We offer highly specialized surgery to restore and enhance the appearance of the vaginal area. These procedures, frequently referred to as “Vaginal Rejuvenation,” “Aesthetic Vaginal Surgery,” “Cosmetic Vaginal Surgery,” or “vaginoplasty,” resurfaces and tightens the tissues to reclaim the youthful appearance and function of the vulvar and vaginal area. In ordinary terms, the procedure is essentially a “facelift” for the vulva and vagina. Dr. Alinsod has developed and pioneered many innovative techniques in this newly evolving field of cosmetic surgery and is happy to offer these services to his patients.

Due to the effects of childbirth, aging, trauma, and/or genetics, the vaginal tissue and surrounding muscles can become stretched and lose their strength and tone. The loose and unsatisfying feeling that many women feel can also be felt by their male partner during intercourse. Labial enlargement, unevenness, or traumatic tears from childbirth can also affect the labia to make it look unappealing. This can result in discomfort with intimate contact, chronic rubbing, a pulling sensation, vulvar pain, and an inability to wear certain types of clothes such as tight jeans or swimsuits. Most women simply live with these symptoms but now help is available. Femininity can be restored.

These surgical procedures can increase friction during intercourse and can enhance intimacy. Furthermore, labial contouring, commonly referred to “labiaplasty,” can be performed in the office in an outpatient setting. Many patients have flown in to Southern California and have received the highest of care, personalized service, and outstanding results.

Dr. Alinsod has the distinct advantage and experience as a reconstructive pelvic surgeon enabling him to tackle even the most difficult of cosmetic vaginal/vulvar cases. Unlike a plastic surgeon, who typically has no training in the art of reconstructive pelvic surgery, or a general gynecologist, who has little to no training in aesthetic vaginal/vulvar procedures, Dr. Alinsod is able to treat the whole woman in terms of her aesthetic, gynecologic, and urologic health by addressing any incontinence and pelvic prolapse that may be present at the time of the cosmetic procedure. This broad base of knowledge and experience combined with a sharp focus on aesthetics makes Dr. Alinsod the surgeon of choice. He welcomes your inquiries.

WHAT IS VAGINAL REJUVENATION?

By Red M. Alinsod, M.D., FACOG, FACS, ACGE
November 16, 2008

One of the fastest-growing segments of cosmetic surgery is female genital surgery. Many phrases are used to describe what is surgically done and the catch-all phrase lay people have seen with increasing regularity is “vaginal rejuvenation.” The branded name “Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation” has even gained national attention in print and television. In reality, vaginal rejuvenation is a marketing term referring to vaginoplasty, or the surgical tightening of the vaginal canal. Birth trauma, tissue stretching, and improper surgical healing are the usual reasons for requesting vaginal rejuvenation. Surgery usually entails a modification of a standard gynecologic procedure called “posterior repair” along with rebuilding of the perineum (the space between the vagina and rectum). This procedure was traditionally performed for a fallen or prolapsed rectum or rectocele. A rectocele is a bulge of rectum going into the vagina. A similar appearing vaginal bulge is an enterocele. It is a bulge of small bowel going into the vagina. Gynecologists and urogynecologists have the most training performing these types of surgery. Lasers, scissors, cautery units, knives are used in surgery. Excellent results have been achieved by all these methods.

Urogynecologist are usually the specialists with the most advanced training in these types of advanced repairs. Vaginal rejuvenation typically takes about 60 minutes to complete depending on whether or not a rectocele or enterocele has to be repaired and if mesh or tissues are used to repair the vaginal hernias.

In recent years reconstructive pelvic surgeons and urogynecologist, with specific training in pelvic and vaginal surgery, have popularized these aesthetic genital procedures and have helped provide it legitimacy. It was only several years ago when cosmetic vaginal surgery was attacked vigorously by many medical practitioners as barbaric, unnecessary, and frivolous. However, baby boomers drove the acceptance of these procedures and fueled the growth of this subspecialty. Women did not want to live with unflattering, sagging, and large labia, nor did they want to live with gaping open vaginas and lack of sensation when having sexual relations. Both young women wanting a sleeker appearance of their genitals and older women wanting to repair the ravages of childbirth and time are at the forefront of demand to look and feel young again. Southern California became the birthplace of this movement.

There is great controversy on whether or not vaginal rejuvenation can improve the pleasure of intercourse or increase sexual desire. There are no randomized controlled studies showing that narrowing the vaginal canal improves orgasms or dramatically alters a woman’s sex life. Reports of improved sexual sensation from increased friction are by anecdotal experience and less scientific surveys. However, many couples do report more satisfying lovemaking, more tightness, and a belief that surgery has helped their sex lives.

There are only a handful of surgeons who perform these surgeries in adequate volumes to be proficient and adept. Technical skill is of paramount importance but having an artist’s eye is of equal value. Insurance companies do not typically cover vaginal rejuvenation. However, repair of cystocele, rectocele, enterocele, fallen uterus, and slings for incontinence are usually covered by medical insurance. Vaginal rejuvenation can be combined with pelvic prolapse repair at the same time. Some women even have their tummy tucks and breast augmentations done concomitantly as part of their “extreme makeover.”