Rejuvenating the Vagina a GUIDE to LABIAPLASTY Your Guide to the Female Form and Treatments for Vaginal Ageing & Rejuvenation the VAGINA

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Rejuvenating the Vagina A GUIDE TO LABIAPLASTY Your guide to the female form and treatments for vaginal ageing & rejuvenation THE VAGINA

Every woman should know about the vagina, and the changes that can occur with age, but first, let’s take an up-close look at the vagina.

Mons Pubis The Clitoris The Labia Majora

This area of fatty tissue is where your The clitoris is the small round tip The labia majora generally have pubic hair will generally grow. You will usually covered by a ‘hood’. This some hair growth and are considered also be able to feel your pubic bone extends below the skin in a wishbone the ‘outer lips’ of the vagina. The below the skin. shape to form the crura. All of these appearance of this area differs greatly different parts of the clitoris shaft are from woman to woman. involved with sexual arousal.

The Labia Minora The Urethral Opening The Vulva

The labia minora are considered the The urethral opening is where you The Vulva is the term for all of the ‘inner lips’ of the vagina and tend to urinate from. This is separate to the external organs of the vaginal area; this be sensitive to the touch. vaginal opening. includes the clitoris, urethra and labia.

Mons Pubis

Clitoris

Labia Majora

Urethral Opening

Labia Minora

Anus

Rejuvenating the Vagina 2 INSIDE THE VAGINA

Nerves near the opening

This is where most of your nerves are located so it will be very sensitive around this area.

The G-Spot

This is located on the front wall of the vagina, one third of a way up the canal.

The Cervix

You have probably seen the cervix as the small ‘donut shaped’ circle at the back of the canal. This is actually the bottom of the cervix which extends upward and connects to the rest of the reproductive organs. The cervix also secretes a form of mucus during ovulation to improve the habitat of the vagina for sperm by decreasing the acidity.

Bartholin’s Glands

These two glands are located near the vaginal opening and are responsible for lubrication during arousal.

Vaginal Walls

The walls of the vagina have several layers:

• The mucosa • Muscles • Connective tissue • Pelvic floor muscles

These muscles and tissues are responsible for maintaining the shape of the vagina and keeping it ‘tight’. The mucosa ‘sweats’ during sexual arousal, releasing fluid to lubricate the vagina during sexual intercourse.

Rejuvenating the Vagina 3 WHAT IS ‘NORMAL’?

What research and science has taught us is that there is NO normal when it comes to the vagina – and bodies in general.

Take a look at the results from one of the most predominant studies in this area: ‘Female genital appearance: ‘normality’ unfolds’.

Female genital appearance: ‘normality’ unfolds

Clitoral length (mm) 5-35

Clitoral glans width (mm) 3-10

Clitoris to urethra (mm) 16-45

Labia majora length (cm) 7.0-12.0

Labia minora length (mm) 20-100

Labia minora width (mm) 7-50

Perineum length (mm) 15-55

Vaginal length (cm) 6.5-12.5

Colour of genital area compared with Same 9 surrounding skin Darker 41

Smooth 14 Rugosity (wrinkliness) of Labia Moderate 34 Marked 2

So as you can see there is no normal whatsoever, there are just as many differences from one woman to the next, as there is with facial appearance or your fingerprint!

Lloyd J, Crouch NS, Minto CL, et al. Female genital appearance:’normality’ unfolds. BJOG 2005;112:643e46. doi:10.1111/j.1471-0528.2004.00517.x

Rejuvenating the Vagina 4 WHAT HAPPENS TO THE VAGINA WITH AGE?

Before you skip over this part because you’re still in your 20s or 30s, you should know that changes to the vagina (vaginal atrophy) occur in 40%-60% of women* and in some cases can occur prematurely.

20-29

Your labia majora may shrink during this time as the subcutaneous fat decreases as you age.

30-39

Your labia majora may shrink during this time as the subcutaneous fat decreases as you age.

40-49

In your 40s, your periods may be shorter, and you will be less fertile or not fertile at all as your body will be beginning to stop producing eggs.

Pregnancy

Hormones during pregnancy can cause the labia minora to darken.

Menopause

Menopause can occur any time from your 40s-50s. This is when a majority of vaginal ageing will occur. You may notice a number of things including that:

• You feel dryer • You’re not as sensitive during intercourse • You experience some bladder leakage (LBL) • You experience inflammation, burning and redness more frequently

* Stenberg A, Heimer G, Ulmsten U, et al. Prevalence of genitourinary and other climacteric symptoms in 61 year old women. Mauritas. 1996;24:31-36. * Iosif S.C. et al. Prevelance of genito-urinary symptoms in the late menopause. Acta Obstet Genycol Scand 1984; 63:257-60

Rejuvenating the Vagina 5 ANTI-AGEING TREATMENTS AREN’T JUST FOR YOUR FACE

While your vagina may not age in the same way as your face, you can still combat the signs of ageing.

Depending on the cause of your symptoms you may be prescribed hormonal supplements, or you may benefit more from a laser tightening/vaginal atrophy treatment.

Rejuvenating the Vagina 6 THE LABIAPLASTY

Women have not stopped at internal rejuvenation; lately, there has been a focus on the ‘designer vagina’ surgery which is a common term for labiaplasty surgery.

This surgery is performed to reduce and reshape the labia. For some patients, this is a cosmetic choice, and for others, this surgery is performed to improve personal comfort. Whether you have discomfort from wearing pants, infections, difficulty having sex, thrush, feel self-conscious or simply wish to change the appearance of your vagina – labiaplasty can help.

Why consider labiaplasty?

If you are looking to achieve any of the following, then you may wish to consider labiaplasty.

• Reshape the vaginal labia majora • Reduce ‘abnormal’ length or drooping • Augment thin tissues which have lost their natural fullness and elasticity • Reduce fat following weight loss • Preserve fat to prevent an aged appearance for women with thin tissues

Surgery for Cosmetic Reasons

Despite the fact that there is no ‘normal’ vaginal appearance, many women opt for labiaplasty to change the appearance of their vagina. This may be because they have seen vaginas that have already received surgery and think that they look desirable or they have made a personal decision that they simply want to change their appearance or no longer feel self-conscious. This may be a decision that they feel will improve their quality of life and even self-esteem.

If you are seeking surgery for cosmetic reasons, it’s important that your surgeon takes your mentality towards the procedure into consideration. This is important as if you are experiencing depression or anxiety you may benefit from other avenues of treatment before considering surgery.

Surgery to Improve Discomfort

Large labia can result in discomfort due to rubbing of the labia against clothing or rubbing against the skin. In this case, surgery can be extremely beneficial as long as the patient is a suitable candidate.

Rejuvenating the Vagina 7 THE PROCEDURE

Just as every person is different, the technique used to achieve labiaplasty can differ for each woman. It is usually a day surgery performed under general anaesthetic or intravenous sedation, although it can be performed under local anaesthetic in some cases.

Of course, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. Dr Carmen will work with you to understand your goals in the surgery and recommend a tailored plan that incorporates both your anatomy and desired results.

For those wishing to adjust asymmetrical labia or excess tissue, the wedge technique is the one most utilised by Dr Carmen. This advanced technique can improve both the length and width of the labia tissue; give a natural lift to the perineal structures; and an improved posterior lip. It’s achieved by removing a wedge-shaped section of tissue, and then using sutures to close.

In addition, imperfections of the clitoral hood and perineum post vaginal birth can also be addressed with our procedure.

Recovery and Aftercare

The average recovery time for labiaplasty is between two to four weeks. After your procedure, you will be provided with aftercare information detailing how to care for your surgical site. You will also be required to attend follow-up appointments with Dr Carmen to ensure the healing process is unfolding correctly.

It is important not to demand too much physical exercise or activity out of your body during this time. Overdoing it can cause issues with this sensitive part of the body and therefore, it is best to rest and take caution during this healing time.

Rejuvenating the Vagina 8 LABIAPLASTY WITH DR CARMEN MUNTEANU

Dr Carmen Munteanu is an acclaimed plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgeon with extensive experience in labiaplasty procedures.

Dr Carmen approaches all of her patients with a philosophy of ethics, honesty and care. With her exceptional results and compassionate services, she provides quality treatment for those looking to undertake this sensitive procedure. Dr Carmen understands that these procedures can be somewhat emotionally overwhelming, and provides caring, friendly and considered support for her patients.

Your initial visit to our clinic will involve a thorough consultation, where you will be able to ask any questions about our procedures or treatments in a relaxing pressure-free environment.

Rejuvenating the Vagina 9 If you would like to book a consultation, or would simply like to learn more about the procedure, contact Aesthetik Profile.

246 Mitcham Rd, Mitcham 3132 10