What is Vaginal Rejuvenation?

A combination of ageing and stretching during a natural birth can leave the vagina feeling looser and less sensitive. This can impact a woman’s sexual satisfaction, as well as daily comfort and urinary incontinence.

Vaginal rejuvenation is a combination of surgical procedures which aim to tighten both the internal vaginal muscles and the perineum to help improve the overall tone and strength of the area, enhancing sensitivity and sexual experience.

While a vaginoplasty works by tightening the vagina internally, a vaginal rejuvenation procedure will improve symptoms affecting the area both internally and externally. The goal is to restore the form and function of the vagina and vulva. The perineum, which can often tear in childbirth, is often repaired as part of this treatment.

Vaginal rejuvenation surgery is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic. A typical operation takes about two hours, and patients will be discharged to go home the same day.

How Does Tightening the Vagina Work?

The Cadogan Clinic surgeon will use dissolvable stitches to join together the stretched muscle at the back of the vagina. This will shorten the muscle. The excess vaginal lining is removed and the surrounding soft tissue is tightened. The result will be a smaller vaginal cavity.

This surgery tightens a series of muscles and ligaments which is more commonly known as the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor supports the bladder, uterus and bowel. Therefore vagina tightening surgery also helps to support these internal organs. Vagina tightening surgery helps to lessen or resolve urinary incontinence - another side effect of childbirth and the ageing process.

What is Labial Rejuvenation?

Labial rejuvenation, otherwise known as labiaplasty, is a surgery that is carried out to reduce the size of the labia minora, the flaps of skin on either side of the vaginal opening.

Labias come in all different shapes and sizes and it is perfectly normal to have noticeable skin folds around the opening of the vagina. However, some women find that excess tissue can cause friction and discomfort, especially in tight-fitting clothing.This can also cause anxiety and self-consciousness, affecting intimate relationships and quality of life. 

Having a large labia can affect sexual intercourse, causing discomfort or pain. Labiaplasty can help to improve sexual function.

Other reasons why women undergo surgery to shorten their labia include that they may be experiencing general discomfort during normal day-to-day activities. For example, a large or long labia could make it difficult to ride a bike without discomfort. It may even mean that certain underwear and clothing choices are out of bounds.