Vaginal Tightening and vaginal rejuvenation
WHy Do we not talk about vaginal rejuvenation and vaginal tightening
Vaginal rejuvenation and vaginal tightening are still a taboo subject but commonly performed by Dr. Kitto. Vaginal rejuvenation and vaginal tightening are concerns for women over 40s who have experienced the changes of hormones, weight fluctuations and childbirth. Just as our face changes with age the vulva (external female genitalia) changes too and there are safe and successful procedures that Dr. Kitto performs to rejuvenate and refresh the vulva and eliminate any physical and emotional discomfort. Labiaplasty is often sought after procedure by young women in their 20s to create an aesthetically pleasing labia minora to enhance a woman’s comfort and increase her self confidence in physical and intimate activities.
Let’s discuss anatomy first
The vulva is the term to describe the external female genitalia. It matures during puberty and can change with age. The labia majora (outer lips) are full, soft, and usually grow hair. The labia minora (inner lips) are thin, soft, pliable, sensate, highly erogenous tissue which will grow in size and change in shape during puberty. It is common to have labia minora which is longer than the labia majora. It is common to have labia minora with different pigment on it or a rim of dark pigment. It is also common to have one labia minora completely different than the other in size, shape and color. The main function of the labia minora is to direct urinary stream protects the vagina from external trauma. The clitoral hood is tissue similar in composition to labia minora which covers the clitoris. This too can grow during puberty and create multiple folds of tissue which can be different in size and shape from one to the other.
Vaginal rejuvenation is a term used to describe labiaplasty (the procedure of reshaping the labia minora and/or labia majora) even though the labia minora and majora are outside the vagina.
Dr. Kitto often sees patients in her clinic who are bothered and sometimes even embarrassed by the appearance of their labia minora. These patients will refrain from activities they love and will not wear the clothing they want because of the appearance of their labia minora. Large labia minora can also cause physical complaints such as pain, chafing, shearing, and swelling during activities such as running, cycling, yoga and horse back riding.
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure which changes the size and shape of labia minora to create smaller, symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing labia minora. As a woman and a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kitto understands the importance of discussing each patient’s concerns and unique goals during a private and individualized consultation.
The labia majora
The paired labia majora can change with time. Additional stressors such as weight and hormone changes can further alter the appearance of the labia majora.
The characteristic and desired appearance of the labia majora is full and soft. This appearance is created by the discrete fat pads in the the labia majora which can atrophy with time and lead to labia majora which appears deflated, elongated and redundant.
Dr. Kitto commonly sees women in her her office who experience physical and emotional discomfort due to size and appearance of labia majora. They are interested in labiaplasty of the labia majora to recreate the small and full look of the labia majora and restore their confidence and comfort during physical and intimate activities.
Dr. Kitto often adds fat grafting to further restore the labia majora. She will harvest a small amount of patient’s fat and will then artistically and masterfully inject it to enhance the labia majora shape.
The Clitoral hood
The appearance of the clitoral hood can also be a cause of concern for women. Redundant and excess clitoral hood with multiple folds can further add to a bulky appearance of the vulva which is highly undesirable for women. Dr Kitto will often perform clitoral hood reduction in combination with labia minora or labia majora reduction or part of vulva rejuvenation. This will further decrease the bulkiness in the vulva and help women feel more comfortable wearing bikini and tights.
Dr Kitto is warm and personable, and will give you her realistic assessment of what can be achieved.
For example, although you may want to get several things done at once, Dr Kitto will explain to you why certain things can be safely combined, but others might be too difficult during recovery.
So, she is not just out for your money. I felt confident at every step.
— Jennifer Barnes
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The Day of your procedure
Patients appreciate the privacy during their labiaplasty procedure which Dr. Kitto performs in the office on designated days. Patients remain awake and comfortable as Dr. Kitto performs their labiaplasty procedure under local anesthesia only. Dr. Kitto uses her attention to detail, meticulous surgical skills and years of experience to deliver outstanding and successful results for everyone of her patients.
She uses various individualized techniques to reshape and reduce the size of the labia minora, labia majora and clitoral hood.
The incisions are placed strategically so when they are healed there is no visible scar. The excess tissue is removed, the remaining labial tissue is reshaped and proportions are restored. The final result is very natural and unoperated.
Your Recovery process
As this procedure is performed under local anesthesia only and due to Dr. Kitto’s refined technique in labiaplasty recovery is relatively quick. It is expected to have swelling and bruising. Patients are counseled on how to spend their first week to ensure prompt and successful recovery. They can start light exercise on their second week and progress their physical activity. Patients can return to work 1-2 weeks after the procedure depending on their work related activities and this discussed with Dr. Kitto
Patients may resume intimacy at 6 weeks.
Out of state patient are required to remain in Richmond VA for the first night after their procedure and can return home on the following day. Their follow up is arranged either in person or virtually.
Dr. Kitto and the staff are absolutely wonderful.
She explained the process and procedures clearly and laid out any risks right up front. She worked with me on the different options available and helped ultimately make the best choice for me. I couldn’t be happier with the results of my procedure!
— Elisabeth Travis
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
FAQ
How do I schedule a consultation ?
Patients interested in labiaplasty can be seen in the office for consultation. For out of town and out of state patients we commonly schedule virtual consultation. Every patient’s anatomy, concerns and expectations are discussed in detail with Dr. Kitto prior to labiaplasty.
Will I be asleep for a labiaplasty or vaginal rejuvenation?
Dr. Kitto performs labiaplasty or vaginal rejuvenation in the office under local anesthesia or at a local outpatient facility under IV sedation. The best option for every patient is discussed prior to their procedure. Majority of procedures are performed in the office, under local anesthesia.
When can I go to the beach or get in the pool after labiaplasty?
Patients can get in the pool or go to beach usually at a week after their labiaplasty of vaginal rejuvenation. This is discussed with Dr. Kitto during their 1-week follow up.
What is the average cost of labiaplasty?
A common concern during labiaplasty or clitoral hood reduction is loss of sensation. As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in labiaplasty Dr. Kitto pays attention to every detail and protects the nerves important in sensation during her procedures.
