Vaginal Rejuvenation Procedures

By Denise Mann; Reviewed by Foad Nahai, MD

Vaginal rejuvenation procedures are gaining popularity. Many different types of vaginal rejuvenation procedures are available. Each has a different set of benefits and risks – not to mention its share of critics and advocates.

Some of the more popular vaginal rejuvenation procedures include:

Hoodectomy

This vaginal rejuvenation procedure aims to reduce the size of the clitoral hood to maintain symmetry. This procedure may be done in tandem with labiaplasty, especially if there is a significant or complete reduction of the inner lips (labia minora). In addition, the reduction or removal of the clitoral hood may increase the stimulation of the clitoris, thus intensifying sexual pleasure.

A hoodectomy takes about an hour or less, while recovery spans about two weeks. Risks may include inflammation and infection.

The cost of a hoodectomy is about $2,500.

Vaginal Tightening

Some women may want their vaginal canal and the surrounding tissues tightened. This vaginal rejuvenation can be done surgically or with a laser. Your surgeon will tighten and shorten the stretched muscle at the back of the vagina and remove the unwanted skin. This reduces the excess vaginal lining and tightens the vaginal muscles, which can become stretched out during delivery of a baby.

Vaginal tightening surgery takes around an hour, but some women may need to stay overnight. Typically the procedure requires general anesthesia or a local anesthetic combined with sedation. The scarring is inside the vagina.

You will be sore and swollen after vaginal tightening surgery, but should be able to walk without discomfort within a few days. Most women can return to work within a week after vaginal tightening. You should avoid sex for four to six weeks afterward. If your vagina is over-tightened, it can lead to urine retention.

The cost of vaginal tightening cost is roughly $5,900.

Like a Virgin? Reviriginzation

In recent years, many women have undergone a vaginal rejuvenation procedure called reviriginzation, also known as hymen repair surgery or hymenoplasty. During this fairly simple procedure, your surgeon uses dissolvable stitches to reconnect the skin membrane that once partially covered the opening to the vagina (the hymen).

Typically revirginization involves a local anesthetic and no hospital stay. Recovery time is about six weeks. The risks of hymen repair surgery may include infection, fever and pain during sex. In addition, intercourse will re-tear the membrane, causing pain and bleeding as if you are ... like a virgin.

The cost of revirginization is about $3,000.

Laser Perineoplasty

Laser perineoplasty is a vaginal rejuvenation procedure that aims to tighten the muscles of the perineum with a laser. The perineum is located between the anus and the vulva (the labial opening to the vagina) in women. A firm perineum is important for sexual stimulation. It can also enhance the sagging outer lips (labia majora) and inner lips (labia minora) of the vagina.

The cost of laser perineoplasty ranges from $3,495 to $5,499.

Augmentation Labiaplasty

Augmentation labiaplasty is a vaginal rejuvenation procedure that involves taking fat from other areas of the body and reinjecting it into the labia for a more youthful appearance. Risks include under- or over-correction, infection and failure of the fat graft to take.

The cost of augmentation labiaplasty ranges from $3,500 to $8,000.

Vulvar Lipoplasty

A vaginal rejuvenation procedure, vulvar lipoplasty can remove unwanted fat from the pubic mound (mons pubis) and upper parts of the outer lips (labia majora). Liposculpturing may alleviate unsightly fatty bulges in this area and produce a more aesthetically pleasing curve. This is performed with a fine liposuction canula. Risks include over-suction, under-suction, and infection.

The cost of vulvar lipoplasty ranges from $3,800 to $6,000.

G-Spot Amplification

The highly sought-after G-spot or Gräfenberg spot is purported to be a highly erogenous zone inside the vagina that enlarges when directly stimulated. G-spot amplification is a procedure that involves injecting collagen directly into the G-spot to enhance sexual pleasure.

The actual injection involves a 3 1/2-inch needle and takes less than eight seconds. Pioneered by David Matlock, MD, a gynecologist in Beverly Hills, G-spot amplification creates a G-spot about the size of a quarter. The results last for about four months, on average. Most women require a repeat injection every three months to maintain the effect.

The cost of G-spot amplification is about $1,850.

For Any Vaginal Rejuvenation Procedure, Consult a Qualified Surgeon

The evaluation of surgical skills specifically relating to vaginal rejuvenation procedures is not required for certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. There are no specific licensing requirements or required educational courses to perform these vaginal rejuvenation procedures. So you need to do two things: 

• Select a board-certified plastic surgeon, a board-certified gynecologist or a board-certified urologist. 
• Make certain the surgeon has years of specific vaginal rejuvenation experience and expertise. 

About the Reviewer of This Article

Foad Nahai, MD, FACS, is a board-certified plastic surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Nahai is the 2007-2008 president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, first vice president of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and a director of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He completed medical school in England, and his post-graduate surgical training was at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore and Emory in Atlanta. Before joining Atlanta's Paces Plastic Surgery in 1998, Dr. Nahai practiced at the Emory Clinic, where he was professor of plastic surgery at Emory's School of Medicine.

[page updated January 2009]