Choosing to undergo a cosmetic gynecological procedure has the potential to make profound, wonderful changes in your life – but it’s a big decision. We know you have lots of questions, and we’re here to help.
Q: How does laser reduction labiaplasty compare to non-laser surgical procedures?
A: Laser reduction labiaplasty refers to a trademarked method of performing these procedures which was developed by Dr. David Matlock in Beverly Hills.
Only certified associates of the Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Institute of America are able to perform them. The quality of the procedure, including technique and aesthetic results, is far superior to anything else available. There are some vulvas which require extra attention to detail and if these techniques aren’t used, will result in a very unnatural and displeasing look. In fact, many of Dr. Aguirre’s consults are for revision of prior poorly performed labial reductions.
Q: What laser do you use?
A: After becoming proficient in performing laser reduction labiaplasty and Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® as per the techniques taught by Dr. Matlock, Dr. Aguirre then trained under Dr. Red Alinsod in Laguna Beach. From him, Dr. Aguirre discovered the Ellman Surgitron radio frequency device which is even less destructive to tissues than any laser. Since it is minimally destructive it is essentially pain-free and allows for faster healing.
The results have been amazing, therefore Dr. Aguirre no longer uses Dr. Matchlocks “laser” for these delicate procedures, but still uses his techniques. As a result, the final outcome is far superior to those of other surgeons.
Q: What is YOUR technique in performing labial reduction surgeries?
A: Dr. Aguirre’s technique is a blending of the teachings of Drs. Matlock and Alinsod with his own personal modifications. We offer the best techniques and aesthetic results available anywhere. We encourage you to take a look at our photo gallery and compare our results with those of others.
As you look at other surgeon’s photo galleries, pay attention to the persistent labia minora tissue close to the clitoris and/or posteriorly toward the perineum. This is a result of poor attention to detail, a lack of an understanding of what women want or how to accomplish these results. Also, click here to take a look at photos of women who have come into our office for revision of a prior labial reduction.
Q: How is your procedure different from plastic surgeons and general gynecologists?
A: Plastic surgeons typically use a wedge resection technique popularized in their literature. This is a similar concept to performing a breast lift. They excise a triangle portion of tissue and suture the remaining edges. The intention is to maintain the pigmentation of the labia, however the results can be very aesthetically unpleasing or result in abnormal healing – click here to see examples of this. Also, most women do not like dark labial edges, therefore this technique would not suit them.
General gynecologists simply cut the labia in a straight line with scissors or cautery unit resulting in a very unnatural and asymmetric look – click here to see examples of this.
Q: Why are your prices higher than most?
A: Like the old adage “you get what you pay for.” There are surgeons who take pride in how quickly they perform labial reductions and charge a couple of thousand dollars for them. This becomes a very profitable procedure for them considering they spend less than 30 minutes to complete it and have not had additional specialized training, nor have they dedicated their career to female pelvic medicine.
Dr. Aguirre pays a lot of attention to detail, from the initial consultation to the final postoperative follow-up visit. During surgery, he is meticulous and takes the necessary time to achieve the best results possible.
As a physician colleague of Dr. Aguirre’s often says: “Dr. Aguirre, I trust him with my wife!”
Q: Why is it important that you are a fellowship-trained urogynecologist and reconstructive pelvic surgeon?
A: Dr. Aguirre has dedicated his entire career to female pelvic medicine, thus he is very knowledgeable regarding every aspect of women’s pelvic and sexual health.
Dr. Aguirre often sees patients in consultation for Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® and/or laser reduction labiaplasty and identifies urogynecologic conditions which need to be addressed first or actually exclude them from being ideal candidates for these procedures.
Q: Will Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® help with my urinary incontinence?
A: No. Unlike what you may read on other Web sites regarding LVR®, this is not the best treatment for stress urinary incontinence.
If you are troubled by symptoms of incontinence then you will need an evaluation. Urinary incontinence is a medical condition covered by most insurance companies, thus the evaluation and surgical management are as well. There are new minimally invasive slings which may be performed in conjunction with Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® and/or laser reduction labiaplasty.
Q: I think I’m a good candidate for the procedure and I’d like to have it done. Can you go into more detail?
A: That’s a tough question, but only because we’re so good at what we do! Because we’re so specialized – we’ve had a thriving urogynecologic practice for over a decade – we offer a wide breadth of services, and that makes it difficult to frame a clear response when the question is so broad. Please feel free to acquaint yourself with the procedure by browsing our Web site. We’ve made sure to describe our offerings in detail so you can be best prepared to identify your needs and desires. Once you feel comfortable with the basics, please feel free to schedule an appointment for your personalized consultation – call us at 303.322.0500 or contact Aguirre Specialty Care by e-mail, and we’ll get you scheduled. Simply provide your telephone number and the best time to contact you, and we’ll return your call or e-mail the day it is received.
Q: Don’t get me wrong – I love my children, and I’m glad I had natural, vaginal births – but I hate what it’s done for my sex life! It isn’t at all the same as it was before I had my kids. Sex just isn’t…as gratifying, I guess. After I had them, my vaginal opening has been so much bigger than it was before, and those muscles that my husband and I used to love…gone. I tried Kegels (so many Kegels), vaginal weights, tantric workshops – I need something else.
A: You’re not alone! Millions of women have precisely the same problems you’re describing and there are treatment options for you. Women today are taking their sexual health and gratification into their own hands, not blindly accepting that the joy of having children comes with the high price-tag of their sensual selves. They’re empowered to make the choices that will enrich their lives in and out of the bedroom.
Simply put, Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® is an adaptation of a surgical procedure that has been practiced for quite some time. Dr. Aguirre uses the Ellman Surgitron radio frequency device as his laser to perform meticulous, relatively bloodless surgical incisions. It’s done on an outpatient basis in most cases. The procedure tightens both the vaginal musculature and the support tissues, increasing sensation. The procedure tightens the vaginal opening by shrinking the diameters of both the internal and external vagina and enhancing the perineal body (the sensitive area between the outside the vaginal opening and the anus.) The post-op patient also enjoys a more beautiful vagina, as the procedure significantly reduces redundant vaginal mucosa (relaxed vaginal lining) and approximates the labia minora back to its original location. Some patients even say that their vagina looks “youthful!”
How does the procedure affect sexual gratification so immensely? Well, according to Masters and Johnson (the research team that pioneered scientific study of the nature of human sexual response), female enjoyment of sex is “directly related to the amount of frictional forces generated” during the act. Tighter muscles and less extraneous tissue lead to greater frictional forces, and the aesthetic enhancements are an additional enticement to increase sexual activity. It’s that simple.
It’s important to note that this is your surgery. We’re acutely very aware of that. You are an integral part of our team; we listen carefully to you, and we always have your expressed wishes in mind. You determine how tight you want to be, and you describe how you would like your vagina to appear.
Q: I’ve had three children, and it’s had a really embarrassing effect on my social life. The doctor says it’s called vaginal relaxation, so I lose urine at really inopportune times – like when I cough, sneeze, exercise, or even laugh. It’s really depressing. It’s horrible in social situations, not to mention hygienically intolerable! Adult diapers are an absolutely unacceptable solution. Can I fix it while I correct my vaginal looseness?
A: Yes! Your problem, stress urinary incontinence, is related to pregnancy-induced relaxation of the muscular wall that supports the urethra and bladder. Because it increases vaginal muscle tone and control, the Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® procedure can help with the problem, but it is not the solution. You would need a suburethral sling procedure performed at the same time. The good news is that insurance covers the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.
Q: The bottom floor of my vagina is “relaxed,” and so is the perineal body. Can I undergo Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation®? Can it help me?
A: Yes you can, and yes it will. In your case, it’s even more straightforward. The procedure is generally not very extensive. Of course, in addition to its myriad aesthetic benefits, Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® combined with laser perineal rejuvenation will markedly increase your sexual gratification.
Q: I haven’t had kids, but I’d really love to be “tighter” and for my vagina to have a more youthful appearance. Am I a good candidate for Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation®?
A: Yes. In general, procedures for women who have not borne children focus on reduction of the vaginal diameter and aesthetic adjustment. As the surgery tends to focus on the lower section of the vagina and the perineum (the sensitive area between the outside of the vaginal opening and the anus), the procedure is generally less extensive and more precisely called laser perineal rejuvenation.
Q: I don’t like the fact that my inner vaginal lips extend beyond the outer lips. Can I have them reduced?
A: The inner vaginal lips (labia minora) can be easily sculpted to fit your concept of vaginal beauty. The procedure is called laser reduction labiaplasty. It’s not terribly extensive and it can have a life-changing impact on your personal self-image.
Q: Is it going to hurt? How much pain will I be in after undergoing Laser Reduction Labiaplasty®?
A: Considering the extreme sensitivity of the area we’re working with, the pain experienced is remarkably low. So you can breathe easy, we use cutting-edge medical and pharmaceutical technologies to manage your pain during surgery and immediately post-op. You can expect to experience little to no pain the first 18 to 24 hours, followed by some tenderness (which can be kept under control with over-the-counter analgesics and cold compresses) that lasts for a few days afterwards.
Q: How long will I spend in surgery if I have the Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® procedure?
A: Of course, the actual time you spend on the operating table depends on your situation (such as your general health, the procedure you’ve decided upon and other factors). In general, it only takes about an hour, and it’s almost always done without the need to stay the night in the hospital.
Q: Where (in what facility) will the surgeon perform the procedure?
A: For most patients we can perform laser reduction labiaplasty in the office under local anesthesia to dramatically lower costs. You do not need an I.V., which means you will not have an anesthesiologist or hospital costs which can add $2,000 – $3,000 to the overall cost of the procedure. If I.V. sedation, spinal, or general anesthesia is necessary Dr. Aguirre will perform the procedure at Milestone Surgery Center in Parker, CO., a multispecialty women’s services state-of-the-art ambulatory surgical center.
Q: What type of anesthesia can I expect to be under?
A: In-office procedures are performed under local anesthesia with the patient comfortable and fully awake. In the surgical center or hospital our board-certified anesthesiologist can provide you with the anesthesia of your choice. You can select from a range of types: spinal, local, nerve-blocking, intravenous sedation or general. However, more than 90 percent of procedures are performed under I.V. sedation and a pudendal block. Please note that some procedures call for certain types of anesthesia, but this will be discussed in detail with you prior to surgery.
Q: When may I start having vaginal sex again after having aesthetic vaginal surgery?
A: Clearly, the vagina is a very sensitive part of a woman’s body. Therefore, to be certain that complete healing has taken place, we generally recommend that you take a break from vaginal sexual intercourse for about six weeks – less time for oral sex unless a labiaplasty is performed. Timelines are case-specific and will be discussed in detail with our surgeon.
Q: When can I return to work after aesthetic vaginal surgery?
A: It really depends on the physical demands of your job and will be discussed in detail with you by Dr. Aguirre. To give you an idea, most patients are able to return to their normal work schedule within a week.
Q: I’m coming in from out-of-town to have the procedure done. How long will I need to stay in Denver afterwards?
A: Welcome to Denver! You can go home in 2 – 3 days, but we’re certain that you’ll want a little extra time to enjoy our beautiful city.
Q: How much does Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® cost?
A: In order to provide you with a projected cost for your procedure, we need to know about your specific case and expectations. As you might imagine, our fees change depending on the procedure you select and the scope of the surgery. Please feel free to schedule a consultation by calling 303.322.0500 or contact Aguirre Specialty Care by e-mail and we’ll set it up for you. Simply provide your telephone number and the best time to contact you and we’ll get back to you the day your request is received. Our fees are all-inclusive and cover the consult, surgical center, all medical and support staff and follow-up.
Q: I’m interested in Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® – but what are the risks?
A: You can be confident that Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® is a low-risk, high-return surgery. The serious risks, as is true with any surgery, are hemorrhage, scarring, infection and anesthetic risks. With Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation®, these risks are less than one percent.
If the patient and our medical team decide to adjust both the upper and lower vagina, there is very slight risk to the rectum and bladder. Finally, over-correction of the vagina can lead to the experience of pain during sex, but we go to great lengths to prevent this from happening.
Your comfort going in to the procedure is of immense importance to us. We invite you to call us for more information; we’ll address your concerns in detail and put your worries to rest.
Q: Can I have Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® and Designer Laser Vaginoplasty® done at the same time?
A: Designer Laser Vaginoplasty® (such as laser perineal rejuvenation, laser reduction labiaplasty, clitoral hood reduction, etc.) can absolutely be combined with Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation®. We’ll work closely with you to define how you want your vagina to appear, so you’ll enjoy incredible sensation and new pride in your private appearance.
Q: Can I have other cosmetic procedures done at the same time that I have Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® or Designer Laser Vaginoplasty performed?
A: Yes. As a matter of fact, it’s a very common choice to combine surgeries. Our team – which includes board-certified gynecologic, reconstructive and plastic surgeons – can strategically integrate Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® or Designer Laser Vaginoplasty® with a range of cosmetic surgeries. Some of the more common companion surgeries are breast augmentations/lifts, tummy-tucks, eye lifts, rhinoplasty and liposuction/sculpture. A very popular option by Dr. Aguirre’s patients is proceeding with in-office liposuction using SmartLipo™ or VASER® LipoSelection 2-3 weeks after their aesthetic vaginal procedure. Click here to read more on our body contouring services.
We hope we answered your questions! It’s our ongoing goal to provide you with a complete, user-friendly Web site that educates, illustrates and thoughtfully explains our patient services. To this end, we constantly update our site with new information. Please contact Aguirre Specialty Care any time with further questions – we’re here to help.
For more on cosmetic gynecology, visit the following pages:
