Updated 9th April 2021
Vaginoplasty or Vaginal Rejuvenation
Vaginoplasty is frequently mentioned when it comes to the labiaplasty procedure. The two procedures are even categorised in the same Medicare Item number 35534 (see Medicare rebate for labiaplasty). Though they appear to be similar they both serve different purposes and it is important to understand what each procedure is designed to do. So what is Vaginoplasty? Vaginoplasty also commonly referred to, as vaginal rejuvenation is a standard gynaecological process of tightening and rejuvenating the vagina through a number of incisions inside the vagina, sometimes using a laser to assist with this. It tightens vagina muscles and surrounding soft tissues, by reducing excess vaginal lining (vaginal mucosa) this is what results in an immediate decrease in the vagina muscles. Sometimes vaginoplasty is referred to as the face-lift for the vagina.
The procedure usually takes about 60 minutes and can be completed under general anaesthesia or a local anaesthesia with some sedation.
Commonly sought out by women who have experienced multiple childbirths, where the vaginal muscles tend to experience enlargement due to stressful expansion during delivery. Vaginoplasty is also used to treat vaginal walls that have become loose or slack from ageing or genetic predisposition after childbirth where some women are more susceptible to prolapse, incontinence and tissue stretching.
Vaginoplasty is commonly sought after as a means of enhancing the female patient and her partner’s sex life. As this procedure typically tones and strengthens the vagina muscles resulting in greater strength and control it thereby permits greater sensation during sexual intercourse. Although vaginoplasty cannot guarantee a heightened sexual response – as many other attributes make up the contributing factors to sexual satisfaction, it is still one of the main reasons that women seek out this procedure.
Some vaginoplasty procedures were originally developed as a reconstructive procedure that repaired birth defects such as when the vagina was too short, malformed or absent. This procedure allowed these women to urinate, menstruate and lead a fulfilling sex life.
Vaginoplasty can be performed alone or with labiaplasty. Patients will find that they can walk normally a few days after the procedure and can return to sexual activity within 4 – 6 weeks. Anyone in good health and physical condition is a fine candidate for vaginoplasty surgery.
Costs
You can expect to pay around $7,900 for vaginoplasty/vaginal rejuvenation. This price excludes hospital cover. If you do not have private health insurance you can expect to pay an extra $2,500.
The fees that are included in the $7,900 cost are the labiaplasty surgeon’s fees, the assistant surgeon’s fees, anaesthesiologist fees and follow-up visits during the first six weeks after surgery.
As this procedure is covered by a labiaplasty Medicare rebate under item number 35534, this of course depends on whether you are eligible for the rebate. This is something you will need to bring up with your surgeon.
Designer Vagina
More recently cosmetic surgeons are marketing vaginoplasty and labiaplasty as ‘designer vagina’ procedures. This is based on how; many other cosmetic surgery procedures are marketed to women, founded on the opportunity to enhance beauty, self-esteem, confidence by making comparisons to what is considered a ‘normal’ vagina by media and cultural standards. As women have a wide range of what is considered ‘normal’ looking genitals the ‘designer vagina’ has been considered quite controversial.
‘Designer vagina’ procedures are usually packages, which can include any or all of the following; labiaplasty, vaginoplasty, collporaphy (which is vaginal tightening), clitoral hood reduction, hymenoplasty (reattaching the hymen) and liposuction of mons pubis (removal of the fat that covers the pubic bone), plus more.
These kinds of designer vagina packages are often promoted with overseas plastic surgery deals, which is not supported by plastic and cosmetic standards and procedures in Australia.
Laser Vagina Rejuvenation
Gaining more and more popularity is laser rejuvenation for the vagina.
With the development of technology there are now advanced lasers that can perform a number of vaginal rejuvenation techniques such as gently tightening the vaginal tissues, remodelling collagen and rejuvenating the vulva to revive the sensations and revitalise the tissue of the vagina.
The Action 11 Petite Lady Laser is one of the vaginal rejuvenation lasers that are taking the cosmetic industry by storm. Boasting state of the art technology the Action 11 – Petite Lady is a laser treatment that gently tightens the vaginal tissues, remodels collagen and rejuvenates the vulva to revive the sensations and revitalise the tissue of the vagina.