Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Are They?EffectivenessMedical NecessityFinancialsSide EffectsProviders

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

What Are They?

Effectiveness

Medical Necessity

Financials

Side Effects

Providers

“Vaginal rejuvenation” is an umbrella term—often used in marketing—to refer to various surgical and nonsurgical treatments that change the aesthetics (look, function, or feel) of the female genitalia. While there is some overlap with medically necessary procedures, vaginal rejuvenation is typically an elective cosmetic procedure.

This article reviews nonsurgical and surgical vaginal rejuvenation, why someone might consider these procedures, their effectiveness, estimated cost, potential side effects, and types of healthcare providers who perform these procedures.

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Marketing professionals may broadly use the term “vaginal rejuvenation” to include procedures that address medical issues in the vaginal area. This is misleading because it blurs the line between cosmetic and medical procedures.

Vaginal rejuvenation refers to various cosmetic procedures that modify the appearance of female genitalia, including the vagina andvulva(external female genitalia surrounding the vagina).

Female genitaliaincludes the:

Female genitalia varies and often changes during puberty, age, pregnancy, ormenopause.There is no standard for “normal” or “attractive.”

Vaginal rejuvenation is elective, and the decision to have this type of procedure is personal. If it helps you feel more confident and content, it’s a valid choice. Don’t let external pressures dictate what makes you feel sexually desirable.

Before deciding to have elective vaginal rejuvenation, research, talk with trusted loved ones, and consult with healthcare providers. The decision should align with what is suitable for you.

Nonsurgical Types

Nonsurgical vaginal rejuvenation procedures are minimally invasive procedures that healthcare providers perform to improve the appearance of the female genital area. They include:

Surgical Types

The following are examples of female genitalia surgery:

Effectiveness of Vaginal Rejuvenation

The effectiveness of nonsurgical and surgical vaginal rejuvenation depends on the individual and their goals. Some people experience positive results with nonsurgical treatments, but scientific evidence supporting their long-term effectiveness is still evolving.

Preliminary studies show that O shots and G shots enhance orgasm for some but are unlikely to help those who have never achieved orgasm. Nonsurgical options also typically require multiple treatments for ongoing maintenance or to achieve desired results.For example, the G shot requires repeat injections every three to five months.

With laser and RF therapy, the timing of the results depends on the procedure. Some see tightening in the labia majora immediately with RF, but it can take a month to see results with laser therapy.

Surgical options like vaginoplasty and labiaplasty tend to have long-lasting cosmetic results. For example, a surgical vaginoplasty is highly effective if you aim to achieve vaginal tightness. But, there is no guarantee that genital cosmetic surgeries will improve yourlibido (sex drive)or sexual pleasure.

When Is Vaginal Rejuvenation Medically Necessary?

Vaginal rejuvenation may be medically necessary to restore structural or functional problems or reduce pain. If you experience irritation from excess labial tissue, you may be a candidate for medically necessary labiaplasty. If you experience discomfort or are experiencing sexual arousal dysfunction, you may choose to have a clitoral hood reduction. A vaginoplasty may also be part ofgender affirmation surgery.

Reconstructive surgery may be necessary to restore or repair structures, tissue damage, or scarring after trauma. Trauma could result from sexual assault, self-harm to the genitals, accidents, injuries, athletic activities, childbirth, or surgery.

Pelvic Floor Reconstruction vs. Vaginal RejuvenationPelvic floor(muscles that support the bladder, vagina, uterus, and rectum) damage can occur with childbirth, hormonal changes, or aging. It can cause incontinence (leakage of pee or poop), urinary tract infections, painful sex, orpelvic organ prolapse(organ shifts into the vagina).Pelvic floor reconstruction overlaps with vaginal rejuvenation as vaginoplasty and perineoplasty are commonly part of the surgery. But pelvic floor reconstruction is medically necessary, not cosmetic.

Pelvic Floor Reconstruction vs. Vaginal Rejuvenation

Pelvic floor(muscles that support the bladder, vagina, uterus, and rectum) damage can occur with childbirth, hormonal changes, or aging. It can cause incontinence (leakage of pee or poop), urinary tract infections, painful sex, orpelvic organ prolapse(organ shifts into the vagina).Pelvic floor reconstruction overlaps with vaginal rejuvenation as vaginoplasty and perineoplasty are commonly part of the surgery. But pelvic floor reconstruction is medically necessary, not cosmetic.

Pelvic floor(muscles that support the bladder, vagina, uterus, and rectum) damage can occur with childbirth, hormonal changes, or aging. It can cause incontinence (leakage of pee or poop), urinary tract infections, painful sex, orpelvic organ prolapse(organ shifts into the vagina).

Pelvic floor reconstruction overlaps with vaginal rejuvenation as vaginoplasty and perineoplasty are commonly part of the surgery. But pelvic floor reconstruction is medically necessary, not cosmetic.

Those with vaginal tightness or pain, urinary incontinence, or painful sexual intercourse may wish to consider the following at-home treatments:

Vaginal Pessary: Uses, Benefits, Downside

Financials: Estimated Cost of Vaginal Rejuvenation

The cost of vaginal rejuvenation depends on the area or geographic location and the provider. According to the Aesthetic Society, the average price of nonsurgical vaginal rejuvenation is $1,236 per session.However, nonsurgical treatments may require multiple sessions for optimal results.

Surgical options like vaginoplasty or labiaplasty can range from $3,000 to $8,000 or more. The average costs are as follows:

These costs may not account for anesthesia, lab work, the surgical facility, or other expenses.

Most insurance plans do not cover vaginal rejuvenation because it is anelective cosmetic procedure. But it may be covered if it’s part of a medically necessary procedure. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance company before any procedure.

How to Pay For Surgery Costs That Insurance Won’t Pay

Side Effects to Know

Some temporary discomfort and swelling are common after nonsurgical and surgical treatments. But the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about specific laser devices and products, noting they can cause the following side effects:

As with any surgery, there is a riskof bleeding, infection, and scarring. Risks of female genital cosmetic surgery also include:

Type of Provider Who Performs Vaginal Rejuvenation

Aplastic surgeonorobstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn)performs vaginal rejuvenation procedures. It’s important to find someone with experience who explains risks and with whom you feel comfortable discussing your goals. They should take the time to answer your questions and guide you through the process.

Summary

Vaginal rejuvenation is an umbrella term used to describe various nonsurgical and surgical procedures to change the look, function, or feel of the vagina. While some of these procedures may be necessary due to medical concerns, they are typically considered elective and cosmetic. When considering these procedures, it’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider who specializes in female genital surgery.

12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Welk B, Kelly E.Laser devices for vaginal rejuvenation: effectiveness, regulation and marketing.CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2023;195(5):E195. doi:10.1503/cmaj.221208American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Vaginal rejuvenation, labiaplasty, and other female genital cosmetic surgery.Johns Hopkins.Anatomy of the female pelvic area.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are female genital radiofrequency and laser treatments?.Cohen PR, Riahi RR.Platelet-rich plasma and genital rejuvenation.Skinmed.2019;17(4):272-274. PMID: 31627791.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the ‘O’ and the ‘G’ shots?.American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Feminine rejuvenation.Kim SH, Park ES, Kim TH.Rejuvenation using platelet-rich plasma and lipofilling for vaginal atrophy and lichen sclerosus.Journal of Menopausal Medicine. 2017;23(1):63-68. doi:10.6118/jmm.2017.23.1.63Liu M, Juravic M, Mazza G, Krychman ML.Vaginal dilators: issues and answers.Sex Med Rev. 2021;9(2):212-220. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.11.005The Aesthetic Society.What are the average costs for plastic surgery procedures?.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Labiaplasty aesthetic genital plastic surgery.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Is vaginoplasty considered a cosmetic surgery?

12 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Welk B, Kelly E.Laser devices for vaginal rejuvenation: effectiveness, regulation and marketing.CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2023;195(5):E195. doi:10.1503/cmaj.221208American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Vaginal rejuvenation, labiaplasty, and other female genital cosmetic surgery.Johns Hopkins.Anatomy of the female pelvic area.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are female genital radiofrequency and laser treatments?.Cohen PR, Riahi RR.Platelet-rich plasma and genital rejuvenation.Skinmed.2019;17(4):272-274. PMID: 31627791.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the ‘O’ and the ‘G’ shots?.American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Feminine rejuvenation.Kim SH, Park ES, Kim TH.Rejuvenation using platelet-rich plasma and lipofilling for vaginal atrophy and lichen sclerosus.Journal of Menopausal Medicine. 2017;23(1):63-68. doi:10.6118/jmm.2017.23.1.63Liu M, Juravic M, Mazza G, Krychman ML.Vaginal dilators: issues and answers.Sex Med Rev. 2021;9(2):212-220. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.11.005The Aesthetic Society.What are the average costs for plastic surgery procedures?.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Labiaplasty aesthetic genital plastic surgery.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Is vaginoplasty considered a cosmetic surgery?

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Welk B, Kelly E.Laser devices for vaginal rejuvenation: effectiveness, regulation and marketing.CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2023;195(5):E195. doi:10.1503/cmaj.221208American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Vaginal rejuvenation, labiaplasty, and other female genital cosmetic surgery.Johns Hopkins.Anatomy of the female pelvic area.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are female genital radiofrequency and laser treatments?.Cohen PR, Riahi RR.Platelet-rich plasma and genital rejuvenation.Skinmed.2019;17(4):272-274. PMID: 31627791.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the ‘O’ and the ‘G’ shots?.American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Feminine rejuvenation.Kim SH, Park ES, Kim TH.Rejuvenation using platelet-rich plasma and lipofilling for vaginal atrophy and lichen sclerosus.Journal of Menopausal Medicine. 2017;23(1):63-68. doi:10.6118/jmm.2017.23.1.63Liu M, Juravic M, Mazza G, Krychman ML.Vaginal dilators: issues and answers.Sex Med Rev. 2021;9(2):212-220. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.11.005The Aesthetic Society.What are the average costs for plastic surgery procedures?.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Labiaplasty aesthetic genital plastic surgery.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Is vaginoplasty considered a cosmetic surgery?

Welk B, Kelly E.Laser devices for vaginal rejuvenation: effectiveness, regulation and marketing.CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2023;195(5):E195. doi:10.1503/cmaj.221208

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Vaginal rejuvenation, labiaplasty, and other female genital cosmetic surgery.

Johns Hopkins.Anatomy of the female pelvic area.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are female genital radiofrequency and laser treatments?.

Cohen PR, Riahi RR.Platelet-rich plasma and genital rejuvenation.Skinmed.2019;17(4):272-274. PMID: 31627791.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the ‘O’ and the ‘G’ shots?.

American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Feminine rejuvenation.

Kim SH, Park ES, Kim TH.Rejuvenation using platelet-rich plasma and lipofilling for vaginal atrophy and lichen sclerosus.Journal of Menopausal Medicine. 2017;23(1):63-68. doi:10.6118/jmm.2017.23.1.63

Liu M, Juravic M, Mazza G, Krychman ML.Vaginal dilators: issues and answers.Sex Med Rev. 2021;9(2):212-220. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.11.005

The Aesthetic Society.What are the average costs for plastic surgery procedures?.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Labiaplasty aesthetic genital plastic surgery.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Is vaginoplasty considered a cosmetic surgery?

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