Cosmetic gynecology includes both surgical and nonsurgical procedures designed to improve the appearance, comfort, or function of the vulva and vagina. Options range from labiaplasty to perineoplasty, anal skintag removal to vaginoplasty, and select energy-based treatments. The best treatment depends on your symptoms, anatomy, medical history, and goals.
Why Do Patients Ask About Cosmetic Gynecology?
Many women notice changes after childbirth, aging, menopause, weight loss, or hormonal changes, and some have a certain anatomy that they may want treated for comfort or aesthetic purposes. Common concerns include:
- Feeling that the labia have become stretched or enlarged
- Decreased sexual satisfaction
- Sagging skin of labia majora
- Excessive skin on anus or perinium
- Vaginal laxity
- Loss of confidence related to intimate appearance
These concerns are common and valid. However, they are not always caused by the same underlying issue. A comprehensive evaluation helps determine the most appropriate treatment.
What Cosmetic Gynecology Procedures Are Available?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Cosmetic gynecology includes both surgical and nonsurgical options, depending on your desires and anatomy.
1. Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty reduces the size of the labia minora or removes loose skin of the labia majora.
Patients may consider labiaplasty because of:
- Physical discomfort during exercise
- Irritation from tight clothing
- Difficulty with hygiene
- Self-confidence about appearance
- Discomfort during intercourse
Labiaplasty is typically performed with local anesthesia and oral sedation; IV sedation is also available, if preferred, in our AAAASF accredited surgical suite in our Mason, Ohio office. Benefits of local anesthesia include decreased risk of complications from general anesthesia, quicker recovery, and cost savings.
Recovery generally involves several weeks of activity restrictions, with swelling gradually improving over time. Although rare, all surgeries carry risks including bleeding, infection, scarring, and the possibility of revisions.
2. AVIVA Scarless Labiaplasty
A scarless labiaplasty is a nonsurgical vaginal treatment used to shrink and reduce the vulvar tissue (labia minora, labia majora, clitoral hood, perineal body and mons pubis) using the AVIVA FemTite device by InMode.
This cutting-edge device involves the use of radiofrequency (RF) technology to heat the vulvar and labial tissue, reducing the size and/or laxity without the use of surgical excision. This technique has several benefits over the traditional surgical labiaplasty and cosmetic gynecologic procedures, offering minimal discomfort, less cost, minimal restrictions, and minimal downtime. Typically results are a 30% reduction, best for slightly enlarged labia.
3. Vaginoplasty
Vaginoplasty is an elective surgical procedure to tighten the vagina.
Women sometimes pursue vaginoplasty after childbirth if they experience significant vaginal laxity affecting quality of life or sexual function.
This procedure typically takes about 2 hours in our office. This is done under IV sedation in-office. Recovery is longer than nonsurgical treatments and typically requires 6-12 weeks before returning to intercourse or strenuous exercise. Results vary based on tissue quality, healing, and future childbirth.
4. Perineoplasty
Perineoplasty repairs and strengthens the tissue and removes excess skin between the vagina and anus (the perineum. Perineoplasty is also used to treat a “gaping vagina”.
This procedure may benefit women who have:
- Painful scar tissue
- Perineal stretching
- Cosmetic concerns
- Gaping vagina
It is often performed alone or together with vaginoplasty.
5. Anal Skin Tag Removal
Anal skin tags, also called rectal skin tags, are growths of excess tissue on the outside of the rectum. Anal Skin Tags are extremely common and may often be mistaken as hemorrhoids. They are completely harmless; however, they can cause discomfort, embarrassment, or decrease confidence during sexual intimacy and hygiene issues.
Procedure Time
The procedure takes about 30 – 60 minutes in our office. The first week following surgery, we advise taking it easy and resuming activity when patients feel up to it. Most patients can return to normal activity in two weeks.
In the first days after the procedure, we may recommend you take a stool softner or try a liquid diet to make using the restroom easier and reduce the possibility of constipation. Medication will be prescribed to control pain and prevent infection.
6. Hymenoplasty
The hymen is a membrane that surrounds or partially covers the vaginal opening. A hymen does not have a medical purpose; however, historically in some cultures, this piece of tissue has been used as a marker of virginity.
The hymen may rip or tear the first time a female engages in penetrative intercourse; however, the first rupture of a hymen does not always cause bleeding, nor is it always painful. The hymen can also stretch or tear because of various other activities, including heavy lifting, exercise, riding a bicycle, a simple gynecologic exam, or falling and traumatizing the vaginal opening. Hymenoplasty involves reconstruction of the hymen, and may be performed for cultural, religious, or social reasons.
This procedure is done in our office with local anesthesia and typically takes 1 hour. Many patients return to work the next day, but it is suggested to avoid strenuous activities for 6 weeks. During the first 24 to 48 hours, swelling and slight bleeding are normal. There will be no visible signs of surgery.
If a Hymenoplasty is desired due to cultural reasons, it is recommended that the surgery be done 6 weeks prior to the wedding or event.
7. Clitoral Hood Reduction
Clitoral Hood Reduction is a cosmetic gynecologic surgery to reduce the skin surrounding the clitoris. The clitoris is located above the vaginal opening; its sole function is to improve sexual pleasure in women. This skin covering the clitoris is referred to as the clitoral hood. This procedure is typically done due to aesthetic concerns.
At your consultation, Dr. Brenner will assess the area and recommend this surgery if indicated. Dr. Brenner typically recommends a clitoral hood reduction with about 90% along with a labiaplasty.
This procedure is done in our office with local anesthesia and typically takes 1 hour. We recommend waiting about 6 weeks before resuming strenuous activity or intercourse.
What Most Patients Experience
All patients’ goals are different.
During consultations, providers commonly hear concerns such as:
- “I don’t feel like myself after having children.”
- “Intercourse has become uncomfortable.”
- “I’m embarrassed by how things look.”
- “I thought this was just part of getting older.”
- “It’s hard to get that area clean”
- “The excess skin is getting stuck”
- “Myself or my partner is noticing laxity with sex”
Factors That Affect Which Treatment Is Best
Recommendations depend on:
- Age
- Childbirth history
- Future pregnancy plans
- Severity of symptoms
- Overall health
- Smoking status
- Previous pelvic surgeries
- Personal goals
Because these factors vary widely, the best treatment plan is highly individualized.
What Patients Should Know
Cosmetic gynecology is about more than appearance. A qualified provider should first determine whether symptoms are caused by:
Risks and Considerations
Like any medical or surgical treatment, cosmetic gynecology carries potential risks. Possible and very rare risks include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Pain
- Temporary swelling
- Pain during intercourse
- Need for revision surgery
Related Questions
Does cosmetic gynecology improve sexual function?
It may improve comfort or confidence for some patients, but sexual function is mainly influenced by many physical, hormonal, emotional, and relationship factors. Outcomes vary, and no procedure can guarantee improved sexual satisfaction. Typically other than vaginoplasty, these surgeries are just for cosmetic appearances.
Is cosmetic gynecology only for women after childbirth?
No. Women seek treatment for a variety of reasons, including congenital anatomy, aging, menopause, discomfort during exercise, or cosmetic concerns.
How long is the recovery?
Recovery depends on the procedure. Surgical procedures typically require several weeks of healing, while nonsurgical treatments generally involve shorter recovery periods.
Are there nonsurgical vaginal rejuvenation treatments that are FDA-approved?
Yes, the treatments we offer (FormaV and Vtone Vaginal Rejuvenation) are FDA-cleared and safe for most women. However, they’re not recommended if you’re pregnant, have an active infection, or have certain medical conditions.
Final Takeaway
Cosmetic gynecology encompasses a wide range of treatments; from labiaplasty to perineoplasty, anal skin tag removal to vaginoplasty, and carefully selected nonsurgical procedures. The right approach begins with an accurate diagnosis and an open discussion about your symptoms, goals, and expectations. A consultation with an experienced gynecologic provider can help determine whether a cosmetic procedure, medical treatment, or a combination of therapies is most appropriate for your individual needs.
*All content including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material posted on this website is for informational purposes only. No material on this website is designed to substitute or provide any medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. We do not provide any emergency medical services.
Schedule a consultation for Cosmetic Gynecology
Medical Sources Reviewed
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Vaginal Rejuvenation, Labiaplasty, and Other Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Committee Opinion No. 795: Elective Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery.
- Cleveland Clinic. Vaginal Rejuvenation: Treatment, Purpose & Procedures.
- Cleveland Clinic. What You Should Use to Treat Vaginal Dryness.
- PubMed. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 378: Vaginal “Rejuvenation” and Cosmetic Vaginal Procedures.
