Genital
rejuvenation has become popular in the last decade and its popularity is slowly
catching up over the past few years. The general acceptance of the procedures
is on the rise as people have changed their outlook towards
themselves.
Lot of changes happen to the female genitalia
over a period of time. During
pregnancy, hormonal changes cause a hypertrophy or swelling of the labia majora
(vulva) and labia minora. The repeated swelling and stretching of these
structures with multiple pregnancies may cause a significant permanent
enlargement of the labia minora. The large hanging labia may pose both a visual
annoyance to a woman as well as a functional nuisance. Such symptoms might
include a dislike of the size and appearance of one’s labia, asymmetry of the
labia, and awkwardness during sexual intercourse, trouble urinating (having to
separate labia during urination), recurrent yeast infections in the skin folds
from moisture retention, and pain during intercourse or exercise.
Other changes following childbirth include a
loosening of the vaginal canal caused by the stretching of the muscles and
lining of the vagina and loosening of the muscles of the pelvis. These
structures are most affected during the actual birth process, and never fully
recover to their native state. This loosening may lead to a lesser degree of
sexual pleasure or satisfaction for both the woman and her partner.
Weight gain and the redistribution of body fat over time
can also cause a problem for both men and women in the form of enlargement of
the mons pubis. The effect of this enlargement is a "hooding" of the
genitals, especially in the standing position. For men, this can cause the
penis to appear considerably shorter by 2 or more inches. For women, it can
cause the appearance of a masculine budge when wearing tight fitting clothing
such as swimsuits or exercise pants.
There are various reasons why a patient would want to
consider Genital Rejuvenation. Most patients seek more youthful, attractive
genitals, particularly after bearing children. Others desire heightened sexual
pleasure. Some individuals request Genital Rejuvenation for functional or
hygiene purposes. Regardless of the reason, most individuals experiencing any of
the above symptoms are candidates for one or multiple genital rejuvenation
procedures.
Common
Genital Rejuvenation procedures in females:
- Labiaplasty : It is a procedure, which reduces or reshapes the
labia minora (inner lips) and or labia majora (outer lips) to make them either
smaller or symmetrical. This leaves the patient with an attractive youthful
appearance. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia in the out
patient clinic or the operating room. Light sedating medications can be given
to relax the patient and keep them comfortable and at ease. After the one-hour
procedure, the patient can go home and recuperate. The recovery is quick and
usually associated with only mild discomfort. Antibiotics and medications are
prescribed to keep the patient comfortable and problem free. Sexual relation
may usually be resumed in 2 to 3 weeks.
- Vaginoplasty : It is a surgical procedure, which tightens the
vagina. This procedure can be performed under a general or local anesthetic.
Redundant vaginal tissue is removed, the muscles of the vaginal canal are
tightened, and the vagina is made smaller (narrower). This procedure can
greatly enhance sexual pleasure both for the woman and her partner. The
procedure takes approximately one hour to perform. The recovery is quick and
easy. Mild soreness is experienced. Antibiotics and medication to keep the
patient comfortable are prescribed. Sexual relations may be resumed in about 4
weeks.
- Mons Pubis Reduction: It is a surgical procedure, which removes the
redundant fatty and connective tissues from the mons pubis. This can be
accomplished through liposuction or direct excision. A simple liposculpturing
can markedly reduce the mons pubis giving a much more youthful appearance to
the region. The procedure may be done under local or general anesthesia
depending on the patient’s personal preference and circumstances. The procedure
lasts about an hour. Recovery is associated with some swelling of the genitals
and some mild to moderate discomfort. Antibiotics and medications to keep you comfortable are prescribed. Sexual
relations may be resumed in 1 to 2 weeks.
- Hymenoplasty : It is a surgical
procedure that repairs the hymen by suturing the remains of the ruptured hymen
from a previous sexual experience, or strenuous athletic activity. This
procedure is popular among strict Islamic women and women of other religions
that insist brides must be virgins before marriage. The procedure can also
heighten sexual satisfaction because the vaginal walls are tightened. The
procedure is usually performed as out patient room procedure under local
anesthesia. The procedure is usually 3 to 4 weeks prior to the marriage.
- Reducing the length and protrusion of the clitoral
hood and clitoris : It is a surgical procedure that reduces the
size of the clitoris. Some women are very self-conscious about the projection
of the clitoris because they feel like they have a small penis. The procedure
is simple and is usually done under local anesthesia. The patient can get back
to her normal routine after the procedure. Sexual interaction has to be delayed
for at least 2 weeks.
- Labia
augmentation or Fat grafting of the Labia Majora : It is a procedure in which patients own fat is harvested and injected into the
labia majora to provide bulk and youthful appearance to the external genitalia.
The procedure can be done under local anesthesia or under regional anesthesia.
The patient can go home on the same day after the procedure. Sexual interaction
has to be delayed for at least 2 to 3 weeks.
Genital Rejuvenation procedures in males:
- Male genital rejuvenation surgery : It includes increasing the length and the girth of the penis. The maximum length of the penis that can be surgically achieved is about 24mm. The procedure involves liposuctioning of the mons pubis and if required releasing the suspensory ligament of the penis at the level of pubic bone. Injecting patient’s own fat into the penis can increase the girth of the penis. The procedure is usually done regional anesthesia.
Dr. Chandrabose VT
Sr. Consultant Plastic Surgery, MIMS
Dr. Chandrabose VT completed MBBS from Calicut medical college in the year 1996, MS in
general surgery from Kottayam Medical college in the year 2002, secured
DNB in general surgery in the same year. He completed MCH training in
plastic surgery from St; John's Medical college Bangalore in the year
2005, and DNB in plastic surgery in the same year. He worked in the
plastic surgery department at St.John's medical college initially as
lecturer and then as Assistant professor. After that he went for one year
fellowship in Micro vascular surgery at Taiwan. After successful
completion of the fellowship he joined Lakeshore Hospital Kochi as senior
specialist.
About MIMS Hospital:
Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences Ltd (MIMS) is the first multi specialty NABH Hospital in India. Started as a 300 bed hospital, it has now become the best hospital in the healthcare sector of Kerala. MIMS has 12 fully equipped operation theatres and has facilities for conducting the super specialty procedures like Open Heart Surgeries and beating heart surgeries.
Visit: http://www.mimsindia.com