Vaginal rejuvenation: vaginal cosmetic surgery

The designer vagina

Nowadays, labia corrective surgery is widely accepted. A new trend is the “designer vagina”: Women are opting to have surgery narrowing their vaginal cavity. The surgery is intended to improve the sex life and self-esteem.

Vagina Rejuvenation (VR) is a procedure performed through the vagina. The surgery is designed to enhance vaginal tone, muscle strength and increase voluntary control. It tightens the vagina and strengthens the tissue of the pelvic floor between the vagina and the anus.

The aging vulva

With age, some loss of substance and elasticity of the vulva may cause aesthetic problems. The labia majora, the pubic area and the inside of thighs or buttocks may all be affected.

Lifting procedures work by removing excess skin. Augmentation procedures address the loss of substance by injecting a permanent or semi-permanent filler.

More recently, suspension techniques are being applied to the vulvar area. Dissolvable elastic threads are inserted via small incisions to lift the tissue, without leaving any scars. The technique will need to be evaluted for several more years before long-term results and satisfaction rates are available. We offer the technique on an experimental basis at minimal cost.

Vaginal rejuvenation: indications and patient selection

As the vagina ages it can lead to in numerous complaints. Your obstetric history can play an important role with regards to these symptoms. Many problems can be solved with non-surgical techniques such as the well-known Kegel exercises, developed to train the pelvic floor or vaginal muscles. In many patients however this is due to tissue looseness or trauma and surgery can be necessary. Counter-indications for this procedure are: extreme obesity, smoker's cough, being too young and negative advice from your sexologist. In order to get an insight into existing sexual problems, patients can benefit from visiting a good sexologist. It is important that you do not consider surgery as your first option. Physiotherapy, in the case of stress incontinence, can sometimes solve the problem and the need for surgical intervention. It is important that you discuss with your gynaecologist whether a pessary can solve the problem. If Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor does not provide the results you and your partner want to achieve then it is advisable to seek further professional opinion.

Vaginal rejuvenation: the procedure

Vagina rejuvenation

(VR) is a procedure which is performed via the vaginal opening, and is designed to increase vaginal muscle tone and voluntary control. The vagina is made narrower and the tissue of the pelvic floor between the vagina and the anus is strengthened.

To avoid unnecessary bleeding we use state of the art surgical methods such as the Ellmann radiosurgical technique. Laser doesn't add any value, only disadvantages including higher costs.

Bladder lift

If a bladder lift is also necessary we insert a catheter into the bladder for 24 hours to prevent any post-operative problems. You are advised to stay in the Wellness Kliniek for the 24 hours following the procedure because the doctor needs to remove the vaginal tampon the day after surgery. You can eat and drink something straight away, there is no effect on the digestive system.

Vaginal rejuvenation: possible complications

Complications may occur with any operation. The most relevant, specific to vaginal rejuvenation surgery are:

Cystitis
A bladder infection is common after this type of surgery especially when catheterisation was used. We take the necessary precautions, which may involve a prescription for antibiotics.

Problems urinating
When a bladder lift is performed, very rarely inadequate emptying of the bladder may occur temporarily. If it does, we reinsert the catheter into the bladder and prescribe medication to encourage the voiding reflex.

Post-operative bleeding
It is rare for bleeding to occur after vaginal surgery. Sometimes it may be necessary to insert a second vaginal tampon. A second operation, within the first 24 hours, is only rarely required to control post-operative bleeding.

Hypertrophic scarring
Whenever surgical incisions are made, some form of scarring will occur. In the case of vulvar or vaginal surgery, scars tend to be negligible in all aspects. However, it always takes up to 18 months for the scarring to be definitive. During the healing phase, scar formation peaks at 3 months and normally settles down after that. Exceptionally, scar tissue can develop into troublesome tissue, causing tenderness, pain or tightness. This condition of "scar hypertrophy" may require further surgery or other forms of treatment.

Please be assured that we do our utmost so that every possible complication is avoided. 

Vaginal rejuvenation: after care

For 6 weeks following the procedure you must avoid vaginal and anal sexual intercourse. An operation can be emotionally draining and can depleat your physical reserves. You may feel a little down and tired the first few days. Listen to your body. Do not lift anything heavy for the first 3 months. There will be some vaginal discharge (reddish-yellow) for about 4-6 weeks.

Vaginal rejuvenation: long-term expectations

Most patients are indeed very happy with the results and wish they had surgery much earlier. The regained vaginal muscle tone can significantly improve quality of life.