Vaginal Rejuvenation

The most common area of concern involves the labia. Patients often request reduction of the labia. Other common procedures include clitoral hood reduction, labia major reduction and treatment of the mons pubis.

Procedures

CLITORAL HOOD REDUCTION

The clitoral hood can lose its youthful appearance with time, and thus may become loose and hang over the clitoris. Rejuvenation of this region often requires excision of skin along each side of the clitoral hood to improve the contour of the skin covering the clitoris. This is a straightforward procedure that can really improve the appearance of the clitoral hood. This procedure is often done in conjunction with a labiaplasty. As a solitary procedure it takes about 30-60 minutes to perform and recovery takes a few days. Dr. Wallach recommends that patients avoid sexual activity for at least six weeks after this type of surgery.

LABIAPLASTY

A labiaplasty is a generic term referring to the rejuvenation of the labia. Most commonly this refers to improving the appearance of the labia minora. The labia minora are the two flaps of skin along the entrance to the vaginal vault. An important point to explain to patients is that it is normal that the two are asymmetric. However, some women are not happy with the size of the labia minora and wish to have them reduced. Several techniques are available to reduce the size of the labia using various forms of wedge excisions. This procedure takes about one to one and a half hours to perform, and recovery takes a few days. Dr. Wallach recommends that patients avoid sexual activity for at least six weeks after this type of surgery.

“As an expert in the field of plastic surgery, one of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been listening to my patients’ stories about how having plastic surgery has changed their lives.”

Steven Wallach, MD

LABIA MAJORA REDUCTION/ENHANCEMENT

The labia majora are the two thicker folds of skin and soft tissue adjacent to the labia minora. In those patients that have very fatty, thick labia majora, then liposuction or excision of portions of the labia majora can be performed. As women age, the labia majora may thin and cause the skin to become looser. Techniques including fat injection to “plump” them along with skin excision can restore a youthful appearance. This procedure takes about one to one and a half hours to perform, and recovery takes a few days. Dr. Wallach recommends that patients avoid sexual activity for at least six weeks after this type of surgery.

MONS PUBIS REDUCTION/ENHANCEMENT

The mons pubis is the area found above the vagina or penis, and includes the skin and soft tissue pad on top of the pelvic bones. In some patients this area is too full, and therefore requires liposuction. In others that have lost a lot of weight or that have poor skin tone may have a mons pubis that sags. In this instance, excision using either a transverse wedge or a vertical wedge may be required. In addition, if the area appears deflated, fat injection may be indicated to “plump” the area. These types of procedures take about one to one and a half hours to perform, and recovery takes a few days. Dr. Wallach recommends that patients avoid sexual activity for at least six weeks after this type of surgery.

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