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Yoni, grapefruit, Vagina

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Today, people will go under the knife for just about anything. From breast augmentation to Brazilian butt lifts to lip enhancement to tummy tucks, cosmetic fine-tuning has become part of mainstream society. And recently, private body parts getting surgical attention: the vagina (and the vulva). We’re talking about the vaginal rejuvenation trend. Celebrities including Jada Pinkett Smith and Hazel E have undergone the procedure.

With Global Newswire reporting that it’s a multi-billion dollar industry, this type of procedure might seem almost casual and common at this point. However, experts actually have a lot to say about it – and it’s not all good. Does anyone really need vaginal rejuvenation? Or has the plastic surgery world just found one more insecurity to prey (and capitalize) on? Here’s everything you need to know about vaginal rejuvenation.

 

What Exactly Is Vaginal Rejuvenation?

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Vaginal rejuvenation applies to any procedure that alters the vulva or the vagina. There are several types of surgeries that fall under the category of vaginal rejuvenation, including labiaplasty (altering the appearance of the labia), vaginoplasty (loosening or tightening the vaginal muscles) and mons pubis reduction (the removal of fatty tissue above the vulva).

Why Get Vaginal Rejuvenation?

Yoni, grapefruit, Vagina

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There are a number of reasons vaginal rejuvenation occurs – some medical and some cosmetic. There are instances when doctors might recommend these types of procedures to a woman. For example, a woman with a particularly long labia can find it uncomfortable to sit down. Or her labia might be pushed inside her vagina during intercourse, which can be painful. In this case, a labiaplasty would be considered a medical procedure. Additionally, women who have had multiple children might have a prolapsed vagina or experience urinary incontinence. Vaginal rejuvenation can greatly improve their comfort during everyday activities.

Then there are strictly cosmetic procedures. If one’s vulva or vagina is not causing them any discomfort or pain, is functioning properly, and the procedure is just meant to perfect the appearance of the genital area, this is a cosmetic procedure. And many health experts advise against it. Furthermore, some women undergo vaginal muscle tightening to make penetrative sex feel better for their partner. However, these procedure comes with risks, and are not medically necessary.

What Are The Risks Of Vaginal Rejuvenation?

Yoni, grapefruit, Vagina

Cliff Booth

Even though the cosmetic surgery industry might market vaginal rejuvenation as a simple procedure, it is anything but. Recovery from certain types of vaginal rejuvenation can be lengthy and painful. Other risks include:

  • Pain during sex
  • Urinary incontinence
  • A change in sensation
  • Infection
  • Scar tissue

Can You Get Non-Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation?

Aesthetic gynecology. Intimate rejuvenation. doctor works with the device

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There are a number of procedures marketed to women wanting to rejuvenate their vaginas or vulvas without surgery. Three of the most common ones are:

  • ThermiVa
  • FemiLift
  • FemiTight

 

These might use a combination of light therapy, radio frequency and lasers to change the look or feel of the vagina or vulva. However, the FDA warns women against these, stating that their effects range from non-existent to dangerous.

The Truth About Vaginal Rejuvenation

Affectionate couple kissing over bed in bedroom

Caia Image

The truth is that most women do not need vaginal rejuvenation for medical purposes. The cosmetic industry is capitalizing on societal-imposed shame about how our vaginas “should” look. But there is no such thing as the perfect vagina. Vaginas can look many different ways and are all beautiful.

If your partner makes you feel any sense of shame around the appearance or feel of your genitals, that doesn’t mean you need to undergo a painful and possibly risky procedure. It might mean it’s time to find a partner who loves you for you – every part of you.

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