Over time in a woman’s life, the vagina can become loose or slack. This is usually due to childbirth or aging. If you’re concerned about these sorts of changes, don’t worry. There may be a way to reverse them. Many women opt for a vaginoplasty (a type of vaginal rejuvenation) to tighten their vaginas.
Vaginoplasty: An Overview
A vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure that aims to tighten the vagina. Some women may prefer a non-invasive vaginal tightening procedure. This is achieved by heating tissue in the vagina with laser treatment or radiofrequency waves. But, the non-invasive procedure is best suited for women with minimal slack. Women with more noticeable laxity may not respond well to such treatment and may benefit from a vaginoplasty instead. There are different reasons why a woman might decide to get a vaginoplasty. For example, after childbirth, many women experience significant loosening of the vagina. This results from tissue stretching and muscles separating during the childbirth. The laxity can be significant enough that tampons fall out. It might also cause you to feel self-conscious during sex. Other causes of vaginal loosening include:
- Genetics
- Aging
- Weight lifting
- Heavy lifting
- Significant weight changes
- Chronic cough
- Chronic straining with constipation
The aim of a vaginoplasty is to bring the separated muscles in the vagina back together. Cosmetic surgeons achieve this by:
- Rebuilding and reinforcing your perineal muscles, found on the outside of the vagina
- Tightening the vaginal pelvic floor
- Removing the extra mucosa skin from the vagina (for aesthetic purposes)
Your vaginoplasty can be done either under local or general anesthesia. Some patients decide to combine a vaginoplasty with other cosmetic procedures, including a labiaplasty and clitoral hood reduction. Both of these can help to create the appearance you desire.
Eligibility for a Vaginoplasty
You are probably a good candidate for a vaginoplasty if you suffer from any of the following issues:
- Sagging parts of the vagina
- A gaping appearance to the vagina
- Vaginal deformities
- Reduced sensation due to childbirth
- Incontinence problems
- Tissue protrusion from the vagina
- Decreased vaginal strength and tone
You may not be a good candidate for this vaginal rejuvenation surgery if you want to get the procedure done because:
- Someone you know opted for a vaginoplasty
- You heard that a vaginoplasty is a popular procedure, and you think you need it
- Someone you know has pressured you into getting a vaginoplasty
- You have an inability to achieve orgasm
- You struggle with a low sex drive
Vaginoplasty: The Consultation
Dr. Ver Halen is a highly experienced, Board-certified cosmetic surgeon. After years of experience working as a plastic surgeon, he understands the issues faced by women who dislike the appearance of their vaginas. Dr. Ver Halen will invite you in for a one-on-one consultation and discuss the vaginal rejuvenation procedure with you, going through all the details. We want you to fully understand what a vaginoplasty is before you decide whether it’s right for you. You may discuss the following topics:
- Your desired outcome and expectations
- Medical history, as well as any medical conditions
- Current use of prescription drugs, dietary supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and/or recreational drugs
- Allergies
- Risks of the procedure
Vaginoplasty: The Procedure
Before your vaginoplasty procedure, Dr. Ver Halen will determine the amount of tightening that needs to be done. Then he’ll use dissolvable stitches to join together the stretched muscles at the back of the vagina. Next, he’ll surgically remove the excess vaginal lining and tighten the surrounding soft tissues. The result is a decrease in the size of the vaginal cavity. This helps to add friction during sexual intercourse, which is why many women who have vaginoplasties feel like they’ve regained the vagina they had before childbirth. The vaginal rejuvenation procedure takes one to two hours to complete.
Vaginoplasty: The Recovery
After a vaginoplasty, patients usually have one to two weeks of downtime. They may experience a deep ache for a few days. If you choose to have a vaginoplasty, you should also be prepared not to use tampons or have sexual intercourse for eight weeks. Dr. Ver Halen may also recommend that you use a dilator, depending on how much tightening there is.
Vaginoplasty Risks
Since a vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure, there are risks that you should be aware of. Potential risks and complications of this cosmetic surgery include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Pain during intercourse
- Scarring
- Loss of sensation
- Numbness
If any of these issues occur, at any time, make sure to book a follow-up consultation with Dr. Ver Halen. We recommend that you update us with the results of your vaginoplasty. Dr. Ver Halen always has your best interests at heart and is determined to help you achieve your cosmetic surgery goals.
Vaginoplasty vs. Labiaplasty
You may be wondering how a vaginoplasty differs from a labiaplasty. The vaginoplasty procedure focuses on the vaginal wall, whereas a labiaplasty only addresses the labia (vaginal lips). The aim of a vaginoplasty is to tighten the vagina, which has become lax over time, perhaps due to childbirth or aging. A labiaplasty might be performed to reduce the size of the labia.
The Orgasm Shot® (O-Shot®) as an Alternative
Not all vaginal rejuvenation treatments are surgical. If you’re interested in a non-surgical option, the O-Shot is an attractive alternative. It involves harnessing your body and injecting it into your vagina to stimulate the growth of cells. This leads to improved sensitivity and an increased ability to achieve orgasm.
How to Pay for a Vaginoplasty
Dr. Ver Halen accepts different payment options for a vaginoplasty. You can use healthcare credit cards supplied by Synchrony Bank (CareCredit®) and Comenity® Capital Bank (Alphaeon Credit®). Some of our patients prefer to use a secured loan from United Medical Credit or Enhance Patient Finance. United Medical Credit is suitable for prime and subprime lenders and includes multiple plan options and flexible terms. These plans are tailored to people with different budgeting needs. Other options for funding the treatment include:
- Credit card
- Cash
- Cashier’s check
- In-house financing
- Other types of loans
For a lot of women, the loosening of the vagina can lead to insecurities. It can cause issues during sex and a decline in your self-confidence. But these can be resolved. A vaginoplasty is a quick and easy way to create the look that you desire. This cosmetic procedure can help to improve your sex life and boost your self-esteem. At Ver Halen Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery, we’re committed to finding a solution that works for you. Book your consultation today to discuss your options!
