The Ins and Outs of Vaginoplasty

Vaginoplasty is a broad term; it can refer to reconstructive, rejuvenative or purely cosmetic procedures involving any of a number of organs and tissues related to the genital region of a woman. With that much information encompassed, it can be difficult for patients to parse out the data related to the procedure that interests them, or even match up intended goals with the appropriate operation. That confusion ends here. Below is a guideline of the "ins and outs" of vaginoplasty, with four different surgeries outlined by name and designated as “in” or “out,” based on whether the organ of interest is located internally or externally.

 

In: Hymen Repair/Reconstruction

 

This one’s a bit unusual in our day and age, and not widely performed in western medicine. Usually requested for religious or other ceremonial purposes, the procedure involves reconstructing or repairing the hymen.

 

Out: Labiaplasty

 

In contrast, labiaplasty is a very popular procedure. This surgery involves the resizing of the genital lips, and often includes either a labia minora reduction or a labia majora augmentation (less common). Labiaplasty can be performed to correct asymmetries, as well as to address discomfort from clothing, exercise or sex. 

 

In: G-Spot Amplification  

 

Ah, the g-spot: subject of myth and medical journal alike, and now, the subject of a new procedure that promises to raise sexual gratification. Located on the inside wall of a woman’s vaginal canal, the g-spot is thought to be the center of arousal and orgasm. To that end, G-Spot Amplification is an outpatient procedure in which a small amount of collagen is injected underneath the g-spot, raising that sensitive zone and increasing its stimulation during sexual intercourse. Results are immediate and last anywhere from 4-6 months.

 

Out: Clitoral Unhooding

 

Exactly as it sounds, clitoral unhooding refers to a procedure in which excess skin that may be hanging over the clitoris is trimmed away. Clitoral unhooding is often performed in conjunction with a labiaplasty, and is intended to increase stimulation and improve sexual gratification as well as deliver a pleasing aesthetic result. 

 

For women in Minnesota and beyond, Dr. Erhard is a board certified gynecologist and cosmetic surgeon with a practice emphasis in vaginoplasty and labiaplasty. 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.

5 Minute Q&A About: Vaginoplasty

According to a report released by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the popularity of Vaginoplasty is increasing exponentially. Between 2011 and 2012 alone, the number of Vaginoplasty procedures being performed in the United States grew by over 60%. That number seems especially staggering when compared to the percent decreases reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons for 2011-2012 for historically popular procedures, including Breast Augmentation (-7%), Breast Lift (-2%), Butt Lift (-36%) and Tummy Tuck (-8%). 

 

So, what accounts for the vigorous interest in Vaginoplasty? Female baby boomers and Gen X’ers are exploring rejuvenative options; and as the number of procedures performed annually rises, so too do the number of plastic surgeons and board certified OB-GYN’s with the training and medical expertise to deliver highly precise, refined results. All research begins with a question; in this case, let’s start with three.     

Q: What does the operation entail, and how long does it take?  

 

Vaginoplasty, like labiaplasty, is an outpatient procedure. The surgery itself is completed in 1-2 hours, though patients may also choose to have it done in conjunction with another procedure, such as a labia minora reduction or a labia majora augmentation. Surgical techniques and tools vary, and can include laser vaginal rejuvenation, a radiofrequency device, an electric knife, plastic surgery scissors and a surgical scalpel. Vaginoplasty usually involves decreasing the external and internal diameter of the vagina, as well as tightening the vaginal muscle wall.  

Q: After the procedure, how long do I have to abstain from sex?  

Your doctor will provide you with specific post-operative instructions, but a good general guideline is to avoid sexual intercourse and masturbation for at least six weeks after surgery. If you choose to undergo a labiaplasty at the same time, your doctor may have additional guidelines for the recovery period.  

Q: In general, how long do results last? 

Aging and accident aside, the results from Vaginoplasty are long-lasting. This procedure carries an exceptionally low risk of side effects, which means you can expect to be very happy! 

For women in Minnesota and beyond, Dr. Erhard is a board certified gynecologist and cosmetic surgeon with a practice emphasis in vaginoplasty and labiaplasty. 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.

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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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.