2 Unusual Facts About Vaginal Tightening

Let’s be frank: For the uninitiated, any fact about vaginal tightening may sound unusual. If you’re not an OB-GYN, chances are your knowledge about your nethermost is limited to personal experience, a health class, or the occasional informative article. So when things start to change—after childbirth, perhaps, or just due to the natural process of aging—it can be hard to know what’s normal. From urinary incontinence to loss of sensation during sex, decreased vaginal muscle tone has implications ranging from merely uncomfortable to downright alarming. Surgical vaginal tightening can be a wonderful recourse for women looking to tighten and tone, and despite its intimidating name, this outpatient procedure is very safe and involves minimal downtime and discomfort.   

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at two unusual facts about vaginal tightening.  

Fact #1: In 2012, over 3,500 vaginal rejuvenation procedures were performed in the United States.  

That may not seem like a lot, but according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), it constitutes a 64% increase over 2011. That means more women than ever before are seeking vaginal tightening, and more surgeons are incorporating it into their practice’s portfolio of services. The increased interest has been attributed to a rise in the popularity of the Brazilian wax, and the increased visibility it gives to the region. Whatever the reason, the numbers keep climbing.    

Fact #2: Cosmetic gynecology is an emerging field—which means it doesn’t fall perfectly under either OB-GYN or plastic surgery.  

Vaginal tightening requires a unique mix of expertise in gynecology and cosmetic surgery; the surgeon you choose should have a similarly specialized background. General OB-GYN’s usually lack the surgical training and experience needed for exceptional results; likewise, plastic surgeons often don’t perform a high volume of vaginal rejuvenation procedures each year, inherently limiting their expertise. The ideal candidate would be a board certified OB-GYN who specializes in the field of aesthetic vaginal surgery. During your initial consult with a surgeon, ask about their background and ask to see certification for their practice emphasis. This shows that you’re a savvy patient, and helps establish doctor-patient trust.  

Ready to take the next step? Talk to your doctor.  

For women in Minnesota and beyond, Dr. Erhard is a board certified gynecologist and cosmetic surgeon with a practice emphasis in vaginal tightening and labia minora reduction. If you are interested in learning more about what these procedures can do for you, email Dr. Erhard and her team at info@mngaclinic.com or read more about the procedures at http://mngaclinic.com/VaginalRejuvenation.aspx.