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.

Vaginal Tightening 101 (For Those Too Embarrassed to Ask)

Alright, ladies. This may sound bold, but we’re just going to come right out with it: vaginal tightening is the new black. Plastic surgery is infamous for its fads—the Botox freeze, anyone?—but this outpatient procedure is the equivalent of an investment piece. It’s also rife with myths, dubious product marketing and unanswered questions for women interested but too afraid to ask. Here’s everything you need to know about vaginal tightening, from the good news to the just plain weird.  

 

101.1: Reasons to Go For It  

“Sex isn’t quite what it used to be.” Childbirth, aging and plain old genetics can all play a role in the changing circumference of your love canal. Our favorite new mantra? Change is inevitable, but not irreversible. Surgical vaginal tightening, also known as vaginoplasty, decreases the internal and external diameter of the vagina. Vaginal tightening is often performed in conjunction with a labia minora reduction; both can have a profound effect on sexual gratification.  

“Sometimes when I laugh, sneeze or run...” You don’t even have to finish that thought—we’ve all been there. The medical term for it is “stress urinary incontinence,” but in the vernacular it’s the little leak that starts to happen with age, after childbirth, or sometimes, for no apparent reason at all. Vaginal tightening surgery decreases the diameter of the vaginal canal, as well as tightens and tones the surrounding muscles and tissue, moving this concern from daily problem to distant memory.   

101.2: Don’t Trust Topicals  

“Feel 18 Again!” We say: Think again. Innumerable topical products (read: gels and creams) are being marketed with far-reaching promises as vaginal tightening miracle cures. There is little to no evidence of success with these types of products. If one such product piques your interest, your best bet is to discuss it with your OB-GYN. He or she will be able to get you a medical thumbs up or down about the product, as well as provide information about proven alternatives, such as surgical intervention.  

101.3: 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 at http://mngaclinic.com/vaginalrejuvenation.aspx

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