Vaginoplasty vs. Vaginal Rejuvenation: Key Differences Explained

If you are looking to make changes to your vagina, it can be very confusing trying to understand the difference between the various procedures available. In this article we aim to create some clarity between a vaginoplasty surgery and other vaginal rejuvenation procedures.

In some ways they are very similar of course. Both option aim to improve either the function or aesthetics of the vagina. Each procedure offers its own opportunities to do this. Each has its own merits , risks and potential complications. Lets explore them and see what might be the best option or you.

Vaginoplasty:

Lets start with vaginoplasty surgery. This procedure can restore both the functionality and aesthetics of the vagina. We see many women at Moorgate Andrology who present for vaginoplasty surgery after childbirth. This is because vaginoplasty surgery can tighten the vaginal canal. It can do this by tightening the muscles of the vagina. If there is excess inner labia , this can also be removed at the same time.

In this way both functionality and appearance issues are addressed. The surgery takes around two hours and is performed under general anaesthetic. At Moorgate this surgery is performed by Dr Nenad Djakovic, or Senior Urologist. You will be able to go home on the same day as the surgery.

After vagioplasty surgery you should aim to take at least one week off work. If your job involves fairly physical work, you may need two weeks off.

Expect some bruising , swelling and discomfort after this procedure. It can take six weeks for full recovery and during this time you should avoid gym, sport and sexual activity.

Most patients who undergo vaginoplasty surgery do so without any complications, however all surgery carries risks of complications and you should be aware of them.

These risks and complications include

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Bruising and swelling
• Pain and discomfort
• Poor aesthetic outcome
• scarring

Vaginal rejuvenation

Vaginal rejuvenation is a term to describe a number of treatments to restore function and appearance of the vagina. Most of these procedures are non-surgical in nature , and because of this they have become very sought after in recent year. Lets take a look at some of the more common vaginal rejuvenation procedures.

Labial puff treatment

This is a really popular procedure at Moorgate. Labial Puff Treatment is a non-surgical treatment designed to augment the outer labia to restore youthfulness and a better aesthetic appearance. In this treatment we use hyaluronic acid injections to plump up the labial tissue. It works in the same way that hyaluronic acid is use to plump up the lips and depressions in the cheeks. For the labia, we have specially formulated hyaluronic acid for the vagina.

The treatment here is performed by our Senior Urologist, Dr Nenad Djakovic. It takes just thirty minutes under local anaesthetic. The results of the treatment are visible immediately. In the weeks that follow the area can get a little bigger as the hyaluronic acid starts to absorb water.

There is no need to take any time off work after this treatment.

As with all hyaluronic acid treatments the results are not permanent and it will need to be topped up about one a year on average.

These are considered low risk procedures but some side effects can include

• pain and discomfort
• bruising and swelling
• poor aesthetic outcome
• rapid absorption of the filler

Labiaplasty

This is a surgical procedure to reduce protruding inner labia. Patients come to Moorgate to discuss reducing the size of the inner labia, either because they don’t like the appearance of the inner labia or because they have pain or discomfort in underwear, when playing sports or during sexual activity.

The surgery takes only one hour and can be performed under local or general anaesthetic. At Moorgate most are performed under general anaesthetic for maximum comfort for the patient.

You can go home on the same day as the surgery. You should arrange to take around one week off work. In the first few weeks it is important to avoid gym, sport and sexual activity. Most patients have fully recovered within six weeks.

The aim of the surgery is to make the inner labia flush with the outer labia. This procedure is performed by Dr Nenad Djakovic.

Most patients who undergo labiaplasty surgery do so without any complications,. However , this surgery like all others have risks and complications these include,

• infection
• bleeding
• pain and discomfort
• bruising and swelling
• poor aesthetic outcome
• asymmetry of the labia

Results of vaginoplasty and vaginal rejuvenation procedures

Generally speaking surgical procedures such as vaginoplasty and labiaplasty are considered permanent. Of course, you cannot stop the aging process and its perfectly possible that these procedure could be repeated years later.

Vaginal rejuvenation procedures such as labial puff fillers are temporary and will need repeating to maintain the results. They are considered lower risk than surgical procedures and are usually performed under local anaesthetic and on an outpatient basis.

In many cases these procedures can be combined for an overall improvement in the function and appearance of the vagina.

We always recommend a consultation with an appropriate specialist to discuss your options based on your presenting symptoms. The good news is that there are a range of procedure that could be considered that can deliver predictable results in most cases.

Be aware that all procedures carry risks and you should make yourself aware of them. Even if you do suffer a complication they are usually successfully treated.

It is important that you seek professional advice when considering any medical or surgical procedure to the vagina. Vaginoplasty and vaginal rejuvenation procedures are normally performed by Doctors. In the case of surgery it is usually Plastic Surgeons, Gynaecologists and Urologists that perform these procedures.

Many non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation procedures are performed by people with no formal medical qualifications , these should be avoided. Always choose a qualified medical professional for any of these procedures.