From Vaginoplasty to Laser Rejuvenation — Here are 3 Top Cosmetic Gynecological Procedures

11% of women indicated they are more interested in cosmetic plastic surgery or nonsurgical procedures now than before COVID19, according to one national survey conducted by Equation Research. While many may seek out common cosmetic procedures, such as those that involve lip fillers or breast augmentation, cosmetic gynecological procedures are also an option that many may not even consider or know about. Whether you’re curious as to what a vaginoplasty entails or you’re considering laser rejuvenation treatments for yourself, here’s what you should know when it comes to the more intimate plastic surgery options out there.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, vaginoplasty is defined as a procedure to construct or repair a vagina. This can be done to treat medical issues (such as a vaginal injury due to childbirth, or pelvic floor disease complications), though it’s important to keep in mind that a vaginoplasty may also be done to construct a vagina for transgender individuals. With that in mind, what occurs during the vaginoplasty surgery will vary depending on the individual and their goals, as well as their medical needs. For instance, after childbirth, some women may want a vaginoplasty due to experiencing vaginal laxity, which results from the stretching of tissues and separating of muscles, according to plasticsurgery.org, which can contribute to sexual dysfunction. In such cases, a vaginoplasty will involve bringing the separated muscles together, while the extra mucosa skin from the back side of the vagina is also removed. It’s also noted that the external skin may also be removed for a more aesthetic appearance.

When looking at other procedures that fall under the umbrella term of ‘vaginal rejuvenation,’ labiaplasty surgery is generally regarded as one of the most well known intimate cosmetic surgery procedures. In fact, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) reported 12,756 labiaplasty surgeries in 2018, making it one of the most common of such surgeries. Labiaplasties are typically done “when one labium is visibly longer than the other one and is aesthetically unpleasing, or when the size of one or both of the labia makes sex or other physcial activities uncomfortable or painful due to excessive tugging and twisting of the skin,” notes an article for Medical News Today. To highlight this, Paul Banwell, a consultant plastic and cosmetic surgeon and member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) notes that most women who see him regarding such cosmetic procedures do so because they experience functional issues, such as discomfort with exercise or when wearing certain clothing, like swimwear.

For those seeking minimally invasive vaginal rejuvenation procedures, laser vaginal rejuvenation offers a safe and effective way to address a variety of problems, such as improving sexual function, treating urinary tract infections and aiding with any unfavorable side effects of menopause. With that in mind, laser vaginal rejuvenation works by leading to tissue regeneration and new collagen production. In addition to having little to no downtime after the treatment, those who partake can feel the results almost immediately. Four brands of vaginal rejuvenation treatments happened to be named the most “worth it” branded laser and energy device treatments (meaning they had a high ratio of positive to negative reviews), according to RealSelf’s U.S. Laser & Energy Report back in 2018, further underlining the treatment’s popularity. And, when it comes to the trend in Hollywood, Khloe Kardashian once revealed on her show, Kocktails With Khloe “My sisters, they’ve had kids, and there’s a vaginal lasering, to tighten… In my household, all they do is talk about this vagina-lasering. It’s like their discussion back and forth.”

While vaginal rejuvenation isn’t likely to come to mind first when thinking of popular cosmetic procedures, there are a variety out there — including vaginoplasty, labiaplasty, and laser vaginal rejuvenation treatments. Whether for aesthetics or medical reasons, many women seek out such options to meet their goals or medical needs.