All women undergoing breast augmentation with implants will require at some point in their life a revision surgery: this is because implants don’t last forever and it is usually advised to change them with new ones after 10 to 15 years, although they may be able to last far longer than that.

Background photo created by nensuria – www.freepik.com

Reasons to remove breast implants

Reasons to request the implant explantation procedure vary from patient to patient and the exact procedure(s) performed on each patient vary accordingly. The following are some of the many reasons why patient ask for the removal of their breast implants.

Capsular contracture

Capsular contracture is the most common complication of breast augmentation procedures, with an incidence averaging 7-15%; we have a better understanding of this complication now than we had a decade ago and because of this some surgeons have been able to lower the incidence in their practices significantly to just 1-2% of cases. The management of capsular contracture is just surgical with the removal of part or the totality of the fibrous capsule; in some cases, the patients ask for a new implant to be placed, while in other cases they just want the implants removed.

Implant rupture

The rupture of a breast implant requires surgical management; after both the implant and the silicone gel are removed, a new implant may or may not be placed in exchange according to patient’s preference.

Dissatisfaction with the cosmetic result of the augmentation

Poor outcome from a primary cosmetic augmentation is one of the reasons patients request a breast revision. Rippling and wrinkling in underfilled saline implants, oversized implants, and malpositioned implants are some of the many causes of dissatisfaction with a breast augmentation. In these cases, breast revision surgery may involve repositioning of the implant, or removal of the old implant with selection of a more appropriate one, or in some cases just the removal of the implant without augmentation.

Implant pocket infection

Breast implant infection rates vary according to different sources from 1-35%. By following the latest infection control protocols, the rate of infection following breast augmentation can be effectively minimized to around or below 1%. Pre-Peri-Post Op antibiotic treatment, implant pocket irrigation with antiseptics and/or antibiotic solutions, the use of an introduction sleeve to avoid contact between the patient skin and the implant, and minimizing the time between the opening of the sterile implant packaging to the placement in the surgical pocket are just some of the many preventive strategies to minimize the risk of infection when performing a breast augmentation. In most cases, breast implant pocket infection can be successfully treated with an early antibiotic combination therapy; when antibiotics are not successful, breast implant removal is indicated, and it may or may not be replaced with a new implant according to patient’s preference.

Breast Implant Illness

Breast implant illness is an increasingly reported unofficial diagnosis for a diverse range of symptoms that may be linked to breast implants and to the immune response to foreign material inside the body. Some women request breast implant removal to address this issue.

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) worries

Although not recommended by any medical associations or government agencies, awareness of the slightly increased risk of developing BIA-ALCL in patients who have a textured breast implant has led to patients requesting implant removal for peace of mind. In some cases, they are swapped with smooth implants, while in others they simply opt for no augmentation anymore.

Patient Preference

Age related changes in the body or in the mindset, pregnancies, weight gain or weight loss, trends concerning the public opinion on breast implant and women’s image are some of the non-medical reasons for which a patient may choose to have her implant removed.

Other reasons

• Mammograms. Women at average risk for breast cancer are encouraged to get a yearly mammogram since age 40. This may prove difficult depending on implant size, implant placement and fibrous scar tissue formation.
• Pain due to the weight. Large natural breast is a known cause of upper back pain. The same can result from large implants in breast augmentation patients.
• Saving from recurrent costs. The FDA recommends performing implant rupture screenings for all patients with breast implants. An MRI is advised in all asymptomatic patients 5 years after surgery and then every two years. An MRI is also recommended when the patient experiences any symptom that may be due to implant rupture. Previous recommendations were to perform an MRI at year 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 post-surgery. Depending on your geographical location, MRIs may be quite costly.

Breast Implant removal procedures

Depending on the characteristics of the patient and the reason for undergoing the breast implant removal surgery, different procedures may be performed. When there are no symptoms or complication and the capsule is thin, it is generally left in place. Depending upon symptoms, complications and additional procedures to be performed, the fibrous capsule may be partially or totally removed.

Capsulotomy

A capsulotomy involves cutting into the capsule of fibrous tissue that formed around the implant living it in place. Usually, the implant pocket is accessed by performing an incision in the same place where the old scar from the augmentation is. This is the simplest and safest procedure for implant removal.

Partial Capsulectomy

A partial capsulectomy involves the excision of part of the fibrous capsule around the implant. The anterior section of the capsule is most commonly the one excised.

Total Capsulectomy

A total capsulectomy involves the removal of the whole fibrous capsule around the implant. It is more invasive and carries more risks than the previous two techniques. It may be indicated in patients with breast implant illness, or in case of implant rupture or in case of complicated capsular contracture (such as when the capsule is calcified).

En-Bloc Capsulectomy

An en-bloc capsulectomy is the removal of the whole fibrous capsule around the implant in a single piece, without breaking it apart. It requires a larger incision and it’s more invasive. It is generally indicated only in patients diagnosed with BIA-ALCL.

Additional procedures

When the implant is removed and not exchanged with a new one, patients may opt for additional procedures to address the excess breast skin and the ptosis. Some of the most commonly performed procedures are:

• Mastopexy, also known as breast lift.
• Fat graft, also known as fat transfer.
• Breast PRP also known as breast booster or vampire breast lift.

The most appropriate procedure will depend upon the patient’s characteristics and expectations.

Are there any risks to having breast implants removed?

Like any other medical or surgical procedure there are some risks and possible complications associated with this type of surgery. Anesthesia risks, asymmetry, bleeding, DVT, infection, changes in nipple/skin sensation, scarring, bad aesthetic result are some of the possible risks and complications which will be explained in detail by your plastic surgeon.

Breast implant removal cost

Cost of breast implant removal surgery will vary according to what procedure is specifically performed, if new implants are placed or other additional procedures are performed, what clinic and surgeon are chosen and the country where you undergo the procedure. If done for medical reasons it may be covered by your health insurance.

In the US the price for just the breast implant removal is in the 2,500-4,500 USD range.

In Australia it costs around 4,000-7,000 AUD (3,100-5,400 USD).

In the UK the price for removal only is around 3,000-6,000 GBP (4,150-8,300 USD).

In Thailand breast implant removal costs 60,000-100,000 THB (1,900-3,200 USD).

Sources

• 2018-2019 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report
  American Society of Plastic Surgeons  (ASPS)
  https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2019/plastic-surgery-statistics-full-report-2019.pdf
• Not All Breast Explants Are Equal: Contemporary Strategies in Breast Explantation Surgery.
  N Tanna – Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Apr 2021
  DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000007784
• Long-term effects of breast aging in patients undergoing explantation: analysis of breast aesthetics from before augmentation to after explantation.
  KZ Paydar – Annals of Plastic Surgery, Apr 2013
  DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/sap.0b013e31828b7e2c
• Abstract: Breast Implant Infection Can be Successfully Treated with Nonsurgical Therapy.
  M Rivera – Plastic and Recostructive Surgery, Sep 2017
  DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.1097%2F01.GOX.0000526242.11487.ef
• Breast Implants – Certain Labeling Recommendations to Improve Patient Communication.
  US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Sep 2020
  https://www.fda.gov/media/131885/download
• The Art of Aesthetic Surgery – Principles and Techniques, 3^rd Edition
  F Nahai – Thieme, 2020
  ISBN: 978-1-68420-036-8

Richard Troy

Medical Blogger committed to accuracy, I am passionate about delivering my readers critical insights into the medical field.
Former paramedic, instructor and medical school student.
You can read more about me in the dedicated section of the website.

www.medtravel.asia/about-richard-troy-medical-blogger/

The post Breast implant removal guide – Reasons and Options appeared first on MedTravel Asia.

Protruding ears, also called prominent ears as well as with many other names, are ears of normal size that stick out far from the sides of the face; unlike other facial features, the unbalance created by protruding ears easily catches the attention and is often cause of teasing and bullying in children. For this reason, the ear pinning surgery is commonly performed on young children around age 6 when the ear is already 85% of its adult size, but there’s still demand for this surgery also in the adult population.

Protruding ears are an autosomal dominant trait and are present in about 5% of the population.

Woman photo created by evening_tao – www.freepik.com

Surgical correction of ear sticking out

Otoplasty for ears of normal size that stick out is preferably performed under sedation or general anesthesia when the patient is a child or teenager, but it can be performed also with local anesthesia which is the usual choice in adults.

There are several different techniques available for ear pinning and the choice of the surgical approach will depend on the patient’s age (younger patients have softer cartilage, while adults have stiffer cartilage) patient’s anatomy and expectations and on the surgeon’s experience. The general approach is to make a half moon or spindle-shaped incision in the back of the ear removing the skin and subcutaneous tissue and exposing the cartilage which is then sutured with resorbable stitches to correct the protrusion; in some cases, it may be indicated to excise part of the cartilage as well or an anterior incision may be needed too, but it will be hidden in the inner folds of the ear. The whole procedure generally takes less than 2 hours. The results are immediate and permanent, although there may be some minor changes over a few weeks due to swelling.

Ear pinning surgery is not recommended in children younger than 4-5 as their ears are still in a development and growth stage.

Risks of otoplasty

The otoplasty for prominent ears is not a risky procedure, but as any other medical or surgical therapy there are always risks. Hematoma, scarring and infection are the main risks, chondritis (inflammation of the cartilage) is very rare but possible. There is also risk of undercorrection or overcorrection resulting in ears still prominent or too flat against the head after surgery; lastly there is the risk of asymmetry between the two ears.

Changes in skin sensation of the ear are normal due to damage to the sensory nerves, but they resolve over time.

Most patients are satisfied and pleased with the outcome after undergoing this surgery.

Recovery from ear pinning surgery

The surgeon may prescribe antibiotics and pain medications. A dressing is left postoperatively for up to a week. After the removal of the dressing, it is advised to wear a sport headband for a couple of weeks during nighttime only. Physical activity and sleeping on the side should be avoided for a few weeks after surgery.

Non-surgical ear pinning

It is possible to modify the shape and position of the ears without surgery by using splints, bandages or tapes; unfortunately, this is possible only during the first weeks of life in newborns when the cartilage is still elastic, soft and malleable.

Another technique, offered in some private practices, is the incisionless otoplasty: it consists of placing stitches to pin back the ears without making any incision and without removing any tissue. It is minimally invasive, has short operative time, low rate of complications and fast recovery. Not every patient is a good candidate for this technique.

Cost of otoplasty

Price for ear pinning surgery (otoplasty) varies depending on the geographical location, surgical technique, and chosen clinic and surgeon.

In the USA, price for otoplasty for both ears is around 4,000 to 8,000 USD.

In the UK, ear pinning surgery starts at around 2,500-3,500 GBP (3,400-4,800 USD)

In Australia the pinnaplasty costs around 5,000-8,000 AUD (3,800-6,100 USD)

In Thailand, price for ear pinning surgery for both ears is about 50,000-90,000 THB (1,600-2,850 USD)

Sources

• The Incisionless Otoplasty Technique.
  A Gantous – JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, Sep 2018
  DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamafacial.2018.0670
• Essentials of Aesthetic Surgery
  JE Janis – Thieme, 2018
  ISBN 978-1-62623-867-1
• Plastic Surgery, 4^th Edition, Vol 2
  JP Rubin – Elsevier, 2018
  ISBN: 978-0-323-35702-9
• International Textbook of Aesthetic Surgery
  N Scuderi – Springer, 2016
  ISBN 978-3-662-46599-8
  DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-46599-8
• The Art of Aesthetic Surgery – Principles and Techniques, 2^nd edition
  F Nahai – CRC Press, 2010
  ISBN: 978-1-4822-4166-2

Richard Troy

Medical Blogger committed to accuracy, I am passionate about delivering my readers critical insights into the medical field.
Former paramedic, instructor and medical school student.
You can read more about me in the dedicated section of the website.

www.medtravel.asia/about-richard-troy-medical-blogger/

The post Ear pinned back surgery (Pinnaplasty or Otoplasty) for protruding ears appeared first on MedTravel Asia.

The hymen is a thin membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening. It has great variability in shape among women: it may have a single opening which varies in size or may have multiple openings separated by bands of tissue or may have no opening, as well as it may simply be completely absent since birth. When present, it may also be thin and flexible or thick and rigid.  Moreover, its rupture may occur not only following sexual intercourse, but also due to physical activity, to trauma, or even just by inserting a tampon. Lastly, not all first sexual intercourse with an intact hymen result in pain and/or bleeding or in injury to the hymen.

So, unlike popular belief and similarly to other designer vagina procedures there is no standard for what a virgin vagina should look like.

Nevertheless, due to popular culture, religion and to sociocultural beliefs there is a demand for hymen restoration surgery all over the world, often sought-after right before wedding as a proof of virginity and purity for the soon-to-be husband.

In rare cases, some women seek the hymenoplasty as part of the healing process following sexual assault, although in this case counseling and psychotherapy are advised before undergoing surgery.

Hymenoplasty procedure

The hymen repair surgery is a very controversial cosmetic/reconstructive procedure. It will not necessarily cause bleeding after sexual intercourse nor it will necessarily change the feeling for the partner during intercourse.

There are several techniques available and they mainly consist in the suturing of the remnants of the hymen together with resorbable stitches, following different patterns. Some surgeons may decide to take a small amount of tissue (graft) from the vaginal canal and use it to reconstruct part or all of the hymen.

The hymenoplasty is a quick procedure lasting less than 30 minutes and requiring just local anesthesia. After the procedure the patient is advised to refrain from sexual activity for 2-6 weeks.

There are no large population studies on this type of surgery and patients often don’t follow up after the procedure. According to anecdotal evidence, the surgery seems to be successful in most cases.

Risks of hymen repair surgery

The hymenoplasty procedure is one of the least described genital procedures in plastic surgery. Surgeons categorize it as safe and with minimal risk. In a 2018 study on 9 women undergoing hymen restoration, 7 presented at 30-day follow-up and 3 presented at 90-day follow up, with no complications noted in any case.

Costs of hymenoplasty

Price varies depending on the chosen surgeon and clinic, on the technique used, and on the country where you undergo surgery.

In the US it costs between 2,000 USD and 4,000 USD.

In the UK the price varies between 2,000 GBP and 3,000 GBP (2,600-3,900 USD).

In Thailand it starts around 30,000 THB (950 USD).

Sources

• Luminal Reduction Hymenoplasty: A Canadian Experience With Hymen Restoration.
  M Vojvodic, F Lista – Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Jun 2018
• Female Cosmetic Genital Surgery – Concepts, Classification, and Techniques.
  CA Hamori, PE Banwell, R Alinsod – Thieme, 2017
• International Textbook of Aesthetic Surgery
  N Scuderi, BA Toth – Springer, 2016

Richard Troy

Medical Blogger committed to accuracy, I am passionate about delivering my readers critical insights into the medical field.
Former paramedic, instructor and medical school student.
You can read more about me in the dedicated section of the website.

www.medtravel.asia/about-richard-troy-medical-blogger/

The post Virginity restoration: hymenoplasty or hymen repair surgery appeared first on MedTravel Asia.

During their life, up to 76% of women will experience decreased genital sensation, mainly described as a feeling of a wide vagina; this may be due to the physiologic aging process, weight gain and weight loss, pregnancy and childbirth. For this reason, there has been a rise in demand for surgeries to increase the sensation of the female genitalia which can result in improved sexual satisfaction both for the patients and for their partners. Moreover, the cosmetic vaginoplasty by tightening up the muscles may also alleviate stress urinary incontinence (SUI) which is the leakage of urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising but this may require the execution of a perineoplasty at the same time depending on the specific case.

Cosmetic vaginoplasty procedure

The cosmetic vaginoplasty can be performed both under local and general anesthesia, although most patients prefer the general anesthesia option; at the same time, a pudendal block is often performed: it is a type of local anesthesia that uses lidocaine to block signals from the pudendal nerves which innervate the pelvic region, thus relieving pain for 16-24h after surgery. Surgery lasts 1 to 2 hours and other designer vagina procedures may be performed at the same time. There are a few different surgical techniques: lateral vaginoplasty, anterior vaginoplasty, posterior vaginoplasty and laser vaginal rejuvenation (LVR).

Depending on the patient’s characteristics, symptoms and expectations and after consultation and careful examination the surgeon will advise the best technique; the surgeon’s knowledge and experience will influence the choice as well.

The different surgical procedures provide a slightly different outcome and have a slightly different risk profile.

In all surgical techniques, an incision on the vaginal mucosa is made and the tissues are dissected to reach the underlying fascia and muscles. After tightening up the muscles and the fascia with resorbable sutures, the excess vaginal mucosa is resected and the edges are stitched. For the superficial stitching non resorbable sutures may be used which will require removal after 8-14 days.

Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation (LVR)

Laser vaginal rejuvenation (LVR) is a trademarked term by Dr. Matlock a gynecologist in Beverly Hills, California, who in the 1990s marketed the colpoperineoplasty procedure for cosmetic purposes conducted with a laser cutting tool. In this case, laser does not indicate that is one of the nonsurgical options for vaginal rejuvenation, but that the tool used to cut is a laser which minimizes the bleeding. Depending on the surgeon, other surgical tools that may be used to cut are the scalpel and scissors, the electrocautery and the radiofrequency devices.

Cosmetic Vaginal Tightening Recovery

The cosmetic vaginoplasty may be carried out in an outpatient setting or may require a 1-night up to 3-nights inpatient stay, depending on the surgery.

After the procedure you should rest for about 1 week before resuming work and daily activities; during this time the area will need to be washed gently with soapy water and there may be some pain, but you’ll be prescribed a pain medication and antibiotics to cover that and to prevent infections.

You should refrain from activities such as lifting something heavy, strenuous exercising, riding bikes, motorbikes, or horses for 4-8 weeks as well as avoid penetrative intercourse for about 6 weeks. Tampons should also not be inserted for a few weeks, stick to your surgeon’s advice.

Vagina Tightening Contraindication

There are a few contraindications to the cosmetic vaginoplasty:

• Future pregnancy. If you are planning to get pregnant in the future, the vaginoplasty may not be indicated for you.
• Severe stress urinary incontinence. If you want this surgery to address severe stress urinary incontinence, this may not be your best option: talk with your gynecologist.
• Vaginal prolapse. If you suffer from vaginal prolapse or pelvic organ prolapse, this is not the right surgery for you, talk with your gynecologist.
• If upon physical examination there is no looseness of the vaginal mucosa and good muscle tone, you may not need this surgery at all, or you may want to check the noninvasive options for vagina rejuvenation.
• If you have active infections, you should get those treated before undergoing surgery.

Surgical Vagina Rejuvenation risks and complications

As any other medical or surgical procedure there are some risks involved when undergoing a cosmetic vaginoplasty.

Surgery will cause some swelling of the tissues for up to 4 weeks and for this reason may cause troubles in emptying the bladder; in this case, a catheter is placed for a few days.

Overcorrection may result in painful intercourse and will require the use of dilators.

Other risks of this surgery are the risk of localized infection, postoperative bleeding, wound breakdown, recurrent vaginal laxity or decreased sensation, vaginal pain, cystotomy, proctotomy, and fistulae.

Most patients don’t experience complications and are satisfied with the surgery; to reduce the risks, it is important to choose a skilled surgeon with extensive experience in vagina rejuvenation procedures.

Price of cosmetic vaginoplasty

The cost of the surgical vaginal rejuvenation varies depending on the chosen surgeon and clinic, on the type of vaginoplasty procedure performed (laser or traditional, anterior, posterior, etc.), nights spent in the hospital, and on the country where you are undergoing treatment.

On average, in the USA the price of the cosmetic vaginoplasty is 7,500-9,500 USD

In Australia, the price is 10,400-12,000 AUD (7,350-8,500 USD).

In the UK the price for cosmetic vaginoplasty starts at around 6,000 GBP (7,850 USD).

In Thailand, the average price of cosmetic vaginal tightening surgery is 38,000-116,000 THB (1,200-3,700 USD).

Sources

• Cosmetic Mucosal Vaginal Tightening (Lateral Colporrhaphy): Improving Sexual Sensitivity in Women with a Sensation of Wide Vagina.
  C Adamo, M Corvi – Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal, Jun 2009
• Aesthetic Vaginal Plastic Surgery.
  L Triana – Springer, 2020
• The Unfavorable Result in Plastic Surgery – Avoidance and Treatment, 4^th Edition
  MN Cohen, SR Thaller – Thieme, 2018
• Female Cosmetic Genital Surgery – Concepts, Classification, and Techniques.
  C Hamori – Thieme, 2017
• American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

Richard Troy

Medical Blogger committed to accuracy, I am passionate about delivering my readers critical insights into the medical field.
Former paramedic, instructor and medical school student.
You can read more about me in the dedicated section of the website.

www.medtravel.asia/about-richard-troy-medical-blogger/

The post Cosmetic Vaginoplasty: surgical vaginal tightening and rejuvenation appeared first on MedTravel Asia.

The perineoplasty in one of the many medical and surgical treatments available falling into the category of designer vagina procedures.

Due to aging, pregnancy, childbirth, episiotomy, obesity or extreme weight loss, the perineal region may suffer some physical trauma and damage:

• muscles may stretch and lose elasticity or tear
• visible scars may be present in the perineal region or excess skin may be present
• internal scarring may cause the region to be tight, unable to stretch, with adhesions of different tissues stuck together, causing pain or other symptoms.
• the perineal body, which is a tendon in the central perineal region supporting the pelvic floor where all perineal muscles converge and attach, may suffer damage and need to be repaired.

In these cases, a perineoplasty may be performed to address the issues, or it may be paired with other procedures such as a labiaplasty or a vaginoplasty for best and improved results.

By Openstax – https://cnx.org/contents/FPtK1zmh@8.25:fEI3C8Ot@10/Preface, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64290344

Indications of cosmetic perineoplasty

A perineoplasty may be indicated when one or more of the following is present:

• Excess perineal skin
• Visible scarring
• Non-elastic hard scarring tissue on physical examination.
• Loose perineal muscle tone.
• Weak / loose vaginal opening
• Visible / exposed vaginal mucosa

Cosmetic Perineoplasty Procedure

The perineoplasty procedure may be performed with local anesthesia with or without a pudendal block and with or without sedation, or with epidural anesthesia, or with general anesthesia. It may be performed in an outpatient setting or require a 1-day in hospital stay, depending on the surgery. Surgery generally takes about 1 hour, or it may take longer if more than one procedure is performed at the same time. It can be performed with a traditional scalpel or with laser, electrocautery or radiofrequency cutting devices.

An incision is made in the midline of the perineal area or a U / V shaped incision may be made depending on the case; muscles are tightened, the perineal body and muscle tears may be repaired if needed; scar tissue is excised as well as excess skin. All internal tissues are sutured using absorbable stitches, while the skin may be sutured using non-resorbable sutures that will be removed 8-14 days after surgery. By tightening the perineal tissues, the vaginal opening will result tighter as well and the labia will be closer together.

After surgery you will be prescribed oral antibiotics and oral pain medication. The area should be kept clean and dry and tight garments should be avoided for the first week. 4-6 weeks after surgery you may be able to resume strenuous activities and sexual intercourse.

Contraindication to the perineoplasty

The consultation with the surgeon will make sure the surgery is right for you.

Patients for which the perineoplasty may not be indicated include:

• Patients looking to improve their own sexual gratification. A perineoplasty alone won’t help with that; by tightening the vaginal opening, the perineoplasty may improve male’s sexual satisfaction, but for a woman it is more indicated a vaginoplasty or a combination of vaginoplasty and perineoplasty known as colpoperineoplasty.
• Patients wanting to address vaginal canal laxity or sensation of internally wide vagina.
• Pregnant patients or willing to have children in the future.
• Patients with active infections
• Patients with unrealistic expectations

Risks and complications

Overcorrection may result in painful sexual intercourse or in perineal tears. This may be corrected with the use of special dilators over the course of several weeks.

Improper suturing may cause wound dehiscence, which is the reopening of the surgical wound; this is because the perineal muscles are very strong, and suturing must be done properly.

Other risks or complications resulting from the perineoplasty are scarring, healing problems, hematoma, infection, chronic pain, and failure to meet the expectations of the patient.

Price of the cosmetic perineoplasty

The costs vary depending on the chosen surgeon and clinic, on the surgical technique, and the country where you are undergoing surgery.

In the USA, the average price for a cosmetic perineoplasty is 5,500-7,500 USD.

In the UK, the average cost of the perineoplasty is 3,000-4,400 GBP (3,900-5,700 USD).

In Thailand, you can expect to pay 30,500-51,000 THB (975-1,600 USD) for the cosmetic perineoplasty.

Sources

• Vaginoplasty and Perineoplasty.
  HJ Furnas, FL Canales – Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open Journal, Nov 2017
• Aesthetic Vaginal Plastic Surgery.
  L Triana – Springer, 2020
• Female Cosmetic Genital Surgery – Concepts, Classification, and Techniques.
  C Hamori – Thieme, 2017
• The Unfavorable Result in Plastic Surgery – Avoidance and Treatment, 4^th Edition
  MN Cohen, SR Thaller – Thieme, 2018

Richard Troy

Medical Blogger committed to accuracy, I am passionate about delivering my readers critical insights into the medical field.
Former paramedic, instructor and medical school student.
You can read more about me in the dedicated section of the website.

www.medtravel.asia/about-richard-troy-medical-blogger/

The post Cosmetic Perineoplasty: perineum and vaginal opening tightening and enhancement appeared first on MedTravel Asia.

The mons pubis or pubic mound is the round fat deposit located in front of the pubic bone, extending vertically from the upper part of the labia majora to the lower part of the abdomen and extending horizontally between the two inguinal folds. Starting from puberty, due to estrogen the fat deposit starts growing and with physiologic aging, pregnancy, genetics or weight gain it can create a bulge which may be very hard to get rid of even with rigorous diet and exercise. There may also be sagging, usually due to aging or fat loss.

By constantly seeing images in the medias of women with perfect bodies, with the widespread intimate waxing or permanent hair removal procedures which uncovered an area once invisible because covered in hair, and with bikinis and tight clothing being part of today’s fashion trends, women around the world became self-conscious about the mons pubis and often look for a way to fix it.

Mons pubis surgical procedures

Depending on the characteristics and on the expectations of the patient, there are several different surgical techniques available to address the mons pubis bulge.

Mons pubis liposuction without lift is a procedure that may be indicated in younger women who still possess elastic skin, while those with stretched skin or considerable volume to remove may have unaesthetic excess skin left by undergoing liposuction alone.

Mons pubis liposuction – Tumescent technique

Liposuction is a well-known procedure consisting in the insertion of a cannula which removes fat tissue through suction. The tumescent technique is a safer and better liposuction technique:

• It does not require general anesthesia
• It is an outpatient procedure, not requiring overnight hospital stay
• Does not require blood transfusion
• It is less invasive and less traumatic
• It uses smaller cannulas

Mons pubis liposuction with the tumescent technique starts with the injection of the tumescent solution, a mix of:

• Adrenalin, being a vasoconstrictor it minimizes blood loss, meaning also less swelling and bruising and faster recovery.
• Lidocaine, a local anesthetic effective for carrying out a completely painless procedure without requiring general anesthesia thus avoiding its risks.
• Normal saline to dilute and increase volume
• Sodium bicarbonate which reduces the acidity of the solution therefore reducing the discomfort from the injection itself.

After the onset of the anesthetic effect, the surgeon performs two small incisions concealed in the inguinal folds, one on each side, and then inserts a small cannula to suction the fat tissue. After removing an adequate amount of fat tissue, the incisions are closed with fine sutures.

After the procedure a compression garment is usually worn for 4-6 weeks and a moisturizing cream may be indicated as well. Some numbness in the area is normal and resolves in a couple of weeks.

Mons pubis lift with lipectomy

Mons pubis lift is performed with a horizontal and slightly curved incision on the bikini line. A spindle shaped portion of skin is excised to achieve the lift and then skin is sutured using resorbable stitches. The surgery can be coupled with a lipectomy, the surgical excision of fat tissue, or with a liposuction to also reduce the volume of the mons pubis while tightening the skin. The procedure may be carried out under local anesthesia or if coupled with an abdominoplasty it will require general anesthesia. Depending on the extent of the procedure, drains may be placed for 1-2 days.

After surgery a compression garment is worn for a couple of weeks and physical activity should be limited for 2-6 weeks. The final results can be seen about 6 months after surgery.

Mons pubis noninvasive medical procedures

There are also several ways to address skin laxity and the fat pad in the mons pubis region with noninvasive medical treatments such as with CoolSculpting, Vanquish, SculpSure, Ultrashape and Thermage devices which work using cold, radiofrequency, laser, ultrasounds and infrared thermal energy respectively.

Not all patients are good candidates for these non-invasive treatments, and you should not expect major changes for which surgery is the best option.

Risks of monsplasty

The monsplasty is generally a safe and effective procedure, but as any other medical or surgical procedure it carries some risks: infection, scarring, bleeding, damage to nerves or to surrounding structures, poor aesthetic result and dissatisfaction with the procedure are among the possible complications.

Costs of the monsplasty

The price varies depending on the chosen clinic and surgeon, on the country where you’re undergoing surgery and on the specific procedures performed.

On average, in the USA the cost for the mons pubis liposuction alone starts at 2,500 USD up to 7,000 USD when coupled with the mons pubis lift.

In the UK the price starts at 2,000 GBP up to 5,000 GBP (2,600-6,600 USD)

In Thailand the cost starts from 50,000 THB for the tumescent liposuction up to 85000 THB for the mons pubis lift. (1,600-2,500 USD).

Sources

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
• The Art of Aesthetic Surgery – Principles and Techniques, 2^nd Edition
  F Nahai – Quality Medical Publishing, 2011
• Aesthetic and Functional Labiaplasty
  S Gress – Springer, 2017
• Unfavorable Results In Plastic Surgery : Avoidance And Treatment.
  M Cohen, SR Thaller – Thieme, 2018

Richard Troy

Medical Blogger committed to accuracy, I am passionate about delivering my readers critical insights into the medical field.
Former paramedic, instructor and medical school student.
You can read more about me in the dedicated section of the website.

www.medtravel.asia/about-richard-troy-medical-blogger/

The post Monsplasty: mons pubis liposuction with pubic lift appeared first on MedTravel Asia.

The labiaplasty is one of the many “designer vagina” procedures available today, sometimes called vaginal rejuvenation treatments and surgeries.

Although there is no standard aesthetic for the female genitalia, due to celebrity trends and media attention, the growing inclination to wax, shave or permanently remove hair from the genital area, and to the widespread availability of images on the internet as well as pornography, women are becoming more self-conscious about their genital appearance; the inner labia have great genetic variability as well as they change during life due to pregnancy and childbirth, weight gain and weight loss, physiologic aging process, trauma and several other factors. Nevertheless, ideally most people nowadays would describe the perfect inner labia as small and thin, symmetrical, straight, not visible in the standing position, meaning not protruding past the labia majora, and light colored.

Indications for labia minora reduction surgery

Beside willing to improve the look of the genitalia, other reasons to seek a labiaplasty are for a better hygiene and chronic urinary tract infections, irritation, to address pain or discomfort during activities such as riding the bicycle or while wearing tight clothing, and to address sexual issues such as the labia minora tendency to get tucked in during penetration making it difficult or painful.

The labiaplasty procedure

There are a few different surgical techniques available when performing labia minora reduction surgery. Moreover, the procedure is often coupled with other cosmetic genital surgeries: this is because addressing one single component of the external female genitalia may cause an imbalance in the others; in the case of the labiaplasty, not considering the clitoral hood may lead to an excessively protruding and visible clitoral hood, which previously may have been harmonious with the labia minora. In other cases, a perineoplasty or vaginoplasty may be combined with labia minora reduction to achieve both external and internal rejuvenation. For this reason, a patient may have more than one procedure performed either at the same time or in multiple stages.

The choice of the surgical technique depends upon the surgeon’s experience and the patient’s anatomy and expectations or aesthetic goals; the labiaplasty in general has a high satisfaction rate exceeding 90% of patients.

All techniques may be performed with local anesthesia with or without sedation, or with general anesthesia and it is most commonly an outpatient procedure that can be performed in a doctor’s office. Antibiotics may be given prior to the procedure in order to minimize the risk of infections. The whole procedure takes 1 to 2 hours depending on the anesthesia, surgical technique, anatomical characteristics of the patient, and patient’s goals.

Edge trim labiaplasty

The edge trim labiaplasty is the first technique that was used in labia minora reduction surgery. It consists in the excision of the excess skin with a scalpel, surgical scissors, or a laser, radiofrequency, electrocautery device. After removing the redundant tissue, the wound is closed using resorbable sutures. This is the easiest technique to perform with shortest operative time, but the disadvantage is the scar along the labia minora edge which may cause discomfort, the possibility of having an irregular or asymmetric labial edge, visible color difference between the edge and the labia, and increased risk of over resection when compared to the wedge technique.

Wedge labiaplasty

The wedge labiaplasty consists in the excision of a V-shaped wedge out of the central portion of the labia, pulling the remaining skin together with absorbable sutures.  The advantages of the wedge labiaplasty include the preservation of the natural edge of the labia minora and a hidden scar which is less likely to cause discomfort or pain. Among the disadvantages of the wedge technique there is the possible color mismatch between the two flaps of inner lip stitched together.

Recovery from labia minora reduction surgery

The patient can usually go home on the same day after the procedure. An icepack may help reduce the discomfort and swelling and laying with the pelvis elevated will help reduce the swelling as well. Loose underwear and clothing are advisable to prevent rubbing on the surgical site. Return to work is usually possible within one week. The surgical wound should be kept dry and clean.

A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled about 3 weeks after the procedure to evaluate the healing and remove any suture not yet dissolved. Some itching is to be expected while the wound heals and stitches are resorbed. The patient should refrain from sexual activity and any strenuous exercise for about 6 weeks. Activities that put pressure on the area should also be avoided, such as riding a motorbike. Some bruising, swelling and soreness are normal and will take few weeks to subside. Pain medication will be prescribed to cope with the pain or discomfort.

Complete healing with no more residual swelling takes about 6 months, after which any revision surgery may be scheduled in case of dissatisfaction with the results.

Risks and complications of the labiaplasty

Like any other medical or surgical procedure, there are some risks involved when undergoing a labiaplasty. Among the possible risks and complications there are the risk of reaction to the anesthesia, bleeding, infection, wound dehiscence (reopening of the surgical wound), scarring, over resection, changes in sensitivity, and dissatisfaction with the aesthetic result.

Price of Labiaplasty

The cost of labiaplasty depends on many variables such as the geographical location, the chosen clinic and surgeon, type of anesthesia and surgical technique.

On average, the price for a labiaplasty in the USA is 3,000-8,000 USD.

In the UK labia minora reduction costs 1,500-5,000 GBP (1,950-6,500 USD).

In Australia the labiaplasty costs 4,500-6,500 AUD (3,200-4,650 USD).

In Thailand the price for the labia minora reduction is 38,500-90,000 THB (1,250-2,900 USD).

Performing more than one procedure at the same time will likely result in some savings.

Sources

• Aesthetic and Functional Labiaplasty.
  S Gress – Springer, 2017
• Female Cosmetic Genital Surgery – Concepts, Classification and Techniques
  CA Hamori – Thieme, 2017
• Essentials of Aesthetic Surgery.
  JE Janis – Thieme, 2018
• Labia Minora Reduction Techniques: A Comprehensive Literature Review.
  CM Oranges, A Sisti – Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Jun 2015
• Labia Minora, Labia Majora, and Clitoral Hood Alteration: Experience-Based Recommendations.
  JG Hunter – Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Jan 2016
• American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
• Labiaplasty Minora Reduction.
  RN Willis, CS Wong – StatPearls, Sep 2020
• Indications, Techniques and Complications of Labiaplasty.
  AU Gowda, N Chopra – Open Access Journal of Plastic Surgery, Aug 2015

Richard Troy

Medical Blogger committed to accuracy, I am passionate about delivering my readers critical insights into the medical field.
Former paramedic, instructor and medical school student.
You can read more about me in the dedicated section of the website.

www.medtravel.asia/about-richard-troy-medical-blogger/

The post Labiaplasty: labia minora reduction surgery appeared first on MedTravel Asia.

Labia majora reduction indications

The labia majora, like other parts of the body such as the face, with aging lose volume, which can result in drooping or sagging. Obesity may cause them to increase volume, become puffy and stretch and a subsequent weight loss may result in stretched, wrinkled, deflated labia majora with considerable skin laxity.

There is also great genetic variability as well as environmental factors that play a role in the shape and size of the labia majora. Pregnancy and childbirth may also contribute to a change in shape and size of the vulva.

Voluminous labia majora may cause embarrassment in women, due to what is commonly known as “camel toe”, the visible bulging when wearing swimsuits, underwear or tight pants. They may also cause hygiene issues or discomfort while performing certain activities such as riding a bicycle.

Labia majora reduction may address all of these issues with:

• Skin excision, when only excess skin is present
• Liposuction, in selected patient with too much fullness of the labia majora
• Skin and subcutaneous fat excision, with or without liposuction, when wanting to address both the skin laxity and the excess volume.
• Labia majora augmentation may also be performed to address deflated labia majora and is generally done with autologous fat grafting.

Labia majora reduction surgery

The majoraplasty procedure may be carried out in the OR with IV sedation or in the doctor’s office with local anesthesia depending on the case. It takes about 1 hour when performed by an experienced surgeon and it is an outpatient procedure. After careful planning the surgeon draws the markings outlining the tissue to remove. The area is sterilized and the surgeon proceeds to cut using a traditional scalpel, or a radiofrequency, laser or electrocautery device; the labia majora are very vascular so using such devices may help with controlling the bleeding. After the skin or skin and subcutaneous fatty tissue are removed, the surgeon places resorbable sutures with great care to minimize post-op scarring.

Patients can return to work after 1 week. During recovery to reduce the swelling the patient should lie with the bottom elevated and apply cold packs several times a day for 20 minutes at a time. Sexual intercourse, use of tampons and exercise can be resumed 4-6 weeks after surgery and residual minimal swelling can last for about 6 months after the procedure. Minimal pain or discomfort can be controlled with oral analgesics for the first few days after surgery.

Labia majora reduction is often performed in conjunction with other vagina rejuvenation procedures, either during the same surgical session or as a staged surgery requiring multiple appointments. This is because addressing a single component of the vulvar region may result in an imbalance or overexposure of other parts, such as the clitoral hood or the labia minora.

Contraindications to majoraplasty

Contraindication to labia majora reduction surgery include active infections, which would need to be addressed first, pregnancy and planning to lose a considerable amount of body weight.

Risks and complications

Unlike labia minora reduction, which is performed on mucosal tissue, surgery on the labia majora leaves scars and for this reason the cutting, stitching and aftercare need to be appropriate to minimize the resulting scars. Some creams may help in the healing process.

Edema and bruising may last for one week. Hematoma and hypersensitivity may last up to 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Over resection may cause exposure of the vagina causing dryness or irritation.

When resecting excess tissue, care must be taken to avoid bringing hair bearing skin close to the vaginal opening as it would be uncomfortable for the patient.

Asymmetry, dissatisfaction with the surgery, reopening of the surgical wound, infection, are among other possible risks and complications.

When performed by experienced professionals, aesthetic female genital surgeries can yield excellent aesthetic results, with low complication rates and high patient satisfaction.

Costs of labia majora reduction surgery

Prices for labia majora reduction vary greatly depending on the type of anesthesia, chosen surgeon and clinic, geographic location and surgical technique.

In the USA, majoraplasty costs 3,000-6,000 USD.

In the UK, the procedure price is 2,500-4,500 GBP (3,200-5,800 USD).

In Thailand, labia majora reduction costs 56,000-101,000 THB (1,800-3,200 USD).

Sources

• Aesthetic Vaginal Plastic Surgery
  L Triana – Springer, 2020
• Female Cosmetic Genital Surgery – Concepts, Classification, and Techniques.
  C Hamori – Thieme, 2017
• Labia Minora, Labia Majora, and Clitoral Hood Alteration: Experience-Based Recommendation.
  JG Hunter – Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Jan 2016
• American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

Richard Troy

Medical Blogger committed to accuracy, I am passionate about delivering my readers critical insights into the medical field.
Former paramedic, instructor and medical school student.
You can read more about me in the dedicated section of the website.

www.medtravel.asia/about-richard-troy-medical-blogger/

The post Cosmetic Majoraplasty: labia majora reduction surgery appeared first on MedTravel Asia.

Indications for clitoral hood reduction surgery

The clitoral hood consists of mucocutaneous tissue that covers and protects the clitoris; sometimes, due to aging, genetics, trauma, childbirth or other reasons, it may protrude or become enlarged and be visible as a bulge while wearing tight pants, underwear or swimsuits. Many women are self-conscious about it and their confidence is undermined by the enlargement as they see it looking like a tiny penis; in other cases, its protrusion may cause irritation and discomfort. Excess skin may also cause hygiene issues with fluid accumulation and bad smell. Lastly, when undergoing a labia minora reduction surgery, it is important to think about the clitoral hood as well, as the labiaplasty may expose the prepuce that previously would have been covered by the labia, making it stick out and be more visible.

Partial Hoodectomy Procedure

Cosmetic clitoral hood reduction is a quick surgical procedure with the goal of achieving a clitoral hood that does not protrude past the labia majora. Surgeons must proceed with caution and be conservative when excising the excess clitoral prepuce, in order not to expose the tip of the clitoris, and to avoid the dorsal clitoral nerve.

There are two main types of excess clitoral hood skin:

1. Excess sagittal (vertical) skin. It aesthetically appears as a wrinkled clitoral hood and it is usually corrected with the inverted V approach.
2. Excess lateral (horizontal) skin. It may be addressed with the horseshoe technique or with Alter’s technique.

Every patient has a unique anatomy, so every surgery will be tailored to each patient’s need, addressing both excess vertical and horizontal skin. Clitoral hood reduction surgery takes less than 1 hour and is performed with local anesthesia. Dissolvable stitches are placed during the procedure and the area will have to be kept clean and dry after surgery. The recovery is quick with most patients being able to resume their daily activities in a couple of days; exercise and sexual intercourse may be resumed 2-4 weeks after surgery.

Contraindications to clitoral hood reduction

This surgery is contraindicated in patients with active vulvar or vaginal infections, unrealistic expectations or psychosexual conditions.

Risks and complications

As with any other medical or surgical treatment, there are risks and possible complications when undergoing a clitoral hood reduction. For this reason, choosing a surgeon who is experienced in this technique is of utmost importance to minimize any risk.

Deep incisions may resect sensory nerves of the clitoris with reduced sensation and sexual satisfaction.

Over resection may expose the glans of the clitoris causing irritation, persistent arousal or pain.

Hypertrophic scarring and infection are among the other possible risks.

Cost of the clitoral hood reduction surgery

The price of the clitoral hood reduction procedure varies depending on the chosen surgeon and clinic, on the surgical technique and type of anesthesia, and on your geographic location. It is generally performed combined with a labiaplasty, providing better overall results while also lowering the costs.

In the USA, the average price for the clitoral hood reduction is 2,000-5,000 USD.

In the UK, price of this surgery starts around 2,500 GBP (3,200 USD).

In Thailand, the cost of clitoral hood reduction starts at 24,500 THB (780 USD).

Sources

• Female Cosmetic Genital Surgery – Concepts, Classification, and Techniques.
  C Hamori – Thieme, 2017
• Aesthetic Vaginal Plastic Surgery.
  L Triana – Springer, 2020
• The Unfavorable Result in Plastic Surgery – Avoidance and Treatment, 4^th Edition
  MN Cohen, SR Thaller – Thieme, 2018
• Essentials of Aesthetic Surgery
  JE Janis – Thieme, 2018
• American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

Richard Troy

Medical Blogger committed to accuracy, I am passionate about delivering my readers critical insights into the medical field.
Former paramedic, instructor and medical school student.
You can read more about me in the dedicated section of the website.

www.medtravel.asia/about-richard-troy-medical-blogger/

The post Clitoral hood reduction surgery: hoodectomy. appeared first on MedTravel Asia.

• Mons pubis, the round area of subcutaneous fat tissue extending from the lower abdomen to the vaginal lips
• Labia majora, or outer vaginal lips
• Labia minora, or inner vaginal lips
• Clitoris, located in the central upper portion
• Clitoral hood, also known as prepuce which is the skin covering the clitoris
• Vagina, the elastic canal between the external genitalia and the cervix.
• G-Spot, the erogenous area inside the vagina on its anterior wall.
• Hymen, the mucous membrane partially covering the vaginal opening
• Perineum, the area between the anus and the vulva (external genitalia)

Comments from partners or friends, comparison with pictures and videos found online, or self-judgement based on a perceived ideals may impair self-esteem and self-confidence; in the past, the aesthetics and functionality of the vagina were considered a taboo, but now thanks to celebrities speaking about it and media attention there’s been a huge increase in interest and patient demand for genital cosmetic procedures.

What does a designer vagina look like?

Although there is no standard or ideal female genitalia as it varies among cultures, most people would define it aesthetically as:

1. Symmetrical labia minora not protruding past the labia majora
2. Symmetrical and full labia majora with no excess hanging skin
3. Short non-protruding clitoral hood
4. Non-protruding mons pubis

Overall all structures should be symmetrical, should not be visible when wearing tight clothing, and there should be no excess skin or too much volume / fat tissue.

From a functional point of view, the ideal female genitalia should:

1. Not cause discomfort, pain or irritation. This often happens when wearing tight clothes, playing sports or during other physical activities.
2. Not interfere with sexual intercourse.
3. Not cause hygiene concerns.
4. Feel pleasure during sexual intercourse

Besides the individual anatomy, also aging, congenital factors, trauma, pregnancy or childbirth can modify the anatomy of the female genitalia as well as cause issues such as pain and discomfort, incontinence, or decreased sensation.

What surgeries and procedures are available to have a designer vagina?

There is some confusion when it comes to the names of the procedures available for female genital cosmetic surgery. Here’s an overview of the most common surgical and non-surgical procedures and names used, both the medical terms and the general terms that you may encounter online.

1. Labia minora reduction or Nymphoplasty or Labiaplasty
2. Labia majora reduction or Majoraplasty
3. Labia majora augmentation
4. Clitoral hood reduction
5. Perineoplasty
6. Vaginal rejuvenation
7. Vulvoplasty
8. Vaginoplasty aka vaginal rejuvenation or colporrhaphy
9. Non-surgical vaginal tightening aka nonsurgical vaginal rejuvenation 
10. Hymenoplasty or hymen reconstruction
11. Monsplasty or mons pubis liposuction with pubic lift
12. Genital Hair removal
13. G-spot enhancement or g-spot amplification
14. O-shot (orgasm shot)
15. Vulvar lightening and anal bleaching

These procedures may sometimes be combined for best results and for meeting the patient’s expectations. Moreover, some procedures may cause changes to other anatomical regions: reducing the labia may overly expose the clitoral skin requiring subsequent or concomitant clitoral hood reduction; a perineoplasty generally produces also the aesthetic effect of joining the labia majora. For this reason it is important to be treated by surgeons with extensive experience in cosmetic female genital surgery, in order to avoid the need for unnecessary procedures or for subsequent corrective surgeries.

Labia Minora Reduction Surgery

Also known as nymphoplasty or labiaplasty, the labia minora reduction surgery addresses one of the most common reported issues by patients: inner lips protruding past the labia majora which also may or may not be asymmetrical. It is one of the most requested female cosmetic genital operations with an increasing demand over the past years: it is estimated that 90% of cosmetic genital procedures in women involves the labia minora. There are two main surgical techniques available and the outcome appears to improve not only the psychological state of the patient thanks to the improved aesthetics, but also improve sexual satisfaction and decrease or solve pain during intercourse.

Labia majora reduction

Also known as majoraplasty, the labia majora reduction surgery aims at reducing the sagginess, excess skin or excess fat deposit of the labia majora. It may be performed as a stand-alone procedure, or in conjunction with labia minora reduction, or as a two-stage surgery.

Labia Majora augmentation

Due to aging, changes associated with hormones or pregnancy, or due to massive weight loss, the labia majora may lose volume and fullness. A surgeon may perfom labia majora augmentation by fat transfer or filler injection to restore the volume lost and address the bagginess.

Clitoral hood reduction

Clitoral hood reduction surgery is the reduction of excess skin covering the clitoris.

Clitoral hood reduction is one of the most common reasons why patients may seek revision surgery after the labiaplasty: trimming of the labia minora may cause the clitoral hood skin to protrude or be more visible resulting in requests for additional surgery. For this reason, clitoral hood reduction is often performed in combination with the labiaplasty.

Perineoplasty

Also known as perineorrhaphy, the perineoplasty addresses muscular and tissue laxity of the perineal region and the vaginal opening. This may be caused by obesity, childbirth or physiological aging. The procedure may also tighten the lower vaginal wall in which case it is called colpoperineoplasty. Perineoplasty may also refer to the opposite procedure, performed to loosen the vaginal opening and perineal musculature in women who suffer from dyspareunia, which is pain during sexual intercourse.

Vaginal rejuvenation

Vaginal rejuvenation is a marketing/commercial term used to refer to any of the many female genital cosmetic surgeries as well as the noninvasive and minimally invasive procedures that may help in achieving a more youthful appearance of the genitalia as well as improve sensation and sexual satisfaction.

Vulvoplasty

Vulvoplasty is a medical term which literally means reshaping of the vulva. It refers to any of the many plastic surgery procedures that reshape the vulva which includes the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris and clitoral hood, vaginal opening and mons pubis.

Vaginoplasty

Often called surgical vaginal tightening and also known as colporrhaphy, the vaginoplasty is a procedure to tighten the walls of the vaginal canal. Due to childbirth, aging or other reasons a woman may experience vaginal laxity which will result in sexual dissatisfaction. With this surgery part of the mucosa may be removed, while muscles and other tissues are tightened by using sutures resulting in a tighter vaginal canal and improved sexual satisfaction.

Non-surgical vaginal tightening

Nonsurgical vaginoplasty involves the use of laser or radiofrequency medical devices inside the vagina. The energy and heat produced by such devices stimulates collagen production thus inducing vaginal tightening. The treatment appears to improve also mild and moderate stress urinary incontinence. ThermiVa®, FemiLift®, IntimaLase® and MonaLisa Touch® are some of the most advertised brand names of such devices.

Hymenoplasty or hymen reconstruction

Hymenoplasty, also known as revirginization, is the repair or reconstruction of the hymen. This may be done for socio-cultural beliefs or as a way of reclaiming control after a sexual assault in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Monsplasty or mons pubis liposuction with pubic lift

Monsplasty addresses the bulging of the fat pad in the mons pubis area. There may also be excess skin in the area which will require a pubic skin lift procedure as well. Often times when there is excess fat in the mons pubis the labia majora have excess volume as well. Excess fat and volume in these areas is often caused by obesity or being overweight, and weight loss by itself rarely eliminates such fat deposits, hence requiring surgical intervention.

Genital Hair removal

IPL or laser genital hair removal are permanent treatments to avoid the recurrent ingrown hair, pain, regrowth as well as time and money spent on waxing or other temporary hair removal procedures.

G-spot enhancement or g-spot amplification

Also known as G-Shot, the g-spot amplification is a nonsurgical procedure to increase sexual pleasure by increasing the sensitivity of the Grafenberg Spot. G-spot amplification consists of injecting a dermal filler directly into the G-Spot.

O-shot or orgasm shot

O-Shot is another nonsurgical procedure to improve sexual dysfunction and increase sexual pleasure. It uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) that is injected in the area of the clitoris and in the G-Spot.

Vulvar lightening and anal bleaching

Vaginal and anal whitening to even out the skin tone in the genital area may be achieved with a variety of treatments including the application of alpha-hydroxy acids, chemical peels and medical lasers.

Risks and controversies about the designer vagina procedures

Some medical professionals and medical associations raise concerns about cosmetic genital surgeries and procedures. The main ones, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), are:

1. As any other medical or surgical procedure there are some risks. Being cosmetic procedures, they are not medically indicated.
2. There’s lack of long-term studies about these surgeries and procedures. There is no high-quality data to understand the effectiveness of such procedures as well as their risk profile and potential complications.
3. There is great variability in the look of female genitalia. Patients should be aware that size, shape and color vary considerably among women; aging, childbirth and hormones (puberty, menopause, …) further modify the appearance of female genitals. Moreover, there is no standard of beauty. Preoperative patient counseling is essential.

For more detailed information on the specific procedures and their potential risks and complications, check out the dedicated articles!

Sources

• Female genital cosmetic surgery: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
  M Serati, S Salvatore – International Urogynecology Journal, Jun 2018
• Elective Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery: ACOG Committee Opinion, Number 795
  PF Schnatz, LA Boardman – Obstetrics & Gynecology, Jan 2020
• Essential of Aesthetic Surgery.
  JE Janis – Thieme, 2018
• Female Cosmetic Genital Sugery – Concepts, Classification, and Techniques.
  CA Hamori – Thieme, 2017
• Plastic Surgery Principles, Volume 2: Aesthetic, 4^th Edition
  JP Rubin – Elsevier, 2018
• International Textbook of Aesthetic Surgery
  N Scuderi – Springer, 2016
• Aesthetic and Functional Labiaplasty
  S Gress – Springer, 2017
• The Art of Aesthetic Surgery Principles and Techniques – 2^nd Edition
  F Nahai – Quality Medical Publishing, 2011
• The Unfavorable Result in Plastic Surgery – Avoidance and Treatment, 4^th Edition
  MN Cohen – Thieme, 2018
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
• American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

Richard Troy

Medical Blogger committed to accuracy, I am passionate about delivering my readers critical insights into the medical field.
Former paramedic, instructor and medical school student.
You can read more about me in the dedicated section of the website.

www.medtravel.asia/about-richard-troy-medical-blogger/

The post What is a Designer Vagina? Vaginal rejuvenation and genital cosmetic surgeries guide appeared first on MedTravel Asia.