What is vaginal rejuvenation?

You may already try to think where you have heard the above term, right? Probably from some influencer like Kim Kardashian that has openly talked about her vaginal rejuvenation. Driven by a massive increase in demand, the global vaginal rejuvenation market is expected to double in value in the next few years, reaching $12 billion by 2026.

Although the term is mostly associated with cosmetic reasons, vaginal rejuvenation may be needed for medical reasons too.

Let’s deep dive into both cases.

Vaginal rejuvenation is a broad term used for vaginal corrective treatments. These procedures are performed for cosmetic reasons or to solve age-related problems, such as lack of vaginal tightness and urinary incontinence.

The most common procedures performed under the umbrella of vaginal rejuvenation are:

1. Labiaplasty: Reshaping the labia or the “lips” of the vagina.
2. Vaginoplasty: Tightens or repairs the vaginal canal after childbirth.
3. Clitoral hood reduction: Removes extra tissue that covers the clitoris.
4. Monsplasty: Removes fatty tissue from the public bone area.
5. Vulvoplasty: Reshapes the vulvar area (external genitalia).
6. Perineoplasty: Strengthens the perineum.

All the above are surgical methods and are being performed under sedation or anesthesia, by a gynecologist or a plastic surgeon.

There are also non surgical procedures, with a shorter recovery time that help tighten and tone the vaginal area. Nonsurgical vaginal rejuvenation involves heating the top layers of vaginal tissue, which causes the underlying tissue to create extra collagen and new, firmer tissue.

Non surgical treatments include:

• CO2 laser treatment: The laser heats the upper layers of the tissue in the vagina, causing the tissue in the lower layers to make more collagen. This makes the skin firmer and tighter. Brand names of laser devices include MonaLisa Touch®, FemTouch® and FemiLift®.
• RF (radio frequency) treatment: RF treatment uses electromagnetic waves, similar to the waves used in a microwave (but to a lesser extent). RF waves heat the vaginal tissue, encouraging blood flow and collagen production. Brand names of RF devices include Viveve®, Emsella® and ThermiVA®.

Benefits of vaginal rejuvenation

• Improvement of the tightness of the vagina.
• Help with incontinence (leaking urine).
• Increase of lubrication and moisture.
• Increase of vaginal sensitivity and sensations.
• Strengthening the weak vaginal and pelvic muscles.
• Improvement of painful intercourse.
• Enhancement of the appearance of the vulvar area (labia, clitoris or vaginal opening).

Vaginal rejuvenation risks

Unfortunately not all vaginal rejuvenation procedures have been proven to be safe or effective and after them you may experience the above:

• Pain.
• Bleeding.
• Infection.
• Scarring.
• Painful sex (dyspareunia).

So, you understand that it is very important to consult with your doctor before deciding on performing any kind of treatment that may be unnecessary or harmful for your health. 

On this note, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) have warned against the above procedures, calling the marketing practices “deceptive.” They also recommend that you go through a careful evaluation with your gynecologist and understand the risks and complications before proceeding with vaginal rejuvenation procedures.

Does insurance cover vaginal rejuvenation?

Most insurances don’t cover this kind of procedure, simply because they are considered cosmetic and not medical procedures. However, there are exceptions like childbirth injuries or trauma, that may need vaginal rejuvenation and be covered from insurances. In any case, contact your insurance provider.

According to Jo Hill, MD, “It’s important that the patient is inquiring about these procedures for herself, and not because of the wishes of a partner or pressure from society,” Hill says.

It’s also important that any woman looking into vaginal rejuvenation to have realistic expectations of the outcomes. No cosmetic procedure is going to restore any part of your body to the way it was when you were 18. Also, keep in mind that the vagina has wide variety of “normal anatomy.”

“What is ideal to you is likely not ideal to someone else, and what one culture considers beautiful, another may not.”