Labiaplasty vs. Vaginal Rejuvenation

You deserve to look and feel your best from head to toe, including the most intimate areas of your body. As women become more confident in taking control of their health and speaking openly about their concerns, the popularity of procedures like vaginal rejuvenation and labiaplasty is on the rise. You’ll even find Hollywood celebrities and reality TV personalities — from Jada Pinkett Smith, to the Kardashians, to several Real Housewives — sharing their stories of feminine rejuvenation.

Like any part of the body, a woman’s genital tissues can change over time. Aging, childbirth and hormonal changes can take a cosmetic toll as well as a functional one, reducing a woman’s sense of well-being, sexual enjoyment and confidence. For other women, genetics or chronic pelvic health issues can lead to a lifetime of discomfort with the appearance or function of their intimate anatomy. Too many women believe they must live with these painful or embarrassing conditions, but thanks to advancements in plastic surgery, that is not the case.

What Is Feminine Rejuvenation?

The field of feminine rejuvenation encompasses both surgical and nonsurgical procedures that restore health and beauty to vulvovaginal tissues. These procedures can achieve a number of different goals, including:

• Reducing the size of large or sagging labia
• Giving the labia a more symmetrical appearance
• Restoring a firmer, more youthful tone to vaginal tissues
• Reducing discomfort when wearing certain clothing or exercising
• Alleviating vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse
• Enhancing sensation during intercourse for the patient and her partner
• Improving the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence

Some feminine rejuvenation procedures address concerns that affect tissue that is external to the vagina, namely the labia minora (the “inner lips”) and the labia majora (the “outer lips”). Other procedures address internal issues that affect the vaginal canal. Dr. Andrews provides two types of feminine rejuvenation in the Coralville area of Iowa: labiaplasty and ThermiVa.

What Is Labial Rejuvenation?

Labia minora vary vastly in shape and size. Asymmetry is common, as are labia minora that extend past the labia majora. Some women feel having large labia minora is aesthetically displeasing and creates an undesirable appearance in clothing such as fitness leggings or swimsuits. Large labia minora can also cause physical problems such as chafing, difficulty maintaining hygiene, chronic urinary tract infections and discomfort or pain during sexual activity. These concerns can be significantly improved with surgical reduction of the labia minora in a procedure called labiaplasty.

How Is Labiaplasty Performed?

Labiaplasty is a relatively simple procedure that can be done in the office under local anesthesia. There are different approaches to improving the size and shape of the labia minora. Dr. Andrews will choose the technique that is best suited to your anatomy and desired outcome.

One of the most common labiaplasty techniques is the edge trim, in which excess tissue is removed along the full length of the labia. This technique works best for women with minimal enlargement of the labia minora. Another option is the wedge technique, in which excess tissue is removed using a V-shaped incision and the remaining sides of tissue are stitched together. This technique can address clitoral hood excess as well as enlarged labia minora.

For some women, bulky labia majora are a source of discomfort or distress. Dr. Andrews can perform a reduction labiaplasty to remove excess tissue from the labia majora. Some patients may benefit from combining this procedure with a related procedure such as a monsplasty, which reduces fatty tissue and/or skin that bulges from the upper part of the vulva. There are also procedures that can add volume to the labia majora if they have deflated due to age or weight loss. Dr. Andrews will help you decide which approach makes the most sense for your needs and will give you the most beautiful, natural-looking results.

What is Nonsurgical Vaginal Rejuvenation?

Women’s intimate health is complex, relying on a combination of vaginal and pelvic muscle function and natural lubrication, as well as mental and emotional factors. As the years pass, many women struggle with vaginal laxity, dryness, discomfort during intercourse, difficulty reaching orgasm or urinary leakage from stress incontinence. Vaginal rejuvenation aims to correct these issues by restoring flexibility, firmness and tone to the vaginal canal. With ThermiVa, we can restore vaginal health and improve the aesthetic appearance of the labia without surgery or downtime.

How Is a ThermiVa Rejuvenation Procedure Performed?

ThermiVa is a nonsurgical treatment that simultaneously rejuvenates the external and internal vulvovaginal tissues using temperature-controlled radiofrequency. The radiofrequency energy gently heats the tissues until they reach a temperature that increases blood flow in the area, triggers collagen production and causes the tissues to contract. Over time, as ThermiVa stimulates the body’s natural restoration mechanisms, the treated tissues look and feel firmer. This, in turn, promotes lubrication, heightens sexual sensation and improves mild urinary incontinence or bladder leakage.

ThermiVa is a quick and convenient treatment that can be performed in-office with no anesthesia. Using an ergonomically-designed handpiece, our ThermiVa specialist administers the radiofrequency energy to the labia, vaginal canal or both. Patients report feeling a mildly uncomfortable sensation or no pain at all during the procedure. When the treatment is complete, patients can return immediately to the rest of their daily activities. A series of ThermiVa treatments is typically recommended for optimal results.

Is Labiaplasty or ThermiVa Right For Me?

Women of all ages and lifestyles should be comfortable and confident in their bodies. If you are looking into options for restoring your feminine health and wellness, your first step is to schedule a consultation with a qualified practitioner. Dr. Kahlil Andrews or our physician assistant, Courtney Albritton, can guide you through your options and help you decide which feminine rejuvenation procedure is most appropriate for your anatomy and your goals.

Labiaplasty can be an excellent choice for women who want significant cosmetic improvement and would prefer a “one and done” procedure with long-lasting results. ThermiVa can be a great option for women who want a nonsurgical alternative with minimal discomfort or downtime, and are prepared to commit to a series of treatments. Some women may benefit from a combined approach.

To learn more about ThermiVa and labiaplasty in the Cedar Rapids or Coralville, Iowa areas, contact Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery today at 319-800-6877 to schedule your consultation.