What is Vaginal Rejuvenation?
Vaginal rejuvenation (or vaginal reconstruction) refers to procedures that can be performed for cosmetic reasons or to relieve symptoms of vaginal relaxation. It involves the repair of loose, stretched, or torn tissue to tighten, strengthen, and support the vaginal walls and pelvic organs.
These procedures can target different parts of the vaginal area, such as the vaginal canal but also the vulva, including the labia majora and labia minor.
The treatments don’t always require plastic surgery. Instead, non-surgical procedures can use a laser treatment to help revitalize tissue and stimulate elastin production. However, surgery may be recommended for optimal results in some cases.
Repairing and rejuvenating lax vaginal tissue can help with sexual satisfaction, self-esteem, and urinary dysfunction concerns such as urinary incontinence, improving quality of life.
Why would I have vaginal rejuvenation surgery?
The hormone estrogen makes vaginal walls naturally elastic and supple to help replace old skin cells and keep the vagina’s healthy acidic pH. Over time, and after childbirth, the vaginal muscles can stretch and loosen.
If a woman’s body stops producing estrogen due to a hormonal imbalance or menopause, the vaginal tissue can become thinner and drier and start to atrophy. This weakened and loose vaginal tissue can cause pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence. Also, some women find that sexual activity becomes less pleasurable or even painful.
Vaginal rejuvenation surgery can treat many of these unpleasant symptoms. Here are some reasons why patients seek vaginal tightening and rejuvenation:
- Restoring vaginal tightness following multiple births or a large birth
- Repairing torn tissue due to injury, childbirth, or an inadequately healed episiotomy
- Treating pelvic organ prolapse
- Treating urinary incontinence
- Tightening the vaginal opening for improved sexual gratification for a woman and her partner
Surgical options for vaginal rejuvenation
Several different procedures may be performed during vaginal tightening and rejuvenation. The type of procedure or procedures your plastic surgeon will perform depends upon your gynecological health and the conditions you wish to treat.
Discussing all of your concerns with your gynecologist is important to get the most benefit from your surgery.
- Perineorrhaphy
A perineorrhaphy, or perineoplasty, is a surgical procedure to repair and reconstruct the perineum, often following childbirth-related tears or episiotomy scars. The surgeon makes a V-shaped incision in the posterior vaginal wall to remove scar tissue and tighten the vaginal opening, which can enhance sexual pleasure by increasing friction.
In some cases, the surgery is combined with cosmetic surgeries of the genitalia. A vaginoplasty reduces excess vaginal lining for a more “youthful” look, and a labiaplasty reshapes the labia minora for aesthetic purposes.
- Rectocele repair
A rectocele is a type of pelvic organ prolapse in which the rectum pushes against the back wall of the vagina, causing a bulge. Things such as a difficult delivery, a previous surgery, or pelvic floor weakness commonly cause rectoceles. They can cause lower back pain and discomfort during sex.
A rectocele repair involves the surgical vaginal reconstruction of the posterior vaginal wall to restore the rectum to its proper positioning, tighten the stretched vaginal tissue, and support the organs.
- Cystocele repair
A cystocele is another type of pelvic organ prolapse which involves the bladder pushing against the front wall of the vagina. They can be common after vaginal birth. Cystoceles can often cause painful sex and urinary problems. Repairing a cystocele involves making an incision in the vaginal wall and pulling the loosened tissue together.
This will lend enough support to your pelvic floor to lift the bladder to its original position in the pelvis and prevent a recurrence of prolapse.
How is a surgical vaginal rejuvenation performed?
Surgical vaginal tightening and rejuvenation are performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep during the surgery. Depending on the type of surgery, the procedure may take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours. If your surgery includes the repair of pelvic organ prolapse, you may need to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days.
Non-surgical options for vaginal rejuvenation
Non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation often uses a laser to help address vaginal laxity. One such laser vaginal rejuvenation treatment is the MonaLisa Touch.
The MonaLisa Touch is a revolutionary new FDA-approved treatment for vaginal atrophy and laxity. It is a minimally-invasive technique that uses laser technology to revitalize atrophied genital tissue, restoring vaginal lubrication and elasticity and relieving discomfort experienced during sexual intercourse.
Vaginal atrophy due to estrogen deficiencies resulting from menopause, breastfeeding, and some cancer treatments can thin and weaken vaginal walls, reducing blood flow to the area and causing inflammation and dryness. Vaginal atrophy can also cause urinary problems, such as incontinence.
The MonaLisa Touch can alleviate these symptoms, including:
- Vaginal dryness
- Genital irritation, burning, or itching
- Urinary symptoms
How does the MonaLisa touch work?
The MonaLisa Touch laser works by using fractional CO2 laser technology to rejuvenate the vaginal tissue. The laser delivers controlled, gentle radiofrequency energy to the vaginal walls, creating tiny micro-injuries that stimulate the body’s natural healing process. This encourages elastin and collagen production, which helps restore thickness, elasticity, and lubrication to the vaginal lining.
The course of treatment consists of three sessions, six weeks apart. The sessions take no longer than five minutes, and most patients experience no pain or discomfort. If you wish, your doctor can apply a local anesthetic cream before the procedure.
Surgical vs non-surgical treatments
If you are considering vaginal rejuvenation, you and Dr. Aliabadi should discuss which type of treatment you may be a good candidate for. There are various pros and cons to each type of procedure.
Risks
Surgical vaginal rejuvenation carries some risks, such as infection, heavy bleeding, tissue damage, and recurrence of prolapse. Some patients seeking rejuvenation as a treatment for urinary problems find that their symptoms persist or worsen after surgery. Scar tissue and fistula can also be a risk.
Waiting to have vaginal rejuvenation surgery until after you are finished having children can help you reduce risks and achieve the greatest and longest-lasting effects.
Alternatively, the risks of MonaLisa Touch are virtually nonexistent. It is considered one of the safest medical procedures available.
Recovery
Surgical recovery is almost always longer and harder than non-invasive recovery. The downtime needed after surgery can vary, ranging from a few hours to a few days. As you heal, you should see a return to normal bowel and urinary function, usually within 2-4 weeks.
For the first six weeks after surgery, avoid rigorous exercise and sexual intercourse. Pain and discomfort can be managed with prescription pain medication given to you by your doctor.
The MonaLisa Touch is an outpatient procedure with very little recovery time. Patients can return to their normal activities upon returning home from the procedure. However, you should avoid sexual intercourse for 48 hours.
You may experience some redness or swelling for a day or two, but you shouldn’t expect severe pain or tenderness. Although the entire treatment takes three sessions, you may start to see some improvement in your condition after the first session.
Considering Vaginal Rejuvenation? Talk to Dr. Aliabadi
Dr. Aliabadi isn’t only an expert OB/GYN but is knowledgeable in all aspects of women’s health and well-being, including sexual health and vaginal health. Dr. Aliabadi and her caring, supportive staff are available to support you through menopause, childbirth, infertility, or even just routine gynecological care.
We invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please make an appointment online or call us at (844) 863-6700.
The practice of Dr. Thais Aliabadi and the Outpatient Hysterectomy Center is conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area. We are near Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.
Vaginal Rejuvenation FAQs
Does insurance cover vaginal rejuvenation near me?
Insurance typically does not cover vaginal rejuvenation procedures like the MonaLisa Touch or other cosmetic treatments, as they are often considered elective and non-medically necessary. However, if the procedure is done to address medical conditions such as vaginal atrophy, pain, or incontinence, some insurance plans may offer partial coverage.
Does vaginal rejuvenation hurt?
Vaginal rejuvenation procedures like the MonaLisa Touch are generally well-tolerated and cause minimal discomfort. Most patients describe a mild heat or slight pressure sensation during the procedure, but it’s typically not painful. Surgical vaginal rejuvenation treatments are performed under general anesthesia, but you may feel some pain and discomfort during the healing process.
How long does vaginal rejuvenation last?
The effects of vaginal rejuvenation, such as with the MonaLisa Touch, typically last about 12 to 18 months but yearly maintenance can help improve the lifespan of your results. The results of surgical treatments are long-lasting and can be permanent, especially if you maintain a stable weight and avoid trauma to the area.
Sources:
Barbara G, Facchin F, Buggio L, Alberico D, Frattaruolo MP, Kustermann A. Vaginal rejuvenation: current perspectives. Int J Womens Health. 2017 Jul 21;9:513-519. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S99700. PMID: 28860864; PMCID: PMC5560421.
Desai SA, Kroumpouzos G, Sadick N. Vaginal rejuvenation: From scalpel to wands. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2019 Mar 7;5(2):79-84. doi: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2019.02.003. PMID: 30997377; PMCID: PMC6451893.
Supported by her warm professional team, Dr. Aliabadi treats women through all phases of life and cherishes the special one-on-one relationship between patient and doctor.