Vaginal rejuvenation procedures have skyrocketed 7.6 times from 2011 to 2021, according to The Aesthetic Society’s National Databank Statistics.[] Vaginal rejuvenation treatments are growing in popularity as more women try to reverse the effects of aging, childbirth and menopause.
From surgical knives to non-invasive lasers and radio frequency devices, vaginal rejuvenation techniques have come a long way.
What is vaginal resuscitation?
Vaginal rejuvenation focuses on the vagina and pelvic floor to improve the appearance and function of the vagina.
One of the main reasons for seeking vaginal rejuvenation is to improve sexual satisfaction.
Another popular reason is to address concerns related to vaginal aging. As women age, their vaginal tissue becomes loose and dehydrated, which can lead to vaginal atrophy and dyspareunia (painful intercourse). Vaginal rejuvenation is said to improve elasticity and lubrication, minimizing pain.
Vaginal resuscitation procedures can help restore and tighten vaginal laxity caused by childbirth. It is also indicated for certain medical conditions, including incontinence or vaginal prolapse.
There are several types of vaginal rejuvenation procedures, ranging from surgical to non-surgical, each designed to address specific concerns or conditions.
Vaginal rejuvenation surgery
Vaginal resurfacing surgery combines different procedures to reduce the size of the vaginal canal and opening. Gynecologists or plastic surgeons usually perform the surgery.[]
These surgical techniques include;
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Colpoplasty (tightening or repair of the vaginal canal)
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Lipoplasty (lip reshaping)
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Vulvaroplasty (reshaping of the vulvar tissue)
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Perineoplasty (removal of excess tissue, tightening and strengthening of the perineal muscles)
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Monoplasty (removal of fatty tissue above the pubic bone)
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Reduction of clitoral hood
Most techniques are similar to those used in traditional colpectomy to correct vaginal prolapse or pelvic floor defects.
The results of these operations are promising, but there is also a risk of complications, with rates ranging from 2% to 3.77%, as reported in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology.[] These can include painful sex, dryness, infection, constipation, bleeding, suture failure, and even perforation of the rectal mucosa.
Minimally invasive surgery
The criticism in International Journal of Women’s Dermatology also discusses minimally invasive procedures used for certain genitourinary symptoms.
Silicone threads
Silicone sutures offer a gentler, more dynamic approach to vaginal rejuvenation without causing tissue trauma. The procedure involves placing threads under the vaginal submucosa.
Gore-Mycromesh
Gore-Mycromesh is a biocompatible compound made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE).
Non-surgical techniques
Energy-based devices
Energy-based devices use radio frequency (RF) or laser energy—from sources such as carbon dioxide (CO2, 10,600 nm) and erbium-YAG (2940 nm)—to produce thermally dependent changes in the vaginal tissue.[]The most commonly used RF devices operate on focused electromagnetic waves that act through thermal remodeling. An advanced RF technique, temperature-controlled transdermal radiofrequency, is also showing promising results.[]
All energy-based devices stimulate the production of collagen and elastin fibers, leading to increased elasticity, blood flow, high glycogen content and lubrication.
These procedures are popular because they require minimal downtime and take just 8 to 30 minutes without anesthesia.
Although there is not much long-term data on the safety and reliability of energy-based devices, according to current evidence, they improve vaginal relaxation, sexual sensation and menopausal genitourinary syndrome symptoms.
Other non-invasive tools
Non-invasive alternatives include injectable volumes such as hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma for vulvovaginal liposuction and G-spot enhancement, as described in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology review article. These procedures claim to improve looseness, dryness and sexual pleasure. Results may last 3 to 5 months, but their effectiveness is unclear due to a lack of randomized controlled data.
Concerns prevent consent
There are many concerns about the potential complications of vaginal resuscitation.
Complications include perineal infection, fibrosis, tissue damage, pain, and loss of consciousness.
In 2020, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommended that doctors inform their patients that there is no evidence to support the effectiveness or safety of these procedures.[]
Vaginal rejuvenation is also controversial as it is not considered a true cosmetic surgery done to improve appearance or boost self-confidence – it is not exactly like cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction and facelifts.
Surgeons performing vaginal resuscitation procedures should advise their patients that there is little evidence to support their usefulness. Potential complications must be explicitly stated. Vaginal relaxation, a necessary condition for surgery, is subjective and can have various causes. Women considering vaginal rejuvenation should be offered psychological and sexological counseling beforehand.
What does this mean for you?
Before patients decide to undergo vaginal rejuvenation procedures, it may be worthwhile to help them understand that anatomical perfection is not necessary for sexual satisfaction and a healthy sex life. In making the decision, patients may be asked to carefully consider their motivations for wanting the procedure. They need to be honest with themselves and be clear that they are not making this decision based on peer pressure or societal expectations.
