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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 sex life and
self-esteem.
Vaginal Rejuvenation (VR) is a procedure
performed through the vagina. The surgery is designed to enhance
vaginal tone, musc1e strength and increase voluntary control.
It tightens the vagina and strengthens the tissue of the perineal
body between the vagina and the anus.
With age, some loss of substance and elasticity in the vulvar structure
may become of aesthetic concern. The labia majora, the pubic area
and the inside of thighs or buttocks may all be involved.
Lifting procedures work by excising redundant skin. Augmentation
procedures address the loss of substance by injection of permanent
or semi permanent filler substances.
More recently, suspension techniques are being applied to the
perivulvar area. Dissolvable elastic suspension loops through
puncture holes can lift tissues. No scars are left. The technique
will need several more years of evaluation before long-term results
and satisfaction rates are available. We offer the technique on
an experimental basis at minimal cost.
- Indications and patient selection:
Aging of the vagina can cause a myriad of complaints. The history
of childbirth may play a very important role in the symptoms.
Many complaints can be solved by non-surgical means such as the
famous Kegel exercise, designed to train the pelvic floor or vaginal
muscles.
In a number of patients however, due to extreme laxity or delivery
trauma of the tissues, elective surgery can be of value. Contra-indications
for this procedure are: extreme obesity, smoker's cough, young
age and a negative advice from your sexuologist.
It is important to explore non-surgical avenues first. Physiotherapy,
in case of stress incontinence, can often avert the need for surgical
intervention. Discuss with your regular gynecologist if a pessary
could be worth trying. If strenuous Kegel exercise or intensive pelvic training does not
provide the result you and your partner would like to achieve, further
expert advice on this area could be wise.
Vaginal Rejuvenation (VR) is a procedure performed through the vagina.
The surgery is designed to enhance vaginal tone, musc1e strength
and increase voluntary control. It tightens the vagina and strengthens
the tissue of the perineal body between the vagina and the anus.
To avoid unnecessary bleeding we use state of the art surgical equipment
like the Ellmann radio-surgical technique. Laser carries no added
value, only the disadvantage of inflated cost. Should there be a need for a bladder lift at the same time, we insert
a catheter in the bladder for 72 hours to avoid voiding problems
in the immediate postoperative area. A 24hour hospital stay allows
the vaginal tampon to be removed before you go home. You will be
able to eat and drink right away because there is no repercussion
of the surgery on bowel function.
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 catheterization
was used. We take the necessary precautions, which may involve
a prescription for antibiotics.
Problems with voiding: Very rarely,
in case of a bladder lift, inadequate emptying of the bladder
may occur temporarily. In that event, we re-insert the catheter
into the bladder and prescribe medication to encourage the voiding
reflex.
After 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 after bleeding.
Hypertrophic scarring: Whenever
surgical incisions are made, some form of scarring will ensue.
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 process to be definitive. During the maturation phase,
scarring is at its most fulminant 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 in order to allow it the best chance
to settle down.
It is very important to realize that we try to prevent every
possible complication.
The following 6 weeks, which is until your last check up, you
should refrain from vaginal and rectal sexual intercourse. A detailed
aftercare plan will be discussed. There is a 24 hours emergency
line, just in case.
Any operation can be emotionally draining and may cause you to
deplete your physical reserves. You may feel down and tired the
first few days. It is important, during the initial recovery period,
to listen to your body signals and allow for adequate rest.
You should refrain from heavy lifting for 3 months. There will
be some discharge (reddish-yellow) for 4-6 weeks.
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