Cosmetic surgeries are the order of the day. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), nearly 18 million people underwent one of these minimally invasive processes in this country alone during 2018. Among the 5 most common we find breast augmentation (with almost 30% of all interventions), liposuction, rhinoplasty, abdominoplasty and facial surgery.
In addition to these data, it is interesting to know that labiaplasty, a cosmetic procedure in the vaginal area, has increased its statistics by 39% in the last few years.This translates into about 12,000 patients annually in the U.S. alone.
Vaginal cosmetic surgery is a little more complex to understand than others, since it is not based on a single procedure, but on multiple touch-ups that can range from the merely visual to the clinical. If you want to learn all about the world of vaginal cosmetic surgery including procedures, examples and prices, read on.
What is vaginal cosmetic surgery?
Also known as intimate surgery, this set of procedures is intended to correct the appearance of the female genitalia, improve vaginal muscle tone and decrease the internal and external diameter of the vagina, among other things. At this point it is important to note that there are multiple approaches to vaginal surgery, but we are going to show you the 3 most representative techniques within this surgical conglomerate. Let’s get to it.
Vaginoplasty
Vaginoplasty refers to any surgical procedure that results in the construction or reconstruction of the vagina.. It is important to note that vaginoplasty can be reconstructive or cosmetic. The former focuses on improving the functional anatomy of the organ, while the latter seeks a visual improvement. Simplifying things, it could be said that a reconstructive vaginoplasty is for clinical use.
In this first block, vaginoplasty is used to solve pathologies or atypical events such as the following: separation of the congenitally fused urethra and vagina, repair of a too short urethra, to solve a prolapse of the vaginal vault, for a vaginal suspension of fixation and as a treatment for many other pathologies.
Procedure
We focus on the aesthetic variant of vaginoplasty, that is, those interventions that are performed with the purpose of correcting flaccidity, tightening the vaginal muscles and then suturing them with resorbable stitches. This type of operation is performed in a time interval of about 90 minutes and requires local anesthesia although, depending on the extent of the procedure, it can also be considered the realization of a total anesthesia of the patient.
During the first month after the operation, sexual intercourse is not allowed. The typical postoperative pain disappears after 4-7 days, although it is not necessary to make great efforts. Even so, it is recommended to maintain post-operative care for 6-8 weeks after the intervention, depending on what is indicated by the relevant professional.
This type of cosmetic surgery is recommended for adults who do not contemplate having children or more children after the operation. Although there is no problem when giving birth after this procedure, during childbirth muscle tone achieved would be lost and would have to return to perform another intervention. Vaginoplasty for aesthetic purposes is contemplated in women who notice vaginal sagging, a fact that can hinder to some extent the course of sexual intercourse.
2. Labiaplasty
We change the subject a little, because labiaplasty is defined as a procedure that aims to alter the labia minora and labia majora, folds of skin surrounding the female vulva. Here we are facing a 100% aesthetic procedureIt is contemplated for women with congenital conditions such as intersex and those who experience physical or emotional discomfort because their external genital apparatus is “out of the norm”.
Procedure
As we have indicated in previous lines, in this case the aim is to cut and equalize the excess tissue present in the vaginal lips. This is a fairly quick process (about 40-60 minutes) that can be performed in the outpatient clinic, i.e. without the need for hospitalization. There are novel procedures that are performed with laser, which cuts and coagulates at the same time the amount of excess tissue.
Despite the fact that a very sensitive area is being operated on, recovery is quite fast and easy.. The operated patient can return to work 3-4 days after the intervention, although sexual activities are not contemplated until the scar has healed completely. The most common reasons for these interventions are the following: episodes of focal irritation, discomfort when practicing sports or having sex, difficulty in intimate hygiene and discomfort when wearing tight intimate apparel.
The labiaplasty has an advantage over vaginoplasty, and this is that the first is for life. According to specialized clinics, a labiaplasty does not alter its results at the time of giving birth or with the natural aging process. Even so, it is necessary to point out that this type of procedure does not increase sexual pleasure or the functionality of the organ itself. It is merely an aesthetic alteration, and this must be taken into account.
3. Liposuction of the mons pubis
The mons pubis is a rounded prominence of fatty tissue that covers the pubic bone, forming the anterior portion of the vulva. In this case, the aim is to to remove the excess fat that can be located in this place by means of a minimally invasive procedure.
Procedure
An almost imperceptible incision is made over which a cannula is introduced to aspirate the excess fat, but the scar is almost nonexistent. scarring is almost non-existent.. This process is very fast and basic, as it is performed under local anesthesia and in about 24-48 hours the patient can lead a normal life. In addition to removing the excess fat, it is usually used to reaffirm and tone the pubic contour.
Prices and considerations
Reconstructive vaginoplasty does not understand prices, because in this case we are looking to solve a clear physiological pathology in the patient, that is, it is a public health issue that is usually covered free of charge. On the other hand, aesthetic vaginoplasties are usually around 3,500 euros minimum (up to about 6,000 euros). (up to about 6,000 euros), a value that can increase drastically depending on the number of sessions that are necessary and the type of procedure to be performed.
On the other hand, being a much less invasive process and requiring less preparation, a labiaplasty is usually placed in an average price of 1,500 euros. This price usually includes all the preoperative and follow-up of the patient after the intervention, thus ensuring their long-term well-being.
Liposuction of the mons pubis, on the other hand, is also usually around an average price of 1,500-1,600 euros. Again, this is a fairly simple and quick process to perform, which is why it is usually relatively inexpensive.
Summary
As you may have read in these lines, vaginal or intimate cosmetic surgery is a whole world. Vaginoplasty is the most complex intervention of all, as it requires stitches and a slower and more expensive recovery than the rest: it is not aesthetically remodeling a portion of skin, but it is readjusting the vaginal musculature, a fact that requires patience and a relatively slow post-operative process.
On the other hand, labiaplasty and liposuction of the mons pubis are truly simple and quick processes, with an almost non-existent recovery period.. Although their prices are not a bargain, many people with average incomes can afford these types of surgeries throughout their lives without many problems.
We want to take advantage of these last lines to highlight a reality: sex should be a pleasure, and never a reason for shame or emotional discomfort. If you feel bad about the appearance of your genital area and you have the monetary means to do so, you can consider any of these surgeries without fear of what people will say, because the risks are minimal and the operation itself does not last in any case more than an hour and a half. Nobody should tell you what to do: your body, your rules.