Many of our patients from La Nouvelle Center for Aesthetic Surgery, Liposuction and Vaginal Rejuvenation ask about vaginal rejuvenation and the difference between labiaplasty and vaginoplasty. In this article I would like to cover the main difference between these two procedures and also concentrate on Labiaplasty. You can read in more details about vaginoplasty in my next article.

So, what is Vaginal Rejuvenation?

This a surgical procedure that helps to restore, improve and correct the cosmetic appearance of the labia and the vagina for either cosmetic reasons, better sexual function reasons or help with pain and irritation from wearing clothes. Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty are two distinct procedures sometimes labeled Vaginal Rejuvenation. Labiaplasty is the procedure to cosmetically correct and enhance the appearance of the outer lips or labia. Vaginoplasty is to make the vagina smaller and tighter.

What is Vaginoplasty in more details?

A vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure that tightens the vagina. This is done by removing excess of vaginal lining and tightening the surrounding soft tissues and muscles.

During delivery of a baby the vagina and surrounding tissues and muscles become stretched. After delivery the vagina may return to a more "normal" size, but it often fails to return to its pre-pregnancy diameter. Generally, the more vaginal deliveries, the worse the condition gets. Many women will complain of decreased sensation and sexual satisfaction during intercourse. Commonly this is due to a lack of friction. Often their partner may notice a change although he may say nothing. Kegel exercises are often recommended but rarely succeed in restoring vaginal tightness.

Vaginoplasty surgery will tighten the vagina and surrounding tissues yielding a vaginal tightness similar to before the patient had children.

We have also had numerous patients who feel loose although they have never had children. On physical exam they indeed had a vaginal diameter that was greater than expected. Vaginoplasty surgery can help these women as well. Many years of experience in vaginal reconstructions surgery made Dr. Hanna one of the best surgeons in Vaginoplasty.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions.

Why Would I Want Vaginoplasty Surgery?

Most women who desire a Vaginoplasty complain of feeling "loose". They note decrease of friction during intercourse resulting in lower levels of sexual satisfaction and more difficulty in climaxing. Vaginoplasty will increase friction during intercourse. After surgery, the vaginal tightness is similar to the pre-baby days. You will easily feel the difference and so will your partner.

What are the risks associated with Vaginoplasty Surgery?

The most common risks of surgery may include bleeding, infection, and scarring, however these are very unusual. Bleeding is controlled at the time of surgery and antibiotics are given postoperatively to prevent infection. With our surgical techniques scarring is very rare.

Where is the Vaginoplasty Surgery performed?

The surgery is performed in our outpatient surgical suite located at our Vaginal Rejuvenation Center, within the same building of the office.

What is the average length of Vaginoplasty Procedure?

The average length of vaginoplasty procedure is between 1 and 2 hours. An additional hour is spent in our recovery room under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.

What type of anesthesia is used for Vaginoplasty Surgery?

We perform this procedure under conscious sedation usually using a very short acting medication named Diprovan (propophol). You will be asleep during the procedure and will awaken within minutes after the surgery is completed. Please note that this is different at other facilities where the patient is often awake during the surgical procedure. We feel that our patients are more comfortable using this form of anesthesia.

What is the postoperative period like?

You will have discomfort at the surgical site for the first few days, which will then decrease. Patients are sent home with prescriptions for pain medications and antibiotics. Full healing takes approximately six weeks. All sutures used are absorbable and therefore do not need to be removed.

When can I return to work after Vaginoplasty Surgery?

Most patients return to work within two to three weeks.

When can I resume sexual activity after Vaginoplasty?

In approximately four to six weeks after surgery.

Can Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty Procedures be done at the same time?

Yes. Both procedures can be done at the same time.