Vaginal reconstructive surgery is a form of cosmetic surgery focusing on the area in and around the vagina. Some forms surgery, also called vaginoplasty, are cosmetic in nature, while others can be required for health reasons. Common surgeries include labiaplasty, vaginal reconstruction, and urinary incontinence surgery.
Labiaplasty, in most cases, is an elective cosmetic procedure. If the patient feels the labia minora or majora are larger or smaller than they should be, a cosmetic surgeon can mold the skin folds to the desired size. The labia minora refers to the innermost skin folds covering the vagina. The labia majora are the outermost skin folds. Labiaplasty can also be used to remove any darkening of the labia that may occur from hormonal changes and pregnancy.
Vaginal reconstruction can be requested for both medical and cosmetic reasons. There are multiple procedures that fall under this category, including vaginal rejuvenation, mons pubis reduction, and excess prepuce reduction. Vaginal rejuvenation can involve a tightening or loosening of the walls of the vagina. Mons pubis reduction can be used to reduce the size of the area below the stomach and above the clitoris. Excess prepuce reduction is used to remove any excess skin that is covering the clitoris, because an abundance of skin in this area can make orgasm difficult for the patient.
Medical reasons for vaginal reconstruction can vary from patient to patient. Some surgeons may wish to rule out all possible medical conditions before acknowledging that the surgery is purely cosmetic in nature. To eliminate any potential medical reasons, the patient be required to visit a gynecologist prior to the reconstructive surgery.
Urinary incontinence is a medical condition in which stress, like sneezing or coughing, causes a leak of urine to occur. Surgery can be used to control the leaking, and medical insurance may cover some, or all, of this type of procedure. One of the most common surgeries used to treat incontinence is the implantation of a sling. This sling can be used to make the urethra tighter, and prevent the urine leaks during times of stress.
Vaginal reconstructive surgery can be considered major surgery. Many of the procedures are performed in a hospital operating room under general anesthesia. The tools used to perform the procedures can include a laser, scalpel, and stitches. The surgeon’s fee varies according to individual procedures, and it may be charged in addition to those for anesthesia, use of an operating room, and any related hospital stay.