflammatory drugs and some herbal medications that can cause increased bleeding.
* Regardless of the type of surgery to be performed, hydration is very important before and after surgery for safe recovery.
Vaginal rejuvenation is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you at least the first night after surgery.
Your surgery will be performed in a hospital. Most vaginal rejuvenation procedures take at least one to two hours to complete but may take longer.
* Medications are given for your comfort during the surgical procedure. A nerve block will be administered to numb the entire vaginal area and will provide 18 to 24 hours of pain control.
* General anesthesia is commonly used during a vaginal rejuvenation procedure, although local anesthesia or intravenous sedation may be desirable in some instances.
* For your safety during the surgery, various monitors will be used to check your heart, blood pressure, pulse and the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood.
* Dr. Hakan Gundogan will follow the surgical plan discussed with you before surgery.
* After your procedure is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. You will have drainage tubes in place. After surgery, you will be placed in a surgical dressing that includes a support or compression garment over your vagina.
You will probably be permitted to go home after a short observation period, unless you and your plastic surgeon have made other plans for your immediate post-op recovery or additional corrective procedures have been performed that require longer observation in the facility.
Dr. Hakan Gundogan will discuss how long it will be before you can return to your normal level of activity and work. After surgery, you and your caregiver will receive detailed instructions about your post-surgical care, including information about:
* Drains, if they have been placed
* Normal symptoms you will experience
* Potential signs of complications
There may be some bruising and swelling in the initial post-operative period. In addition, you may experience minor discomfort, which can be controlled by medication. Bed rest the day of surgery is recommended and you may return to work within five to seven days, depending on your activity level. You should refrain from engaging in sexual intercourse for one month.
Recovery time frame after vaginal rejuvenation
It is vitally important that you follow all patient care instructions provided by Dr. Hakan Gundogan. This will include information about wearing compression garments, care of your drains, taking an antibiotic if prescribed and the level and type of activity that is safe. Dr. Hakan Gundogan will also provide detailed instructions about the normal symptoms you will experience and any potential signs of complications. It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals.
The results of a vaginal rejuvenation procedure are intended to be permanent, but significant weight gain or a subsequent pregnancy can alter the results.
For safety, as well as the most beautiful and healthy outcome, it’s important to return to your plastic surgeon's office for follow-up evaluation at prescribed times and whenever you notice any changes in your vagina. Do not hesitate to contact Dr. Hakan Gundogan when you have any questions or concerns.
