Top Questions to Ask Your Gynecologist about Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Surgery

Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® is one of the most talked-about surgical procedures today. Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® is a surgical procedure designed to treat vaginal relaxation to enhance sexual gratification. With age and childbirth often come changes to tone and elasticity that results in loosening of the vagina and decreased sensation. The laser is used to incise the fascial and muscular supportive tissue that has been pushed out of place due to age or childbirth which can then be tightened and firmed resulting in a tighter vagina. Laser vaginal rejuvenation surgery can address interior concerns such as decreased sexual pleasure and/or exterior concerns that can cause physical discomfort or be aesthetically unpleasing.

If you are considering Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® because of a loss of sexual pleasure, discomfort or cosmetic reasons, the most important decision you will make is choosing the surgeon who will perform the procedure. This selection process can be difficult because many doctors offer laser vaginal rejuvenation services but do not hold the qualifications, education or experience to ensure optimal results. A surgeon who is unwilling or unable to answer your questions should not be considered a candidate.

Here are some questions to ask when selecting a physician for laser vaginal rejuvenation.

Does the doctor offer a comprehensive consultation?

At the time of your consultation be sure to observe him or her during this time for professionalism. The doctor should perform a thorough medical and sexual history as well as physical examination to determine if you are a qualified candidate. This includes a detailed understanding of your gynecologic, obstetric and medical history as well as your bladder, bowel, and sexual concerns. If not, the doctor may not have your best interest in mind.

What type of training and credentials does the potential vaginal surgeon have?

Do your research. Seek out a fellowship-trained urogynecologist and recognized pelvic and cosmetic surgeon. Find out if your surgeon is board-certified in female pelvic surgery, such as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, what type of doctor he or she is, and ask about training and relevant experience. You can also ask what requirements exist to be board certified in that specialty. Be sure to confirm and verify a physician’s medical license, certifications and professional society memberships such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Professional societies require on-going technical training so you can be sure your doctor is keeping up-to-date on the latest methods. Having a surgeon that possesses an in-depth knowledge of the sexual and urological functions that are unique to women’s health can give better surgical results.

How much experience performing Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® surgery does the doctor have?

Inquire about the number of Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® procedures the doctor has performed. Many doctors do not have sufficient experience performing the laser vaginal rejuvenation surgery but will still profess to be skilled. Many doctors have performed thousands of vaginal surgeries. There is no magic number, but it will give you an idea of their expertise.

Some doctors offer contact with patients who agree to share their experience with other women. This is a very effective means of learning what to expect from your laser vaginal rejuvenation surgery with that potential doctor. Request to speak with the surgeon’s previous patients and ask them if they were satisfied with how the procedure was conducted and if they are satisfied with their results.

Seeing is believing. Ask to view before and after photos of patients who have had laser vaginal rejuvenation with your prospective doctor. Most qualified and experience surgeons will provide a number of before and after photos in order to show potential patients the quality of their work and what results can be expected.

Will you use a scalpel or laser to perform the surgery?

Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® is often used in combination with the scalpel-based method. Both techniques are effective in the correct hands. Many believe that the use of the laser minimizes blood loss, provides for a quicker recovery time and is preferable for more complex procedures. However, there remains no question that when used by an expert doctor, the scalpel is just as effective.

What kind of results can I expect from my vaginal rejuvenation procedure?

Are you seeking to address cosmetic concerns, decreased sexual satisfaction or both?
Laser vaginal rejuvenation can increase sexual gratification. In vaginal childbirth, when a baby exits, the muscles, ligaments and fascia within the birth canal may weaken. This weakness may become worse with additional deliveries or as you age and lead to decreased vaginal muscle tone. As a result, some women experience vaginal looseness, decreased sensation and pleasure, vaginal flatus and an unattractive gaping introitus. The focus of these procedures is on the reconstruction of the damaged muscles and tissues of the vaginal cavity to decrease the internal and external vaginal diameters. Having a tighter vagina can increase sensation and result in more pleasurable intercourse.

If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your vagina or experience discomfort, you may require a laser vaginal rejuvenation of the labia, the aesthetic surgical enhancement of the vulvar structures, labia minora, labia majora, mons pubis, perineum and introitus. For example, reducing the size and altering the shape of the labia majora or minora can help a woman to feel more sexually appealing and youthful while allowing her to confidently wear certain clothing and comfortably participate in activities like bike riding.

If your surgeon is willing to combine several major surgeries into one operation, be sure to discuss the timing of surgeries with your surgeon and inquire about the safest method of achieving your desired results.

What is recovery from Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® like?

Recovery from vaginal rejuvenation varies greatly according to the complexity of each individual procedure and the technique employed by the doctor. You can be released just two hours after surgery, depending on the type of anesthesia required and how your body reacts to it. Experienced surgeons will block the pelvic nerves to provide long lasting anesthesia and so you awake pain free. You will have swelling and inflammation for a couple of weeks which are relieved well with an ice pack and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) agents.

You should be provided with detailed instructions prior to surgery about your own recovery plan.

What can’t Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® surgery do?

Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® does not address the G-spot or Grefenberg spot located in varying locations on the anterior vaginal wall, beneath the urethra and extending to the cervix. There is a separate treatment available that can assist in making the G-spot more pronounced and therefore enhance the sexual experience for women, this is called, the G-Shot. By injecting a filler similar to collagen in the location of the G-spot, sexual pleasure can be greatly enhanced for many women.

Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® surgery will not solve emotional issues or fix a relationship. Talk to your primary care physician if you have a low interest in sex, sexual dysfunction or anorgasmia.

Finding an experienced and credentialed surgeon for your Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® surgery can be a daunting task. Being prepared with a list of qualifying questions will assist you in making an educated decision and ultimately enjoying optimal results from your laser vaginal rejuvenation surgery.