Cosmetic Gynecology

Cosmetic gynecology is also known as Intimate Aesthetic Surgery or Female Cosmetic Genital Surgery (FCGS). It is a gynecology subspecialty growing at a neck-breaking speed though it is relatively new compared to many other streams of modern medicine. Interestingly, historians have records to prove that Greek physicians practiced cosmetic surgery between the first and second centuries AD. 

What is cosmetic gynecology?

The procedures are a combination of specialties like plastic surgery, gynecology, urology, and urogynecology. The end objective of the process is to help enhance the look of the vaginal area and improve sexual function, which takes a beating due to pregnancy and childbirth. Often, aging has been quoted to be the reason behind structural changes in the vagina. The structural changes of the vulva and the vagina, internal and external, can affect intimate aesthetics and physical gratification levels.

Cosmetic Gynecology Procedures

Vaginoplasty or vaginal rejuvenation therapy (VR)

This is a procedure used for treating vaginal laxity syndrome (VLS). In VLS, the elasticity and the width of the vagina are affected. The intrinsic nature of the vagina is to stretch during physical intimacy and childbirth. However, over a period, the vaginal tissues lose their elasticity. It is more common in women who have had multiple kids. The stretching can become permanent, eventually impacting the woman’s experience during sexual encounters. 

Vaginoplasty is a cosmetic procedure wherein the surgeon either repair the vaginal tissues or has perineal muscles tightened or decreases the vaginal width by tightening the tissues. The procedure is also used as reconstructive surgery for treating injuries to the vaginal tissues during labor.

Labiaplasty or labia minora 

In this procedure, the labia or the skin folds that form the opening of the vagina is treated. Women seek the cosmetic procedure due to the excess skin that is present naturally in the region. It makes tight-fitting clothes uncomfortable as also sexual intimacy difficult. Cosmetic surgeons remove the excess skin to correct asymmetry and also reduce the labia size. 

Hymenoplasty

Also known as hymenorrhaphy, it is a cosmetic repair process to construct or restore the hymen in the vaginal area. The restoration process is called revirginization. The hymen is the tissue covering the vagina, partially or wholly. The oval-shaped membrane is penetrable, flexible, and thin usually. It could, however, be thick and rigid too. Even though the membrane has no definite role, its presence is regarded as a sign of virginity in many cultures. Women seek the procedure for various reasons, one being cultural beliefs. Other causes are stimulating sexual pleasure, correcting an issue with the hymen, and restoring unintentional rupture of the hymen. 

Hoodectomy 

Also called Clitoral unhooding, it is a procedure that involves the removal of the tissues covering the clitoris. The tissue, in some women, could be an overhanging hood that reduces sexual sensitivity. It could also cause discomfort in such situations. Hoodectomy helps shorten the hood that promotes sexual stimulation and enhances aesthetic appearance. 

Monsplasty

Some women have bulging or excess skin in the mons or the pubis, also called the bikini bridge. The mons is that part of the vulva that bears hair. Women who seek cosmetic procedures usually suffer from self-confidence issues when wearing tight-fitting clothes or bathing suits in public. During Monsplasty, the excess fatty tissues along with the skin are removed.

Perineoplasty

Childbirth can cause damage to the perineum in many women. Some women who have larger infants can get the perineum torn during childbirth. The perineum is the tiny area existing between the vagina and the anus. Perineoplasty is a procedure in which the pelvic floor is firmed up by specialists helping restore vaginal musculature.

Laser and Radiofrequency treatment

The introduction of laser treatment for vaginal rejuvenation is one of the latest in the field of cosmetic gynecology. There are plenty of pros, including the procedure being non-invasive. Laser has been used in dermatology and aesthetic treatment to date. Laser treatment is now being used in vaginal tightening, cervical Dysplasia, Labial Trimming, and more aesthetic treatments. 

Another method that has been introduced recently to cosmetic gynecology is radiofrequency. It is an outpatient treatment procedure where specialized medical devices deliver energy to the vaginal wall architecture. Both laser and radiofrequency energies are combined for causing sequential micro-traumas to the vaginal wall and initiating the healing process. The procedure treats vaginal laxity, sexual dysfunction in women, urinary incontinence, lichen sclerosus, vaginismus, and vulvar vestibulitis. 

What are the reasons to go in for cosmetic gynecology?

One of the main reasons to opt for cosmetic gynecology is regaining lost confidence by women in themself and their relationships. Research also points to the fact that cosmetic gynecology procedures help enhance the sexuality in women that make a difference to their relationships. Studies also show most women today undergo aesthetic improvement of the vulvovaginal region rather than being driven by their sexual partners.

What are the usual side effects of cosmetic gynecology?

All the procedures are minor surgical processes with a faint scar. There could be some amount of bruises, discomfort, and swelling, though. 

Why 7DMC?

7DMC’s team of specialist urogynecologists at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology goes the extra mile to address various anatomical and functional pelvic floor issues in women. Such problems are common amongst women who have given birth and have aged. Our experts empathetically handle the complaints that women have about the aesthetic appearance of their genital area and sexual performance. 

Our pelvic floor specialists and cosmetic surgeons endeavor to understand the concerns of our women patients and accordingly advice cosmetic gynecology procedures. With the help of modern machines, minimally-invasive and non-invasive innovative methods, our specialists radically rejuvenate the aesthetic appearance and functional aspects of the vaginal/vulva region.

Women today are no longer embarrassed about seeking aesthetic gynecological enhancements or voicing their concerns about physical intimacy. They wish to get back their self-confidence in relationships, and cosmetic gynecology can help them do so. When done by specialists, the procedures are safe and deliver the desired results effectively. 

Our specialists are available for consultation to listen and understand your goals and work out the right treatment plan. If you have any concerns or issues, as mentioned here, it is time to schedule an appointment with our cosmetic gynecologists today.

Reference 

https://www.iscgmedia.com/iscg-blog/the-history-of-cosmetic-vaginal-surgery-part-i

https://www.iuga.org/membership/special-interest-groups/cosmetic-gynecology

https://www.cosmeticphysicians.org/what-is-cosmetic-gynecology/

https://www.ennismd.com/hoodectomy/

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/aesthetic-genital-plastic-surgery/monsplasty

https://www.apollocradle.com/cosmetic-gynecology/