You've seen pictures in magazines and billboards on the street advertising vaginal rejuvenation, and you even have girlfriends who have had it done--but what in the heck IS vaginal rejuvenation?
What is Vaginal Rejuvenation?
The reason you can't figure it out is because vaginal rejuvenation is actually not a medical procedure, rather it's a marketing term. In general, doctors and lay people view vaginal rejuvenation as an internal "tightening" procedure while others think it's changing the appearance of your external genitalia (labioplasty). And although lasers are marketed for vaginal rejuvenation, technically none of these lasers are FDA approved for this since it's not an actual medical procedure. Having said that, when used appropriately there is minimal risk with laser vaginal rejuvenation so go for it if you have the money. On the other hand, most women who feel they need tightening is because of damage to the pelvic floor related to vaginal delivery. The stretching of the pelvic muscles and tissues can result in a "fallen bladder" or other type of prolapse (abnormal descent of the pelvic organs), and surgery for this is considered medically necessary and covered by insurance. The bottom line is do what feels right for you.
Dr. Karyn Eilber MD is a physician in Beverly Hills with over 20 years of experience in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.