Female vaginal surgery refers to any type of surgical procedure performed on or around the vaginal area. There are several types of female vaginal surgery, depending on the condition being treated or the desired outcome related to appearance, function, or comfort. Most women might be hesitant to talk about concerns regarding their vaginal appearance or function, as they get older, after they give birth, or as they go through menopause. Changes in the vaginal area are normal and more common than most people realize. Regardless of your concerns, a doctor will help you understand your surgery options and the expected outcomes.
Cosmetic Vaginal Surgery
Cosmetic vaginal surgery refers to procedures that focus on enhancing the appearance and function of the vaginal area by reshaping, reducing, tightening, and even brightening the darkened areas. It is a general term used for multiple procedures that can be performed separately or together, depending on the patient’s preferred outcomes. Below are some popular cosmetic vaginal surgeries.
Labiaplasty Surgery
Labiaplasty surgery reduces or reshapes the labia minora, labia majora, or both. Many women ask about this surgery because they are worried about the appearance of their labia or the discomfort it causes. They may feel it’s too large or uneven.
For some women, a larger labia can make them feel self-conscious in a swimsuit or leggings. They might be embarrassed or feel self-conscious about getting intimate. For other women, a larger labia can cause irritation. It might rub against your clothing or get pinched during certain kinds of exercise.
Labiaplasty can help create a more balanced appearance while improving day-to-day comfort. This female vaginal surgery is tailored to your body or preferred results. During your private consultation, your doctor will ask what your goals are. They can explain what a labiaplasty can change.
Your doctor will discuss with you what to expect during healing, such as swelling or temporary changes in sensitivity.
Vaginal Rejuvenation
Vaginal rejuvenation is a general term for a set of cosmetic surgery procedures that a doctor performs to rejuvenate the vagina or vaginal area. If you’ve had a baby or started menopause, you may notice unpleasant changes to your vagina or areas around it that are not necessarily medical. After a consultation with a cosmetic gynecology surgeon like Dr. Tahery, he will put together a set of procedures that will target those specific unpleasant changes. Weight changes, such as weight gain or weight loss, can also make your vagina look or feel different. You might notice dryness, irritation, or looseness.
Vaginal rejuvenation treats vaginal tone, moisture, appearance, or comfort. Since “vaginal rejuvenation” can mean several different things, it’s important to start with a conversation and an exam. The doctor will determine whether the issue is cosmetic, hormonal, structural, or related to the pelvic floor.
Vaginoplasty
This female vaginal surgery tightens and repairs the vaginal canal and surrounding tissues. Women who are vaginoplasty candidates usually experience changes in vaginal tightness, support, or sensation.
Sometimes, there are medical reasons for getting a vaginoplasty. In some cases, this surgery fixes weakened tissue or pelvic floor problems.
Before surgery, your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor will develop a plan that supports how you feel and how your body functions.
Hymenoplasty
Hymenoplasty repairs or reconstructs hymenal tissue. Women may request this female vaginal surgery for cultural, personal, or emotional reasons.
This is a sensitive topic, and patients should be able to ask questions without feeling judged. Your doctor can explain how the procedure works, what recovery may involve, and what results are realistic.
After surgery, you may need to avoid sex, tampon use, and strenuous activity while the area heals. Following those instructions closely can help lower the risk of irritation or complications.
RELATED: Why is the Vaginal Area Dark?
Medical Vaginal Surgery
Medical vaginal surgery is surgery that focuses on restoring health and function, improving comfort, and quality of life by treating problems that affect the vagina, vaginal pelvic support, and bladder control. These concerns can feel embarrassing, but doctors see and treat them all the time. You do not have to “just live with it,” especially if symptoms are affecting your daily routine.
Vaginal Prolapse Surgery
Vaginal prolapse happens when the pelvic organs shift downward because the muscles and tissues that support them have weakened. You may feel pressure, heaviness, bulging, or discomfort that gets worse when you stand, lift, or stay active for a long time.
Prolapse can involve the bladder, uterus, rectum, or vaginal walls. It can affect going to the bathroom or having sex. Vaginal prolapse surgery restores support and helps the pelvic area work more comfortably.
The right treatment depends on the type and severity of prolapse. A full exam can help determine whether female vaginal surgery, pelvic floor therapy, or another option is the best next step.
Urinary Incontinence Surgery
If you leak urine when you cough, sneeze, or laugh, you might be experiencing urinary incontinence. You might have trouble making it to the bathroom on time. This is common in women who have given birth.
If nonsurgical treatments aren’t helping, this female vaginal surgery may be an option.
Treatment depends on the type of incontinence and the cause of the leakage. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and explain which options are most likely to help.
Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery uses smaller incisions and precise surgical techniques to treat many pelvic and gynecologic conditions. For many patients, this means less discomfort, smaller scars, and a smoother recovery than open surgery.
This approach may be used for some patients who have pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, fibroids, ovarian cysts, prolapse, or other gynecologic concerns. Your doctor will review your diagnosis and health before making a recommendation.
Whether you are considering vaginal surgery for comfort, appearance, health, or all of the above, the first step is scheduling a consultation. With more than 30 years of experience as a gynecology surgeon and urogynecologist, Dr. Tahery is an expert in medical and cosmetic vaginal surgery and frequently combines the two for optimal results. Book a consultation with Dr. Michael Tahery in Los Angeles or Glendale to discuss your options for vaginal surgery.