How Does Non-Surgical Vaginal Tightening Compare to Surgical Options?
What does it mean to have a “loose” vagina? Likely not what you think!
The phrase is often used incorrectly when referring to “tightness” during sexual intercourse. But a “loose” vagina in this sense is actually a myth!
Since the vagina is a muscle, it’s naturally elastic and meant to stretch. The vagina is built to snap back, even after childbirth.
So, what does it actually mean to have a “loose” vagina?
As women age and menopause begins, the body’s estrogen levels naturally drop, causing vaginal tissue to become thinner, drier, less acidic, and thus, less stretchy.
For women who’ve had children, there are a few possible reasons for a “loose” vagina. First, it’s normal to have a loose vagina shortly after birth (after all, the body needs time to heal). However, if you have persistent vaginal issues, it’s possible that the vagina is looser from experiencing medical trauma.
Let’s explore the various types of vaginal tightening options and help you determine which is the right one for you!
Understanding Vaginal Tightening: Surgical vs. Non-Surgical
Non-surgical vaginal tightening is more commonly referred to as vaginal rejuvenation.
This type of vaginal treatment aims to help women who are experiencing thinner, less acidic, and less stretchy vaginal tissue. Additionally, vaginal rejuvenation addresses stress urinary incontinence.
Whether it be because of menopause or childbirth, vaginal rejuvenation helps women re-discover their vaginal youthfulness by improving the interior vaginal tissue through stimulating collagen production.
On the other hand, surgical vaginal tightening is known as vaginoplasty.
This procedure is performed for women who’ve experienced vaginal injury during childbirth, including:
- Unnatural vaginal overstretching
- Vaginal muscle damage
- Vaginal distortion/scarring due to childbirth
Additionally, vaginoplasties are performed to address defects that may impair a properly functioning vagina such as excess tissue, abnormal structure, or other medical complications.
An Overview of Surgical Vaginal Tightening Procedures
Don’t confuse a vaginoplasty with a labiaplasty!
Labiaplasty is a cosmetic procedure that improves the appearance of the labia minora and majora (that is, the vaginal lips). It’s one of the most popular vaginal procedures in the US, helping patients achieve a tighter vaginal appearance.
On the other hand, a vaginoplasty surgery addresses the inside of the vagina.
A vaginoplasty usually carries significant medical and cosmetic benefits for women who’ve suffered from vaginal defects, injury, or trauma. It addresses symptoms such as:
- Stress urinary incontinence
- Sexual dissatisfaction and/or pain
- Overall discomfort
- Aesthetic dissatisfaction
Candidates for a vaginoplasty need greater vaginal help than what vaginal rejuvenation alone provides.
The Procedure and Recovery of Surgical Vaginal Tightening
A vaginoplasty is an outpatient procedure performed under anesthesia that takes approximately an hour.
During this time, your surgeon fastens and shortens the overstretched muscles at the back of the vagina and removes any excess tissue, creating a natural, tighter vaginal canal.
The surgeon will also correct any deformities and/or distortions in the intimate area. Since the surgery is performed inside the vagina, there is no visible scarring. Depending on your treatment plan, your vaginoplasty may include a labiaplasty or other aesthetic treatments.
Recovery for a vaginoplasty takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks. It’s important to follow all post-operative care instructions to ensure the smoothest recovery possible.
Pros and Cons of Surgical Vaginal Tightening
Some of the pros of surgical vaginal tightening are:
- A more natural, tighter vaginal canal
- Reducing or eliminating urinary incontinence
- Increased sexual satisfaction
- Increased self-confidence
- Correction of over-stretching, injury, or distortion
Some of the cons of surgical vaginal tightening are:
- Long recovery period
- Potential risks such as nerve damage, infection, loss of sensation, or bleeding.
- Any subsequent pregnancies/childbirth will affect the results
Exploring Non-Surgical Vaginal Tightening Options
For most women, a vaginoplasty isn’t necessary to address their vaginal discomfort!
Vaginal rejuvenation is a non-surgical, safe way to stimulate collagen production inside the vagina, creating a tighter, more lubricated, healthier vagina. It’s less invasive, has minimal downtime, and provides near-instant results.
DiVa Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation is one of the most popular ways mothers and menopausal women address their vaginal discomforts effectively without surgery!
How Non-Surgical Vaginal Tightening Works
DiVa Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation is an FDA-approved treatment that increases the thickness and elasticity of the vaginal wall.
This handheld device uses Hybrid Fractional Laser (HFL) technology to deliver two laser beams to the vaginal wall, creating a synergistic effect that resurfaces and heats the vaginal tissue.
This approach creates new vaginal tissue while increasing collagen production, essentially replacing the old vaginal tissue with new, healthy, fresh vaginal tissue.
Each diVa treatment takes approximately 5-10 minutes. For full diVa results, patients are scheduled for 3 treatment sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
While there is no downtime after a diVa treatment, it is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse or tampon insertion for 7-10 days.
After all 3 treatments, diVa vaginal rejuvenation results include enhanced vaginal control, increased lubrication, enhanced sensation, and more!
Benefits and Limitations of Non-Surgical Vaginal Tightening
Some of the pros of non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation are:
- Thickened vaginal walls
- Reducing or eliminating urinary incontinence
- Increased sexual satisfaction
- Increased self-confidence
- No downtime
- Each treatment takes 10 minutes or less
- No treatment pain
Some of the cons of surgical vaginal tightening are:
- More than one treatment required
- Potential risks such as irritation, infection, loss of sensation, or pain
- Results are gradual
- Any subsequent pregnancies/births will affect results
Comparing the Recovery Period: Surgical vs. Non-Surgical
While surgical and non-surgical vaginal treatments may have similar final results – a tighter, healthier, more satisfactory vagina – the recovery periods could not be more different.
Surgical vaginal treatments require more intensive recoveries, while a non-surgical rejuvenation treatment has little to no downtime.
Regardless of whether you require a surgical procedure or opt for a non-surgical rejuvenation, it’s important to closely follow all recovery instructions for optimal results.
Cost Comparison: Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Vaginal Tightening
A surgical vaginal procedure will generally be more expensive than a non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation treatment.
Depending on the medical need of a vaginoplasty, insurance may be able to cover some or all of the vaginoplasty procedure. Non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation is considered cosmetic, so insurance will likely not cover the procedure.
While numerous factors affect the cost of any surgical or cosmetic procedure, such as the surgeon’s experience, location, and the extent of procedure, a roundabout cost for a vaginoplasty is $6,000-$8,000 (additional anesthesia costs vary), while diVa vaginal rejuvenation goes for $4,500-$6,000 for all 3 treatments.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Non-Surgical Vaginal Tightening?
Women who are experiencing vaginal discomfort, including vaginal laxity, dryness, stress urinary incontinence, loss of vaginal sensation, and/or other vaginal dissatisfactions due to aging, weight loss, or pregnancy/childbirth are great candidates for non-surgical vaginal tightening options.
Ideally, a woman should be past her childbearing and breastfeeding days to allow for her body to fully heal after birth/breastfeeding. Any post-vaginal rejuvenation babies may affect results.
What to Expect During the Recovery Period From Non-Surgical Vaginal Tightening
One of the major draws to non-surgical vaginal tightening is the minimal recovery period.
Women can resume normal activities immediately after a diVa treatment. The only major things that ought to be avoided are vaginal intercourse (or anything inserted in the vagina, including tampons) and baths for 7-10 days after treatment.
Interested in Learning More About Vaginal Tightening Options? Contact Us Today!
Meet us at 19500 Sandridge Way, Suite 350, Leesburg, VA 20176, or call us at (703) 574-4342 for a complimentary consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Phillip Chang before moving forward with your procedure! If everything matches up, our team will help you navigate the entire process from beginning to end! Also, remember to check out our blog and social media for more information on plastic surgery and plastic surgery trends!
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