Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Vaginal Cosmetic Surgery
Some of the most frequently asked questions The Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta receive either by e-mail or through telephone conversations are listed in the following section. We are committed to providing you with up-to-date information, knowledge, choices, and alternatives so hopefully you will find these questions and answers helpful and if you would like more information please feel free to contact us.
After children, my vagina is not the same even though I still perform Kegal exercises regularly. What can I do?
Your problem is very common and at The Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta we offer several options for women who are seeking to restore vaginal structure as well as sexual gratification.
Why do I lose urine when I cough, sneeze, exercise, or even laugh?
Your urinary problem is called stress urinary incontinence and it is caused by the vaginal relaxation of the top part of the vaginal wall. Vaginal rejuvenation can correct this problem by tightening the vagina.
I do not have children but my vagina is becoming loose. Can I have vaginal rejuvenation?
Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be a candidate for vaginal rejuvenation since vaginal cosmetic surgery is performed quite frequently on women without children. If you are planning to have children in the future however, in most cases it is recommended that you wait until you have completed childbearing to have the procedure and this can be discussed during your consultation with Dr. McCluskey.
What is labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty can relieve the emotional and physical discomfort associated with labia majora (outer lips) and labia minora (inner lips) conditions. The goal of the surgery is to provide a balanced, comfortable appearance of the labia area by reducing or reshaping the skin surrounding the vaginal opening. For most women, the labia minora are seen only when the legs are separated however in some women, large labia minora are constantly visible causing embarrassment and self-consciousness.
What is the normal size of a woman’s labia?
A woman’s labia comes in a vast array of shapes, sizes, and colors with no two that look exactly alike. In most cases, the two sides do not exactly match and many women have a small labia while others are “overly endowed”. The average width of a woman’s labia is one inch and some labia begin in multiple folds while other women only have one fold. Sometimes thick and at other times thin, the labia may end above the base of the vaginal opening or it may fall below the opening (the introitus). A normal labia is a personal choice for each woman and the appearance and size is determined by what suits her individual desires.
Who should consider having a labiaplasty?
Candidates for labiaplasty include:
- Women who have an enlarged labia minor and/or majora
- Women who are uncomfortable in clothing because of their labia
- Women who experience sexual discomfort due to their long labia
- Women who are self-conscious because of their unsightly labia that may show through a bathing suit or jeans
How does having a baby change the vagina?
Following childbirth (especially after a large baby, long and difficult deliveries, or multiple births) your upper vagina will become significantly stretched leading to “looseness”. Since there are no muscles in your uppermost vaginal wall, once it is stretched out only a surgical procedure will minimize the openness. By surgically repairing the fibrous fascia of this area and by removing wedges of vaginal skin, the size may be minimized for a tighter grip and greater sexual pleasure for both you and your partner.
What is vaginal rejuvenation?
Vaginal rejuvenation is often used to refer to several surgical procedures designed to tighten the vagina, enhance sensitivity in the region, and improve the female genital’s appearance. More than just improving the physical function however, some vaginal rejuvenation procedures can also improve the visual aesthetic of the labia and vagina increasing self-confidence and restoring a sense of sensuality and desire.
What are some of the reasons vaginal relaxation can occur?
Damage resulting from childbirth, as well as aging, can often leave the vagina with poor muscle tone, strength, and control referred to as vaginal relaxation. Other reasons may include genetics, injury, and illness.
What is a Vaginoplasty?
A vaginoplasty is a surgical tightening of the vaginal canal, entrance, or both.
Why do women choose to have a vaginoplasty?
There are several reasons women choose to have a vaginoplasty including:
- Loss of sensation in the vagina
- Loss of pleasure during sexual intercourse
- Loss of control in vaginal muscles
- A feeling of “looseness” in the vaginal area
- Not being able to keep a tampon in place
- Not being able to keep your partners penis from “falling out” during intercourse
Why is vaginal correction important?
Surgery to improve the appearance and function of a woman’s vaginal tissue is important for both physiologic function and personal self-esteem. Many women who have lost sexual sensation due to a “loose” vagina seek out vaginal correction surgery to regain their sense of confidence and femininity.
What are some of the risks of vaginal rejuvenation?
Every surgical procedure involves some risks and some included with vaginal cosmetic surgery include:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Pain and discomfort
- Unsatisfactory results if you chose an unqualified surgeon
How long do vaginal cosmetic surgeries take to perform?
Depending on the woman and the specific procedure performed, vaginal cosmetic surgeries will take approximately 1-2 hours with most being outpatient procedures meaning you will go home the same day.
What type of anesthesia will be used?
Most vaginal cosmetic procedures are performed using local anesthesia with light sedation but they can also be done under general anesthesia depending on the necessary corrections and complexity of the surgery.
How much discomfort should I expect?
During your actual vaginal surgery, you will feel no pain although moderate discomfort should be expected once the anesthetic wears off which can be controlled with medication. Every person’s threshold of pain is different but in most cases all discomfort dissipates within 1-3 days.
How long is the recovery period following a vaginal rejuvenation?
Your body will need to heal after your procedure and returning to work depends on each individual but is generally allowed within 3-7 days. You will need to wait approximately six weeks after surgery before having any kind of sexual intercourse or inserting anything into the vagina and your healing process will be successful if you follow all of Dr. McCluskey’s instructions.
When will I see the results of my surgery?
Results will vary depending on the extent of the specific procedure you had and your individual healing capacity. Initially, there will be bruising and swelling but these side effects will disappear in a week or so and within 1-2 months you will be able to appreciate the full results.
Will my partner feel any changes when we have sex after my vaginal cosmetic surgery?
After a labiaplasty, there will be a dramatic decrease in the interference of tissue that will be felt by both you and your partner. The same occurs after vaginal rejuvenation since frictional forces are increased and following surgery you may need to perform various stretching exercises to allow comfortable intercourse especially if your partner is large in size.
Will my scars be noticeable?
While small scars are normal, Dr. McCluskey is extremely careful to keep all incisions minimal and he hides them in the natural lines of your skin. Over time, these will fade away and not be noticeable.
Can I have more than one vaginal cosmetic procedure performed at the same time?
This will be determined during your consultation with Dr. McCluskey at The Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta and in many cases multiple procedures can be performed during the same operation, such as a vaginoplasty and labiaplasty considered a vaginal rejuvenation.
Who is a good candidate for a vaginal rejuvenation?
Any woman who desires to improve her body physically and emotionally as well as wanting to increase her sexual pleasure is a candidate for vaginal rejuvenation. During your consultation, Dr. McCluskey will discuss your individual situation, wants, and needs to determine if vaginal rejuvenation is right for you.
My inner vaginal lips extend beyond the outer lips. Can this be corrected?
The inner vaginal lips (labia minora) can easily be sculpted to meet your aesthetic desires for vaginal beauty and this procedure is called laser reduction labiaplasty.
How soon after my vaginal cosmetic surgery can I resume normal sexual intercourse?
Depending on a number of factors including your age and the extent of your surgery, it is generally advised that you not have intercourse until the tissue has healed completely, which usually takes 6-8 weeks.
What is the difference between labiaplasty and vaginoplasty?
Vaginoplasty is plastic surgery of the vagina (an internal organ) and a labiaplasty is cosmetic surgery to the external genitalia of the vulva including the labia also referred to as the lips.
My botched labiaplasty surgery has left me feeling frustrated so how long do I need to wait before I can have cosmetic vaginal labiaplasty revision surgery at The Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta?
Shortly after a failed labiaplasty, it is natural that you want immediate correction however it takes time for the swelling to subside and for the blood supply to revitalize the tissues. Often, the appearance of the genital region looks better with time and the general requirement is to wait at least five months from the botched labiaplasty prior to reconstruction. This will be discussed and determined during your consultation with Dr. McCluskey.
Will I have to have my stitches removed?
Dr. McCluskey uses soluble sutures so there is no discomfort involved from removing stitches, as they will dissolve on their own.