Vaginal rejuvenation, vaginoplasty, is commonly referred to as vaginal tightening. Why would a woman want vaginal rejuvenation? Many want to return their vagina to its pre-childbirth condition.

For some women, the vaginal tightening is meant to enhance sexual gratification, while for others it is to regain control of their body. One vaginoplasty patient described it this way:

"After two children, I had serious incontinence problems. My vagina had that 'flippy-floppy' feeling. I could barely feel anything. Sex was just not the same."

Here, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions the Vaginal Rejuvenation and Cosmetic Gynecology Center of San Antonio receives about Vaginal Rejuvenation (aka Vaginoplasty).

We also offer and encourage you to have a complimentary telephone conversation with Dr. Hailparn, our gynecologic surgeon, to address your issues and discuss our procedures. You can schedule a telephone conversation by calling 210-615-6646 or you can make a request via email. Simply provide your telephone number and the best time to contact you. Our policy is to return your call or email the day it is received.

Questions About Vaginal Rejuvenation

Q. I have had a child or a number of children and since, things just aren't the same vaginally. My vagina isn't like it was before I had children. Sex just isn't as gratifying as before. For me, having children resulted in vaginal enlargement, with loose, weak, vaginal muscles. My vaginal muscle tone is poor and the support outside the vagina at the bottom is poor also. I performed Kegals until I was blue in the face and they didn't help me at all.

A: Many woman have your exact same problem, share your self-conscious concerns, and desire to enhance sexual function. Women are very concerned about their sexual health, sexual function and procedures to enhance sexual function. (Watch vaginal rejuvenation, vaginoplasty videos)

Vaginal Rejuvenation is a modification of a standard gynecologic surgical procedure. The laser or scalpel is used to perform precise, aesthetic surgical incisions. The techniques that we have developed result in a relatively bloodless procedure performed on an outpatient basis. In brief, we will tighten the vaginal muscles and support tissues, as well as reduce redundant vaginal mucosa (relaxed vaginal lining). The procedure will enhance vaginal muscle, tone, strength, and control. It will effectively decrease the internal and outer (introitus) vaginal diameters, as well as build up the perineal body (the area immediately outside the vaginal and above the anus.

We can tighten the vagina thus increasing the amount of friction. The procedure can also provide an aesthetic enhancement of the external vaginal structures, resulting in a more youthful look. (See vaginal rejuvenation, vaginoplasty before and after pictures)

As with all of our surgical procedures, you are an integral part of the team and we listen to you and abide by your wishes. In this procedure, the woman determines how tight she wants to be.

Q. I have had several children. I have vaginal relaxation and I also lose urine when I laugh, cough, sneeze, or exercise. This problem has really impacted my life. It is socially embarrassing and hygenicly unacceptable. Can I correct my urinary problem and enhance sexual gratification all at once?

A: Your urinary problem is called stress urinary incontinence. It is caused by the vaginal relaxation of the top part of the vaginal wall. Vaginal Rejuvenation may correct your problem with stress urinary incontinence and improve sexual function all at the same time. If your SUI requires other surgical techniques, Dr. Hailparn works with several highly-qualified urologists who can address the problem during your Vaginal Rejuvenation surgery.

Q. I have vaginal relaxation of the bottom floor of the vaginal and the perineal body. Can I have vaginal rejuvenation?

A: In this case, we only need to repair the lower floor of the vagina and the perineal body (area immediately outside of the vagina). Usually, in this case, vaginal relaxation is less extensive. Vaginal rejuvenation can also enhance sexual function.

Q. I haven't had any children but I have some vaginal relaxation and I would like to enhance vaginal muscle tone and strength as well as decrease the vaginal diameter. Can I have the procedure?

A: Depending on your circumstances, you can be a candidate for the vaginal rejuvenation. Such procedures primarily involve the bottom part of the vagina and the perineal body.

Q. How long does vaginal rejuvenation take?

A: The surgical time depends on the extent of the procedure. In general, the procedure takes about one hour.

Q. Where is the procedure performed?

A: All procedures are performed at a hospital or outpatient surgery center; a state of the art surgical center which is State Licensed.

Q: What type of anesthesia is used?

A: Dr. Hailparn prefers to use general anesthesia. In her extensive experience, a majority of patients undergoing vaginal surgery do not do well under local anesthesia. In addition, she explains to patients that to get her best results, she prefers to do the surgery under general anesthesia.

Q. How much discomfort will I have after vaginal rejuvenation?

A: With our technique of submucossal tumescence, pudendal block, and local anesthetic, you will be pain free for the first 18 to 24 hours. After this, patients report mild to moderate discomfort which can be controlled by analgesics and cold packs to the area.

Q. When can I return to work after vaginal rejuvenation?

A: In general, returning to work is dependent on the type of work you do. Most patients can return within 5 to 7 days.

Q. When can I resume sex after vaginal rejuvenation?

A: We ask that you abstain from sexual intercourse for approximately 8 weeks. Everyone heals at a different pace. Some women wait until 10 or 12 weeks if they are still tender at the surgical site. Oral sex may be resumed at around 8 weeks post-op.

Q. What are the surgical risks of vaginal rejuvenation?

A: Vaginal rejuvenation is a safe procedure with low risk. To put the risk in perspective, pregnancy is associated with far more risk than any of these procedures. Like any surgery, the risks are hemorrhage and infection; these are less than 1%. If one requires work on both the upper and lower vagina, then there is risk of injury to the bladder and the rectum. This is very rare. With any surgery, one can encounter scarring. Over-correction can potentially result in painful sex. Although rare, there are anesthetic risks also depending on the type of anesthesia.

Q. How much does vaginal rejuvenation cost?

A: Fees are all-inclusive of the surgical center, anesthesiologist, surgical assistant, surgeon, and follow-up. There is a small fee for the initial consult which is applied to the total cost of the procedure(s).

The procedure fees depend on the type of the procedure and the extent. A fee range can be provided once we know your particular needs. We accept all major credit cards and can provide you with access to financing if you wish.

Q. Can vaginal rejuvenation be combined with labiaplasty, labia majora reduction, clitoral hoodectomy or other cosmetic gynecology procedure?

A: Laser vaginal rejuvenation can be combined with labioplasty or any of our designer vagina procedures.

Q. Can vaginal rejuvenation or other cosmetic gyn procedures be combined with other cosmetic surgical procedures?

A: Yes, our team of board certified gynecologist and plastic and reconstructive surgeons can combine vaginal rejuvenation or other cosmetic gyn procedures  with most cosmetic surgical procedures such as breast, nose, eye, or tummy tuck surgery.

Q: What if I'm unhappy with the results? Will I be charged for a touch-up or revision?

A: Though no surgeon can make a guarantee of 100% satisfaction, we will do everything possible to give you your desired results. We have a low revision rate for vaginal surgeries, approximately 2%. Most patients just need a little touch-up, which can be done in the office. If a patient needs to go back to surgery, we do not charge a new surgeon’s fee for the surgery. However, the patient will be required to pay for the use of the operating room and anesthesiologist.

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