Cosmetic Gyneacology - A new concept???

Hi all.....

Today, I'm gonna be talking about a relatively new topic ( at least in the general public's mind) especially in the Indian scenario. I have been getting many queries and emails regarding this, but the common factor in all those being the fact that very little is know about it and there seems to be a lot of confusion regarding the same.

The topic is “Cosmetic Gynaecology”.

Though the procedures that come under this heading have been performed for quite a few years now, the term seems to be recently coined. It basically involves correcting cosmetic problems related to the female genitalia. The procedures which come under this are:

1. Labioplasty ( Reducing size of the lips)

2. Hymenoplasty

3. Vaginoplasty or Vaginal Rejuvenation ( Tightening of the vagina)

4. G spot amplification

These procedures can be done together or separately or in various combinations depending on the need of the patient. Sometimes certain other urological or gynaecological procedures maybe be combined if there is a associated medical problem.

Let us briefly discuss each of these procedures separately.

1.Labioplasty:

This refers to the procedure by which the labia ( lips) minora most commonly or sometimes both the majora and minora are reduced surgically if they are too long. Many women are bothered about it as they know how it was and they feel it is not the same as time progresses and they feel uncomfortable about it. In normal course the labia minora are smaller and hidden within the labia majora as in the younger age groups. So, this is an attempt to bring it back to the way it was.

It is a relatively simple procedure which can be done under local anaesthesia or regional anaesthesia and the patient can go home the same day.

Some times this maybe be accompanied by fat grafting of the labia majora to increase their volume & give them a more youthful look.

2.Hymenoplasty:

This refers to a procedure of recreating the Hymen. Also called "Revirginization".

Not very commonly a part of the combination of procedures. It involves recreating the thin layer of skin at the vaginal opening to give it an impression of being virginal. Though the fact remains that the hymen can rupture because of many reason other than intercourse. But it is done more for personal and religious beliefs than for medical reasons.

The procedure involves recreating the hymen with the help of tissues in and around the vagina. It is a relatively simple procedure and the patient can go home the same day. The stitches dissolve on their own in a week or 10 days.

3.Vaginoplasty or Vaginal Rejuvenation:

Classically vaginoplasty refers to recreating the vagina in patients with a congenital absence. But here in context of cosmetic gynaecology, it refers to tightening the vagina. Because of child birth and repeated intercourse and lack of exercise the pelvic muscles surrounding the vagina become loose. This may sometimes cause problems during intercourse because of the lack of proper grip for both the partners.

Vaginal tightening can be done with the help of LASER's where the light from the LASER tighten's the mucosa and some part of the underlying muscle. This is a good option if the patient has a decent muscle tone. The other procedure is to surgically tighten the muscles outside the vagina. The procedure is done from within the vagina and the stitches dissolve on their own. The patient can go home the same day or the day after.

This is usually combined with a labioplasty and fat grafting of the labia. The patient can resume normal sexual activity in three to four weeks time. There is an increase in sensations and pleasure during intercourse for both partners.

There are some pelvic exercises which all women can do to naturally tighten their pelvic muscles and delay the need for such a procedure. Some centers also have equipment which will help tighten and strengthen the pelvic muscles.

4.“G Spot” Amplification:

This is a relatively new addition to the procedures. The “G Spot” or The Gräfenberg spot, is a female erogenous zone, which when stimulated leads to high levels of sexual arousal and powerful orgasms.

Though anatomically the “G spot” has not be identified as a distinct physical entity some studies and anecdotal evidences from different women have shown a very sensitive and thickened area in the anterior wall of the vagina. Some studies done also showed this thickening when the women is sexually aroused. Women claimed the experience of a “deeper” orgasm when their her G-spot was stimulated.

Despite professional and scientific criticism and skepticism in general by the public, the G-spot, as a concept, has been widely accepted. Even in India judging by the mails, the awareness has definitely increased.

“G Spot” amplification is an extension of the same concept. As stimulation of the “G spot” is supposed to give greater arousal to the woman, the procedure involves identifying the spot and increasing the size by an injection. It is a relatively safe and simple procedure done as an office procedure. The injection lasts for 6-8 months and can give enhanced pleasure during intercourse by increasing the size of the “G spot” during that time.

But in some cases the results may not be up to the mark because of the difficulty of finding the “G spot”. The injection can be repeated as and when the effect wears off and the woman feels she wants the extra help to get aroused.

The awareness of these procedures and the inquiry regarding the same has increased over the past few years as woman are becoming more aware of their bodies and their own needs. Though there will always be controversies regarding the procedures, like for all other cosmetic procedures the options are there for people who want to get it.

As one of my patient's said... "Doc...I know it's not a necessary procedure... but , Its nice to know we have options !!!!!"

Dr.Surindher

www.cosmesisindia.com