Vaginal Rejuvenation Following Pregnancy

If you are considering Vaginal Rejuvenation, it is important to make sure you have finished your family before undergoing any procedures.

Date: 9th February 2024

Last reviewed: 9th February 2024

How is the Vagina Affected by Childbirth?

Understandably, the vagina is one of the main areas affected by childbirth, and it is very normal for your vagina to look and feel different after birth. These effects can vary between patients, and it is not always possible to predict the exact changes to your vagina after childbirth.

Some common effects that childbirth has on the vagina are:

Stretching and relaxation – Following childbirth, the vagina is not always able to return to its previous shape and position, having stretched to allow the baby to pass through. This stretching can be temporary, or more long term, resulting in physical or emotional discomfort.
Tearing or Episiotomy – During childbirth, the vaginal tissues may tear naturally or in some cases a healthcare professional may need to make a deliberate cut (an episiotomy). This can result in stitches being needed which may impact the sensation and tightness of the vaginal area.
Muscle tone – The muscles in the pelvic floor, including those around the vagina, may experience temporary or permanent changes in tone and strength following childbirth. This may contribute to the feeling of laxity.
Pelvic organ prolapse – In some instances, the structures supporting the vagina and surrounding organs may be weakened through childbirth which may lead to prolapse – where organs such as the uterus and bladder fall into the vaginal canal. This can be uncomfortable and lead to other health concerns.

If you are concerned about your vagina changing after childbirth, it is important to speak to a Gynaecological specialist who will be able to fully discuss your concerns and explain any options which may help.

Is it Possible to Tighten the Vagina Following Childbirth?

The vagina is an incredibly resilient organ and can often regain its tone and strength in the time following childbirth. This having been said, it is very normal for women to seek options to help with how to tighten the vagina after birth and restore their confidence and comfort.
While some women find their vagina returns to normal (it is important to remember this is different for everyone) after giving birth, this may not be the case for everyone.

Some options which may help to accelerate the tightening of the vagina following childbirth are:

Kegel exercises – Exercises which focus on toning and strengthening the pelvic floor are known as Kegel exercises. They can have multiple benefits including improved urinary control, enhanced sexual function, tightened vaginal muscles and improved post-childbirth recovery. They must be performed consistently and regularly for them to be effective.
Physical therapy – Specialist pelvic floor therapists will be able to identify your specific concerns and provide exercises and treatments to tighten the vagina after birth, which may include vaginal weights or other solutions.
Time – In some instances, time can have a transformational effect following childbirth, allowing the vagina to tighten and return to its previous position. This is not possible for everyone and will depend on the exact techniques that may have been used during childbirth.

What is Vaginal Rejuvenation Surgery?

Vaginal Rejuvenation surgery may involve different procedures and techniques to enhance and improve the appearance, function and feeling of the vagina following childbirth. These may address vaginal laxity, aesthetics or other concerns patients wish to address for medical or cosmetic reasons.

Typically, these procedures include:

Vaginoplasty

This is a surgical procedure which aims to improve the tightness and tone of the vaginal canal. It is performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes 2-4 hours to complete. Vaginoplasty is usually suited to women who have finished their family and are concerned about vaginal laxity.

Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty involves the surgical alteration of the labia majora to improve the appearance or physical comfort of the labia. This may include reducing the size of the labia or improving the symmetry. Depending on the extent of the surgery, it can be performed under local or general anaesthetic. Childbirth can change your labia, and women are often worried about stretched labia or uneven labia after giving birth.

Prolapse Repair

A surgical procedure aimed at strengthening the pelvic floor muscles to prevent pelvic organ prolapse, a condition where pelvic organs (such as the uterus, bladder, or rectum) descend into or outside the vaginal canal

Clitoral Hood Reduction

This is a surgical procedure which involves removing excess skin around the clitoris. This excess skin can impact physical comfort and sexual relationships. This can be carried out for aesthetic or functional reasons.

Perineoplasty

This surgical procedure tightens and repairs the perineum, which can often be affected during childbirth. It is carried out under general anaesthetic and can improve aesthetics and physical comfort.

These procedures can be performed individually but are often combined in various ways. Depending on your personal concerns and desired results, your surgeon will be able to advise what are the best procedures to improve your comfort and confidence.

Can Vaginal Rejuvenation be Performed as Part of a Mummy Makeover?

Vaginal Rejuvenation procedures are a popular addition to a Mummy Makeover surgery. Depending on your exact concerns, your surgeon may be able to carry Vaginal Rejuvenation out at the same time as your other procedures or may advise that you have this as a separate surgery. This will be influenced by the overall recovery time and the physical impacts on your body.

It is important to speak to your surgeon about the exact concerns you wish to treat through a Mummy Makeover so they can ensure you are fully prepared and understand how the surgery may affect you.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Right Time for Vaginal Rejuvenation Surgery?

If you are considering Vaginal Rejuvenation, it is important to make sure you have finished your family before undergoing any procedures. Having surgery in between pregnancies may lead to your surgical results being negatively impacted and having to undergo a secondary procedure.

Read more about when is the right time for mummy makeover procedures impacted by childbirth here.

Does Having a C-Section Prevent Vaginal Looseness?

Although having a C-Section prevents some trauma and impact on the vaginal muscles, it may not prevent vaginal looseness completely. Pregnancy, hormone changes and genetics can all play a part in vaginal laxity and a Caesarean Section may not be able to counteract all of these factors entirely.

Can Vaginal Rejuvenation Improve My Sex Life?

If aesthetic or functional concerns are affecting your intimate relationships, in particular after giving birth, Vaginal Rejuvenation may help. It is important to speak to a Gynaecological consultant about your concerns, so they can examine you and explain the best options to treat your individual concerns.

Treatments mentioned in this article

Gynaecology

Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty reduces the size and shape of the labia to aid confidence in the cosmetic appearance.

Gynaecology

Hoodectomy

A hoodectomy reduces the clitoral hood, often enhancing pleasure, without affecting the clitoris itself.

Gynaecology

Vaginal Tightening (Vaginoplasty)

Vaginoplasty is a reconstructive surgery to strengthen the pelvic floor and vaginal muscles.

Gynaecology

Vaginal Rejuvenation