Vaginal Rejuvenation After Childbirth

Though childbirth is a rewarding experience unlike anything else, it can change your body in ways you may or may not anticipate. It’s not uncommon for the vagina and the perineum (the area between the vulva and the anus) to stretch or relax following childbirth (this is known as perineal relaxation). This doesn’t just change the look and feel of the vagina; it can impact your quality of life, especially when it comes to sex. Women who experience vaginal laxity as a result of childbirth often complain about decreased sensation during intercourse. They might also experience more vaginal dryness as well. 

Vaginal childbirth isn’t the only reason why the vagina might loosen and stretch over time. Other factors like age and genetics can also play a role. Regardless of the cause, there are plenty of options to help restore your vaginal anatomy. That’s where we come in: At Austin Labiaplasty & Vaginal Rejuvenation, we have surgical and non-surgical therapy options available for patients to restore their vaginal tissue. We’ll be able to recommend the best treatment plan for you following a consultation, where we can better understand your unique concerns and expectations. Some patients might do fine with just one treatment option, whereas others benefit from a combination of treatments. 

Patients wanting simply to improve the elasticity of their vaginal tissue might benefit most from laser or radio-frequency treatments. We use ThermiVa, a non-invasive therapy that utilizes radiofrequency to tighten the labia and vagina. It improves vaginal laxity, dryness and sensation. It can also help women who might be experiencing mild incontinence as a result of a weakened pelvic floor. 

Vaginal rejuvenation surgery – sometimes called feminine rejuvenation or vaginoplasty – is a more invasive procedure that tightens the structural layers of the vagina. This is a better option for lasting, more permanent results. It is also ideal for patients facing pelvic organ prolapse – when surrounding organs drop into the vagina – as a formal prolapse repair can easily be performed at the same time as a vaginoplasty. 

A vaginoplasty will generally take about two hours to perform, and is done under anesthesia and in a hospital setting. The vaginal opening is narrowed using a “wedge” technique: The surgeon makes a wedge-like incision inside the vaginal wall in order to pull the skin together, then secures the area with dissolvable sutures. Most patients take about 6-8 weeks to heal. Because Dr. Shashoua is among the best of the best urogynecologists, it’s not uncommon for patients to travel to Austin from other parts of Texas – San Antonio, Dallas, Houston – for their vaginal rejuvenation. 

Wondering what to expect from vaginal rejuvenation or vaginoplasty? We have vaginal rejuvenation before and after pictures to give you an idea of what to expect from your procedure. If you have any questions (seriously, any questions!) or are ready to get started, you can contact us here.