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.

• The Aging Vulva

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.

• The procedure

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.

• 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 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.

• After care:

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.