There is really no reason not to look your best. If looking and feeling good are priorities to you, there are a multitude of options to maximize your appearance and body-confidence.

There was a time when you heard the term “plastic surgery” you thought of Carol Doda’s prodigious décolletage or cousin Suzi’s nose job. No more! From breast augmentations, reductions and lifts to Botox, Restylane and collagen; from liposuction to transplants, lifts, nips and tucks, “Aesthetics” (a more encompassing name than the old “plastic surgery”) have become as much a part of men’s and women’s cosmetic options as the comb, brush and makeup kit(although certainly a more expensive one).

With all of the “work” performed on both our neighbors and ourselves, if we raised our eyebrows at everyone who was “enhanced” we’d be in need of a Botox injection.

Perhaps the newest entry in the field of “snip, lift, tighten and liberate” is the field of vulvo-vaginal aesthetics (Genital plastic/cosmetic surgery). Previously limited to perineorrhaphy (repair of the vaginal opening) which, especially as previously performed was by itself not particularly successful, outpatient options now available to women include:

· labiaplasty (labial reduction)
· vaginal tightening or “vaginoplasty” (sometimes referred to as “vaginal rejuvenation”) with or without perineorrhaphy and hymenoplasty (repair of the hymen).
· perineorrhaphy (repair of the vaginal opening)

Frequently, women requesting a vulvo-vaginal aesthetic procedure have incontinence as well which can typically be repaired at the same time. Let’s take a closer look at these options in vulvo-vaginal aesthetics.

LABIOPLASTY

This procedure is “labial reduction/beautification” for enlarged labia. Women’s labia, like breasts, noses and other bodily projections come in all shapes and sizes from small strands to “elephant ears.” There is a very wide range of
normality. However, because labia are within this range, does not mean an individual is comfortable with her appearance, or that excessive size doesn’t cause problems.

Women see me in consultation for possible revision in the size of their labia for two reasons: medical and aesthetic (or a combination of the two).

Medical reasons for labiaplasty/labial reduction (surgery to reduce/modify labial size) include discomfort or irritation with tight pants, sports, cycling or other physical activities. In many instances, women are born with large labia; others may develop the condition with childbirth or age.

Aesthetic (beautification) reasons include self consciousness and self-esteem issues and a desire for sculpting to achieve a better look for oneself.  The surgical procedure to reduce labial size involves removing a wedge from the mid-portion of the enlarged labia, or “sculpting” linearly and meticulously reshaping the resulting smaller “lips.”

VAGINOPLASTY

This procedure provides tightening and rejuvenation of the vagina for vaginal laxity. An enlarged vagina is frequently a problem after childbirth, especially after multiple children, vaginal delivery of a large baby or a difficult delivery.

The specialized surgical tightening and rejuvenation of the vagina, perineum (vaginal opening) and supporting muscles is called vaginoplasty. Many women with grown children are now seeking renewal of vaginal tissues, both to increase their “feeling” and sexual satisfaction, and to enhance the sexual experience they have with their loving mate.

PERINEOPLASTY

A sequel of difficult childbirth or a vaginal/perineal tear from childbirth can create an unusually “open” vaginal orifice, which can lead to irritation from tight clothing as well as self consciousness and diminished sexual enjoyment.

A plastic procedure to remove the scarred or lax opening, repair and elevate the perineum and bring the stretched levator muscles closer together is called perineoplasty.

Perineoplasty may be performed alone for hymenal reconstruction or for an open, uncomfortable vagina and is frequently combined with a vaginoplasty.

Female genital surgery, of which vaginal cosmetic surgery is a part, is a demanding surgical field and should be approached with the same respect and caution as any other elective surgical procedure.