GUIDE TO VAGINOPLASTY SURGERY & COST

Your guide to vaginal tightening surgery and other procedures.

INTRODUCTION TO VAGINOPLASTY SURGERY

VP is a plastic surgery procedure for both the vaginal canal and the tissues of its mucous membrane that tightens and strengthens those muscles and tissues while removing excess or damaged lining from the canal. The procedure is specifically designed to strengthen and enhance the function of the vulva-vaginal body structures.

The procedure may take the form of reconstructive surgery. Reconstructive surgery is judged to be a medical necessity because the vaginal canal or its structures are damaged or absent, usually due to either a congenital cause such as vaginal atresia (having a deformed, absent or non-functioning vagina) or an acquired cause such as an illness (cancer) or a physical trauma (injury). When vaginal plastic surgery is performed to specifically construct or reconstruct the vulva-vaginal complex, either partially or totally, it is referred to as a neovaginoplasty.

When the surgery is performed to specifically reshape the tissue and firm the muscles and lining of the vaginal canal for a more youthful appearance plus tighten up the canal after the stretching it endures through childbirth, then it is termed a vagina reduction for cosmetic reconstruction and is considered an elective surgical procedure. In layman’s terms, it is basically a “face lift” for the female genitalia. Sometimes it is referred to as a “vaginal rejuvenation”, especially when combined with a procedure called a labiaplasty, which is discussed here in depth.

TWO CATEGORIES OF VP SURGERY

MEDICAL PURPOSES

Several decades ago, procedures for surgical vaginal surgery were developed originally as reconstructive means to repair birth defects. Certain conditions (e. g. Müllerrian agenesis or aplasia, vaginal agenesis, congenital adrenal hyperplasia) needed to be repaired or corrected so that young ladies could grow up with the ability to urinate normally, have a menstrual cycle and engage in sexual intercourse as an adult. Reconstructive surgery to correct functional problems has always been looked upon favorably by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) because these surgeries and outcomes have been scientifically studied and evaluated for their effectiveness and safety for the patients.

COSMETIC/AESTHETIC PURPOSES

Within the last few decades, however, it has also evolved into a set of cosmetic surgical procedures that plastic surgeons and cosmetic gynecologists are marketing as “designer vagina” rejuvenation procedures. These procedures are designed specifically to tighten up the canal that has become loose or slackened either from age or from the effects of childbirth; sometimes from both. It is often combined with a surgery to enhance the appearance of the “lips”, or labia, of the vulva called labiaplasty. Some of the surgeons who perform these procedures also make the claim that vaginal plastic surgery can even improve sexual sensitivity. Vaginal tightening surgery essentially is a procedure to change the aesthetics of normal anatomy to reshape it in order to make you feel better about yourself.

PURPOSES FOR MEDICALLY NECESSARY VAGINAL SURGERY

There are multiple medical and congenital conditions that require treatment with surgery in order for the patient to lead a normal adult sexual life. Patients may be born with these conditions or may experience a trauma, illness or accident that requires surgical repair or reconstruction. These conditions and surgeries are recognized and approved by the ACOG and covered either in full or partial by most health insurance plans.

Agenesis occurs when the vagina of a female stops developing before it is complete. This is caused by the failure of the vaginal plate to form its canal. A congenital disorder that affects one in around 5,000 — 6,000 women, this condition requires neovaginoplasty surgery to correct it and allow the woman to lead a normal adult life. Vaginal aplasia, also known as Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome, is the incomplete development or complete absence of the vagina and/or the uterus of the female. Also a congenital disorder, a neovaginoplasty is also the solution for this condition.

Müllerrian agenesis, another congenital disorder, is so named because of the failure of the female’s Müllerrian duct to develop properly. The results of this failure are that no uterus develops and the vagina’s upper portion develops various malformations. At puberty, the female displays amenorrhoea (ceasing or failure of menstruation) and gonadeal failure (sex hormones in extremely low levels). Vaginal reconstruction will allow the woman to have a normal sex life but she will be unable to bear children.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a disorder that is inherited and caused by adrenal insufficiency. In this particular form of insufficiency, the production enzyme for cortisol and aldesterone is deficient. These two key adrenal steroid hormones are important to sexual development so when the production of cortisol and its partner is impeded, the adrenal gland works overtime to replace them with the overproduction of androgens (the male steroid hormones). The result is that females who have CAH develop the external genitalia of a male instead of a female and males may not have fully developed or ambiguous genitalia. Between the young ages of twelve months to three years of age, corrective surgery is usually required to construct a clitoris and/or vagina in the girls Medication to treat the enzyme deficiency is also necessary.

Androgen insensitivity syndrome is a condition in which a person suffers from a partial to complete inability of the body’s cells to respond to androgens, or male sex hormones. The unresponsiveness of the person’s cells to androgenic hormones is serious and can impair or even completely prevent a developing fetus’ male genitalia from becoming masculinized. It will later impair secondary sexual characteristics’ development when the child reaches puberty. It is the largest factor in creating under masculinized genitalia.

A child with androgen insensitivity syndrome lacks the androgen needed to bind with androgen receptors and do the task of delivering the necessary dihydrotectosterone hormones to the body in order to complete the development of the body’s genitalia. The result is the intersex, sexually ambiguous or transsexual child. Treatment and condition management is done through hormone replacement therapy, sex assignment (choosing to raise a sexually ambiguous infant as male or female), psychological counseling, sexual reassignment surgery (sex change operation) and genitoplasty.

METHODS OF PERFORMING MEDICALLY NECESSARY VAGINAL SURGERY

PROCEDURES

In the most general terms, vaginal plastic surgery, is performed by removing excess lining. The surgeon also tightens the muscles and surrounding soft tissues in the vaginal area. In fertile women, the procedure does not adversely affect their ability to continue to have their menstrual cycle and to conceive a child when their ovaries and uterus are preserved in their normal condition. In some cases, giving birth vaginally after having one and healing from the procedure is even possible. When surgeries are performed to repair, rebuild or totally construct parts of the vulva-vaginal complex the surgeon uses tissue which is derived from the patient (autologous tissue) to construct the new genital parts and area. These autologous tissues are derived from:

• Skin flaps
• Skin graphs
• Oral mucosa
• Vaginal labia
• Penile skin
• Penile tissue
• Scrotal skin
• Intestinal mucosa

Skin that includes hair follicles must have them removed (depilated) either electrolytically or by scraping manually in the operating room before being attached for its new purpose. Some of the primary medical vaginal procedures include:

• Balloon Vaginal Surgery
• Buccal Mucosa
• Vaginoplasty Surgery
• Colovaginoplasty
• Vecchietti Procedure
• McIndoe Technique
• Penile Inversion
• Wilson Method
• Don Flap Correction (Labia Minora Flap)
• Hymenotomy and Hymenorrhaphy

BALLOON VAGINAL SURGERY

This technique is the fastest method by which a surgeon can create a neo-vagina for the patient. A laparoscope is used to insert a foley catheter into a woman’s rectouterine pouch (an extension of the peritoneal cavity her body naturally has between the rear wall of her uterus and her rectum). Gradual distention of the balloon while applying traction stretches and creates the neo-vagina. The procedure also successfully treats vaginal aplasia. It is particularly effective when traditional laparoscopic surgery is neither safe nor feasible. One particular advantage this procedure is the control the surgeon has in creating the new length and depth dimensions of the gentialia.

BUCCAL MUCOSA SURGERY

This relatively new approach treats vaginal agenesis using the healing qualities of the body’s buccal mucosa tissues (from the inside of the cheek) to make a lining. Post-operatively, the patient benefits from minimal scarring and a shorter recovery period. After harvesting the donor tissue from the cheek and forming it onto a stent, the surgeon places it into the vaginal space already created and sutures it to the perineal skin and labia minora temporarily during the patient’s recovery. The sutures dissolve. Risks are complications like infection or damaging scars in the mouth. The surgeon must also avoid damaging the Stenson’s duct that carries saliva through the mouth.

COLOVAGINOPLASTY

This technique requires removing a section of the sigmoid colon to form a vagina and using the colon’s vascular pedicle as the vaginal tissue. It is performed on women who have androgen insensitivity syndrome. The chief benefit is that it provides good depth and width to the neo-vagina it creates. The primary complication is a significant one and that is why it is used only as a last resort: the patient is at risk of developing diversion colitis.

VECCHIETTI PROCEDURE

This surgical procedure is used in the treatment of Müllerrian agenesis. The surgeon laparoscopically threads a small sphere made of plastic (the “olive”) against the area by sutures. The threads then are drawn up through the vaginal skin, the abdomen and through the navel where the threads are all attached to a traction device. The average time in the operating room for this procedure is 45 minutes, depending on the patient’s needs and health condition. With the “olive” in place, the traction device is drawn tight daily so the “olive” is pulled upwards and stretches the walls of the vagina at a rate of at least 1.0 centimeter per day until within a week it should be the desired size.

MCINDOE TECHNIQUE

The surgeon first creates a pocket of space between the patient’s rectum and bladder, and then performs split-thickness skin grafts to gather tissue for covering a mold which is inserted into the surgically created space. One of the primary differences between this technique and the Vecchietti procedure is the source of the lining tissues used for the neo-vaginas. Both techniques have their own positives and negatives and the choice of procedure depends entirely upon the patient’s health, indicating factors and desired post-operative outcomes.

PENILE INVERSION

Penile inversion and Colovaginoplasty are the two primary procedures used for genital corrections on transsexual patients. This is the “transitional surgery” utilized for sex-reassignment. With penile inversion surgery, the skin of the patient’s penis is placed into the body to create the new vagina. It is the most common form of plastic surgery for transwomen patients. After first creating an internal “vaginal” cavity in the patient’s pelvic tissues, the surgeon uses a flap technique to remove the skin of the penis, keeping its blood supply and nerves intact. The penile erectile spongiform tissue is removed. The skin is then formed into a labia minora and a vestibule area before being inserted into the “vaginal” cavity. The surgeon uses the highly sensitive glans tip of the penis to form the neo-clitoris, carefully maintaining its vascular and nerve systems. The male urethra is shortened to a size suitable for the female anatomy.

WILSON METHOD

This surgical method is also used for “transitional surgery” and is a three step procedure. It follows the same steps as the penile inversion surgery through its first two steps, stopping with the creation of the vaginal vault. At this point, the new genitalia is left raw and unfinished, but is packed with a sterile stint. Five to seven days later, the procedure resumes for the third and final stage with the surgeon using a skin graft from the patient’s buttocks to line the neo-vagina. The clitoral hooding, labia minora and anterior frenulum are all created from the skin of the penis. The clitoris is created from the glans tip of the penis while the labia majora is created from the scrotum.

DON FLAP CORRECTION (LABIA MINORA FLAP)

Similar to the penile inversion process, a new vagina is made for treatment of vaginal agenesis by suturing the patient’s labia minora together. Another technique is to use the clitoral hood as a one-piece horseshoe-shaped flap. Later, though, labiaplasty to restore genital appearance and an appropriately sized vagina is needed.

HYMENOTOMY AND HYMENORRHAPHY

Considered procedures, a Hymenorrhaphy is the procedure used to restore and replace a ruptured hymen. Hymenotomy is the procedure of penetrating or creating an opening in a previously impenetrable or imperforable hymen.

PURPOSES FOR ELECTIVE/COSMETIC VAGINAL REJUVENATION SURGERY

Today’s surgery is offered by plastic surgeons and gynecologists for aesthetic and cosmetic reasons as well as for medical ones. Doctors are touting the same benefits from these procedures that other cosmetic surgeries supply: confidence, self-esteem, comfort and getting more pleasure from life.
Plastic surgeons and gynecologists who offer these procedures market them as “vaginal rejuvenation” surgeries. Designed to tighten lax muscles and tissues that have led to decreased friction and satisfaction during sexual intercourse, to correct feelings of vaginal sagging and heaviness that makes women uncomfortable, incontinent and less secure about their sexually, and to increase sexual satisfaction. Many women undergo these surgeries to enhance their genitalia’s appearance, rekindle their own sexuality and improve their physical and mental health.

After the tremendous stretching that is undergone during childbirth, a woman’s vagina will never be as tight again as it was before five to nine pound human beings pushed their little heads and bodies through it. Some women experience more than just vaginal loosening. They suffer vaginal prolapse and require treatment to correct the problem. Ageing also causes sagging and muscle laxity, reducing the ability to feel as much sensation during intercourse and decreasing sexual satisfaction and this can also be a reason for vaginal tightening surgery when lovers are not experiencing enough friction during coitus, making it harder to maintain an erection and reach climax, decreasing male satisfaction as well. Vaginal rejuvenation surgery can increase tightness and thereby increase friction.

Women’s genitals, like men’s, have a wide range of naturally occurring normal appearances that are all considered anatomically correct. There is no right, wrong or ideal labia and vagina. Yet in our sex-focused society, women are bombarded with images on television, Facebook, Twitter, movie screens, pornography, YouTube and many other media sources of models, porn stars, and photo shopped images of “perfect” beauty. Labiaplasty is becoming a much more popular procedure than it once was, with younger and younger women asking surgeons to “reshape” their labias to make them look “nice”.

There are times when cosmetic vaginal procedures are medically indicated. One such time is for patients who are victims of the barbaric practice of female cutting who need repair or reversal of the damage that has been done to them. Other times are for patients with labial hypertrophy, labial growth that has been asymmetrical and is now painful and problematic, and labias that cause the patient chronic irritation in tight clothes or vigorous activity. You can find more information about large labia here.

METHODS OF PERFORMING ELECTIVE/COSMETIC VAGINAL PROCEDURES

LABIAPLASTY

Labiaplasty is a surgery to reduce the size or change the shape of the labia minora, majora or both. The labias are the four different folds of tissue that comprise the vulva. It is done either as a separate procedure or along with vaginal surgery. Some women are embarrassed because their thick labia are large enough that they seem to show through their clothing. Some experience pain when jogging, riding bikes and wearing jeans which rub against theirs. Labia reduction provides relief from pain and chaffing.

VAGINAL REJUVENATION

A balloon vagioplasty is simple to perform under local anesthesia with great cosmetic results for vagina rejuvenation. This procedure includes vaginal and labial surgeries and other techniques.

CLITORAL UNHOODING

Certain plastic surgeons are currently marketing a procedure in which they remove the tissue cover that is normally over the clitoris. Named clitoral unhooding, this procedure is being likened to a female version of circumcision. Laser technology is also being introduced into vaginal surgeries to replace surgeons’ use of traditional scalpels.

G-SPOT AMPLIFICATION (GRAFENBURG SPOT AMPLIFICATION)

G-spot Amplification is a fairly new plastic surgery procedure that involves the surgeon injecting the patient with collagen to increase her ability to feel pleasure. In the front wall of the vagina is a spot that is highly sensitive to stimulation; the erotic female G-spot considered to be the source of feminine orgasmic arousal. The collagen injection is placed into this front wall.

“REVIRGINATION” (HYMENOPLASTY)

“Revirgination” is a cosmetic vaginal surgery that is highly controversial. The medical term for this surgery is hymenoplasty and its goal is to repair and rebuild the hymen that is broken when a woman becomes sexually active. Some cultures throughout the world have very strong religious convictions about virginity and its importance, so this procedure is highly controversial.

BENEFITS AND RISKS OF VAGINOPLASTIES

Women who have experienced reduction in sexual pleasure due to loosening of vaginal muscles have reported good results with their resumption of sexual relations after they have recovered completely from their vaginal surgeries.

Their partners are experiencing friction again and having no trouble maintaining an erection; the women also are experiencing sexual pleasure again. These women do caution others who are considering having the surgery to take the advice of their surgeons about how much tightening is needed and not to ask to be tightened too much or sex will become painful.

Labia reductions resulted in more comfort when sitting, moving and wearing figure-hugging clothing. Improved mental health through a healthier, happier self-image has also been reported a benefit also.

Health insurance does not cover cosmetic vaginal procedures. Nevertheless, it is better to choose a surgeon with a lot of experience and good references even if that surgeon costs more than others than to choose a surgeon based on low cost. Quality of the surgical results is more important (and safer) than price.

Choosing a higher priced but reputable doctor whose reputation for safe, clean operations is excellent is much safer than selecting a cheaper doctor who may have some botched surgeries in the past. Be aware that surgery in a metropolitan area will generally always cost more than in a smaller, more rural community.

There are some specific risks involved in these surgeries. The most common include:

• Post-surgical bleeding
• Post-surgical infection
• Post-surgical scarring
• Ongoing pain
• Smoking increases infection risks and impedes healing: stop a month before surgery.

Other risks include:

• Temporary and Permanent changes in genital sensations (decreased clitoral, vaginal sensations)
• Dyspaureunia (painful vaginal contractions/painful intercourse)
• Tissue adhesions
• Hypersensitivity in clitoris
• Pudenal Neuralgia (chronic pain in the pelvis resulting from the entrapment of this nerve following pelvic surgery)

If a woman has learned the risks, has realistic expectations of the surgical outcomes, and has vetted a surgeon carefully, she is ready to have her procedure. If she is expecting this type of surgery to save her marriage, keep her boyfriend from cheating or make all her problems go away, she is doomed to disappointment.

Most female genital cosmetic surgeons offer a free consultation for those considering surgery on their vagina. If the woman thinks this decision through ahead of time, writes down all questions and concerns before going to the appointment, then covers them all with the doctor, she will have all the information she needs to make an informed decision about whether or not this surgery is right for her.

MAKING THE DECISION FOR VAGINAL TIGHTENING SURGERY AND CHOOSING A SURGEON

Today our entire culture is bikini waxed, “Sex in the City”-ed, twerked and oversexualized to the point where young and ever younger women are “comparing” themselves to some non-existent standard and feeling that they are abnormal.

When you are considering whether or not to undergo some form of vaginoplasty surgery, reflect for some time on whether or not the problem that is making you even consider surgery is one that bothers you a great deal or not very much. Then consider this: all surgery carries risks of real physical harm.

Why would you put yourself in harm’s way for something that does not bother you very much? If the problem bothers you a great deal but the idea of surgery scares you, consider counseling as your first option. You may just need to become more secure and comfortable with yourself and develop a better self-image.

If that is not the answer for you and the surgical risks are acceptable, then make your appointment to consult with a surgeon. In your consultation, it is important that you be completely honest and open with the doctor about your concerns and feelings about your own genitalia. Talk about the expectations you have for your surgical outcomes, ask if the same results could be obtained through non-surgical means and ask if your expectations are realistic and achievable.

Now is not the time to be shy about asking the hard questions. Here are some sample questions to start your own list:

1. What are the benefits of this procedure?
2. What are the potential short term complications and risks?
3. What are the long term risks?
4. Will I experience any reduction of clitoral or vaginal sensation as a result of this surgery?
5. Will my ability to experience an orgasm be affected by this surgery?
6. After I completely recover, will there be restrictions on my use of tampons/other feminine hygiene products?
7. Will this surgery affect my ability to become pregnant or successfully carry a child to term?
8. Will this surgery affect my ability to deliver a baby?
9. How many of these procedures have you done?
10. How long will the procedure take?
11. Where will it be done?
12. Will I be awake or asleep?
13. How long does recovery take?
14. How long will I be out of work?
15. Do you offer a payment plan?
16. What are your professional affiliations?

Make sure the plastic surgeon with whom you are consulting is a member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) as this is the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

Cosmetic surgeons whose certificate is from the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery are not Board certified, as this group is not recognized by the ABMS. If consulting with a gynecologist, make sure the surgeon is Board certified by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

PREPARING FOR THE PROCEDURE

You have chosen your surgeon and scheduled your surgery. At least a month before your procedure, you must stop smoking (if you smoke). Smoking reduces your oxygenation, contributes to blood loss and slows healing.

Your surgeon will provide pre-operative instructions for you.It is very important to follow all of them. The surgery must be timed to take place at the end of your menstrual cycle. It cannot be done while you are having your period. If timed to take place right after the end of your cycle, your wound will be healed before your next period begins and so will not be irritated by the blood flow.

You will be given a physical, have blood work done and be fully informed about the procedure, the risks, and the post operative period.

Get organized for your recovery period before your surgery for a smooth return home and a more comfortable recovery period. If you live alone, arrange now for a friend or family member to drive you home the day of the surgery.

PRE-OPERATIVE CHECK

List Shop for food – enough for at least one week including snacks, drinks, frozen dinners. Instead of heavy liter bottles of drinks, get cans and plastic bendable straws that are easier to hold.

• Prepare and put up individual servings of meals you can microwave.
• Clean the house.
• Catch up on all your laundry and put it away.
• Put clean sheets on your bed for your post-op return home.
• Make a To Do list for your help (significant other, friend) with reminders of what needs to be done (water plants, clean litter box, put out trash).
• Ready a table beside your bed and/or your favorite place to sit with a box of tissues, bottle of water, good books, lamp, phone charger and remote control.
• Place night lights in strategic places so you will not fall at night even if you are loopy from pain medication.
• Have comfortable, loose clothing and socks with gripper feet (non-slip soles) ready to wear.
• Set the everyday dishes you will need down in an easy-to- reach place.
• Plump up lots of pillows. Practice now getting extra sleep.
• Well rested patients recover from surgery faster.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE PROCEDURE AND THE RECOVERY

Wear loose and comfortable clothes to the medical center for your procedure. Someone has to accompany you to drive you home afterwards. You will not spend the night unless there are unexpected complications. The procedure generally takes between one to two hours, after which you will spend one to two hours in the recovery room.

The surgery is performed either under conscious sedation or general anesthesia. Conscious sedation is the technique of using an effective but short-acting medication, usually Diprovan (also known as propophal), which keeps you asleep but you awaken as soon as it no longer being administered to you. You will be discharged to go home the same day.

You will receive prescriptions for antibiotics and pain medication. Discomfort at the surgical sight for several days is common and then it begins to decrease while complete healing takes around six weeks. Most patients return to work in three to seven days. Do not lift any heavy items or loads for six weeks and abstain from sexual activity.

Stitches are internal and will dissolve so they do not have to be removed, but you will still have several follow-up doctor visits for post-operative care. You can resume normal activities usually within six weeks, including sexual relations.

AVERAGE VAGINOPLASTY COST AND TRENDS OF THE PROCEDURES AROUND THE NATION

Surgery in the United States has average costs that range from $3,000 to $12,000 for the surgical procedure alone, separate and apart from any charges for the facility in which the service is performed, the services of the anesthesiologist, cost of anesthesia and any other related costs.

The fee almost always depends upon the extent of the correction each patient needs and the services required. When a labiaplasty vaginoplasties are done at the same time, the fee is always at the higher end of the price scale, although many surgeons do offer a discount for combining the procedures instead of having them done at two separate times.

The price of the vaginal reconstruction does not vary by the region of the nation so much as by whether you are having it done in a major metropolitan area or not. Surgeons in major population centers (the nation’s largest cities) almost always cost more. Established and reputable surgeons cost more.

Because the majority of health insurance companies do not cover these surgeries or any elective form of plastic surgery you will need to save up the down payment. Many surgeons’ offices do offer payment plans.

Vaginoplasty cost ranges in each of five geographic regions in the United States.

VAGINOPLASTY COSTS VS LABIAPLASTY COSTS

Gynecologists who are members of the ACOG are major practitioners of these surgical procedures yet this organization collects no statistics on the number of procedures that are performed annually. Fortunately, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery does maintain records of these statistics. They tell an interesting story of social trends:

VAGINOPLASTY (VP) SURGERY TRENDS IN THE USA

Vaginal surgery and vaginal rejuvenation has the highest growth rate of any plastic surgery procedure in this field today. Demographically, the age distribution of patients undergoing the procedure indicates the majority of recipients are women who have completed their child bearing and are seeking to rejuvenate themselves.

AGE DISTRIBUTION OF SURGICAL PARTICIPANTS IN 2013

CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING VAGINAL PLASTIC SURGERY

Many surgeons and others in the medical field are cautious and maintain a healthy level of skepticism about the true benefits achieved through vaginal rejuvenation surgeries. The reason for this widespread skepticism is the complete lack of any scientific studies and data on the safety and effectiveness of such procedures combined with the risks that the surgeries entail for the patients.

None of the cosmetic surgeries outlined in this article are accepted as normal and routine surgical procedures by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). They have never been evaluated (the way all scientific medical procedures routinely are) for peer-reviewed medical journals. In fact, some of the procedures are actually trademarked as a proprietary brand and the gynecologist who developed them refuses to publish them.

For these reasons, ACOG considers them to be “unproven”. Their primary concern about this issue is that women considering undergoing one of these procedures need to be completely informed about the lack of any scientific data verifying surgical results claims before they make their decision.

Women’s groups are concerned that more young women plus young teens (under the age of 18) are having labiaplasty surgery, responding to societal pressure to cosmetically alter themselves instead of providing sex education so girls know what the variations of normal female anatomy look like. Boys get quick locker room looks at other adolescent males but girls’ parts are all tucked away out of sight.

Many therapists, counselors and family doctors are concerned that young women are being pressured with the hard sell by the plastic surgery community into becoming unhappy and discontent with themselves when they do not need to be.

Still others are concerned when they attend cosmetic surgery conferences and hear doctors discuss how to achieve a great aesthetic look but say very little about maintaining sensation so the woman continues to experience sexual arousal without pain or discomfort.

YOUR DECISION

Vaginal plastic surgery was once the domain of individuals with medical needs for vaginal construction and reconstruction. Now the procedure is ideal for the modern woman who knows her own body with all its needs and wants, and plans to correct unwanted issues that age and child bearing have caused in her feminine parts.

Lost sensation and lack of stimulation during intercourse, experiencing her partner slipping out of her vagina during intimacy, feeling too loose “down there” and not being able to keep tampons in are all just some of the problems she experiences.

She does not “need” this surgery, as many women never have it and live perfectly happy lives without it. She “wants” this surgery, because it will improve her quality of life and she is willing to accept the risks involved to achieve this goal. This is the ideal candidate for this surgery.

Vaginal surgeries and rejuvenation procedures are not meant to be a cure for sexual dysfunction.

They do not create a fabulous sex life overnight. The procedures can improve your quality of life, your genital comfort, and your satisfaction with your most intimate appearance as well as producing new sensations in your sexual experiences.

If your expectations are realistic and you are comfortable accepting the surgical risks involved, you know what to anticipate during the surgery and recovery, and know the plan outcomes for your “vaginoplasty before and after”, then your decision is basically made.

Find the best trained and most experienced surgeon available to you and schedule a free consultation appointment.

Citations:

http://www.surgery.org/media/statistics

http://www.acog.org/Resources-And-Publications