Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Go Ask Your OB-GYN—5 Questions About Vaginal Rejuvenation

Whether you stumbled across it online, overheard it mentioned in a discussion on The View or discussed it in whispered tones over cocktails with a close girlfriend, it’s on your mind. Vaginal rejuvenation. You’re thinking about it and chances are, you have questions. A lot of them. Where talk shows and gab fests fall short, where do you turn for answers about such a sensitive topic? Try your OB-GYN. While he or she may not be trained to perform vaginal rejuvenation, they can provide medical insight and are a great place to start the conversation. Here are five questions to kick it off. 

1. I’m considering vaginal rejuvenation. As my doctor, what are your thoughts?

 

Here, “as my doctor” is key. You want their professional, medical advice and framing the question this way will help get the conversation off on the right track.  
 

2. What can you tell me about the possible risks, side effects and recovery period?

 

Answers—and willingness to provide answers—will vary based on your OB-GYN’s background and training. If your doctor isn’t sure, ask them to point you to some resources, such as medical journals or authoritative websites, where you can continue your research. 
 

3. Based on your continuing assessment of my gynecologic health, is vaginal rejuvenation a good fit for me? 

 

Every woman is different, and based on factors like age, goals and overall health, your OB-GYN should be able to assess how vaginal rejuvenation will fit into your life at this time. For instance, if you have discussed an interest in becoming pregnant, your OB-GYN may recommend that you wait until after bearing children to pursue surgery, as childbirth can contribute to decreased vaginal muscle tone—something vaginal rejuvenation can correct. 

 

4. Have you seen other patients who have undergone vaginal rejuvenation, and would you be able to discuss some of your general observations? 


While your OB-GYN has a legal and professional obligation to protect the privacy of his or her patients, they may be able to discuss observations and cases in an anonymous and general fashion. Reassure them you understand that privacy is their priority, and if they are uncomfortable going there, respect their stance.  
 

5. Can you recommend or refer me to a board certified OB-GYN and gynecologic surgeon?  


Doctors know doctors, and your OB-GYN may be happy to recommend and refer you to a trusted peer or colleague, especially when a specialty (like cosmetic vaginal surgery) is involved.  

For patients in Minnesota and beyond, Dr. Erhard is a board certified OB-GYN with a practice emphasis in vaginal rejuvenation surgery. If you are interested in learning more about what this procedure can do for you, email Dr. Erhard and her team at info@mngaclinic.com or read more about the procedure at http://mngaclinic.com/VaginalRejuvenation/VaginalRejuvenation.aspx.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Top 3 Reasons to Consider Vaginal Rejuvenation

Life takes a toll on our bodies, and while not all change is bad, of course, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be reversible. Enter vaginal rejuvenation. Just like the rest of a woman’s body, our lady parts will age, change and become less gravity defying than they once were; vaginal rejuvenation can help reverse the combined effects of physical experience and aging. Has your love life taken a lackluster turn? Did childbirth come with some unexpected twists? Are you coming up on a milestone birthday, and looking for that fountain of youth? Vaginal rejuvenation does not a miracle make, but a happy woman it may. Here are three reasons it might be time for you to consider it. 
 

1. Reinvigorate Your Love Life  


Ever had the feeling that you couldn’t feel as much during sexual intercourse? Decreased vaginal muscle tone can contribute to lessened sexual satisfaction, along with other uncomfortable effects like urinary incontinence. Vaginal rejuvenation corrects this by strengthening the perineal muscles and gently decreasing the internal and external diameter of the vaginal canal, for more sensation and more control.  
 

2. Get Your Pre-Baby Body Back 


Women often describe childbirth as a beautiful or momentous occasion, and as such, it should be celebrated. But that ignores another side of the experience: the physical effects on the vaginal canal and surrounding tissue. When putting together your plan to regain that pre-baby body, diet and fitness might not be the whole package. If you have no plans for further pregnancies, consider vaginal rejuvenation to tone and tighten. The procedure can be completed alone or as part of a labia surgery, and recovery wraps up in a matter of weeks—a perfect timeline for a busy mom. 

3. Celebrate a Milestone Birthday 


You’re coming up on 40, 50, 60 or 70. You feel like treating yourself, but aren’t sure how. Exotic vacations and luxury shopping sprees are good go-to’s for the average dame, but for the woman interested in investing in herself, they don’t ring true. If this sounds like you, consider vaginal rejuvenation. Feel renewed and rejuvenated as you enter your next life chapter—and what a great way to begin again. 

If you are interested in learning more about what vaginal rejuvenation can do for you, email Dr. Erhard and her team at http://mngaclinic.com/VaginalRejuvenation/VaginalRejuvenation.aspx.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Labiaplasty: Giving Your Goods the “It” Factor

The vagina is an extraordinary organ, the root of a woman’s femininity and all too often, a source of considerable anxiety or discomfort. Listen up, ladies: With labiaplasty, it no longer has to be this way. Alleviating these anxieties can be accomplished with labia surgery; figuring out if the procedure is right for you starts with an understanding of what it can accomplish, from physical to aesthetic implications. Let’s dig in.  


Labiaplasty: An Overview 


As with any surgical procedure, the first step is a consultation. This is an opportunity to ask your surgeon important questions about the procedure, their training and preferred surgical techniques, as well as browse before and after photos to discuss and set your aesthetic goals. The procedure itself takes less than an hour, requires only local anesthetic and usually involves only mild discomfort during recovery. Most surgeons recommend a recovery period of 4-6 weeks—avoiding sexual activity during this time is a must—to allow your body to heal and ensure best results.   

Physical: Putting the “It” in Clit 


Often performed as part of a labiaplasty, clitoral hood reduction is just as it sounds: A procedure in which the size of the clitoral hood is reduced. The result? A more exposed clitoral glans—which in turn means greater sensitivity and easier access to the seat of female sexual stimulation. Women often opt to add clitoral hood reduction to the traditional labiaplasty, and post-operatively report higher arousal and greater satisfaction. We say: Let form meet function.  

Aesthetic: Don’t Let It All Hang Out 


For some women, accident, aging, injury or genes leave them with protrusive labia and vaginal discomfort. For others, however, it’s simply a matter of aesthetics. Labiaplasty offers relief for both. From correcting asymmetries to trimming excess, labia surgery is tailored to your unique needs and personal goals. With precision surgical techniques, the labia minora are retouched and the vulva beautified for an all-new you.  

If you are interested in learning more about what a labiaplasty can do for you, email Dr. Erhard and her team at info@mngaclinic.com or read more about the procedure at http://mngaclinic.com/VaginalRejuvenation/Labiaplasty.aspx.   

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Labiaplasty: Minor Surgery, Major Boost


Dangle, protrude, hurt and annoy: These are the words women often use to describe concerns about their labia minora. The antidote, on the other hand, can be summed up in a word: labiaplasty. Whether the genital lips are a source of social anxiety or physical discomfort, the consequences can feel overwhelming—but a solution does exist. Let’s take a minute to answer some common questions about the pros, possible cons and prices of labia surgery.
 

"What can a labiaplasty do for me?"  


Well, it depends on your goals. Dr. Erhard considers each woman’s case on an individual level—each woman’s body is unique, and thus, there is no "one size fits all" labiaplasty. When a woman is unhappy with the appearance or the size of her genitalia, some common culprits include effects of childbirth, the natural process of aging, genetic factors, and accident or injury. On a general level, a labiaplasty includes a labia minora reduction and/or correction of asymmetries or other discrepancies of the labia minora. The surgery is personalized to fit the needs of the individual woman, and the results are equally personal. Patients have reported higher sex drive, greater self-confidence, more comfort wearing certain clothes. It all depends on you. 
 

"Are there risks or side effects with a labiaplasty?" 


A labiaplasty, despite the long name, is actually a simple and relatively quick surgery. Local anesthetic is used, so you will not feel pain during the procedure, and post-operative pain will be minimized. Dr. Erhard is a board certified OB/GYN, and is fellowship trained in Vaginal Reconstructive Surgery and renowned in the field of Cosmetic Vaginal Surgery. She uses precision surgical tactics and takes great care to protect and preserve the sensitive tissues of this area while ensuring a great aesthetic outcome.   

"Be honest: How much will a labiaplasty set me back?" 


Unlike many other kinds of plastic and cosmetic surgery, a labiaplasty is an affordable procedure. The cost can range from about $3,000 to $5,000, a comprehensive fee that includes everything except prescription medications. Care Credit and other financing options are available through our office. 

If you are interested in learning more about what a labiaplasty can do for you, email Dr. Erhard and her team at info@mngaclinic.com or read more about the procedure at http://mngaclinic.com/VaginalRejuvenation/Labiaplasty.aspx.