Vaginal tightening as a rejuvenation option for the vagina

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Gynaecology

Vaginal tightening is a minimally invasive procedure. It uses laser light to tighten the collagen fibres of the vagina. It also stimulates the production of new collagen by fibroblasts in the area ^(1,2).

The objective of the process is to decrease the diameter and length of the vaginal canal. Professionals achieve this in about 4 sessions, conducting them once a month. During these sessions, they introduce a device that emits pulsed light into the vagina ⁽¹⁾.

Vaginal tightening is not the same as vaginoplasty. The latter option involves performing surgery under anaesthesia and healthcare providers reserve it for severe cases of laxity, vaginal prolapse, or severe urinary incontinence ⁽³⁾.

When is vaginal tightening recommended?

Healthcare professional performing a gynecological exam on a patient in a medical office with proper equipment.

The procedure is usually indicated to improve the firmness and elasticity of the vaginal tissues. In general, for aesthetic reasons ⁽¹⁾.

As we age, collagen production in the vagina decreases, which has an impact on its elasticity and firmness. This decrease in collagen contributes to loss of sensitivity and vaginal laxity, which can negatively affect sexual satisfaction and quality of life. In addition, the lack of adequate structural support due to decreased collagen increases the risk of vaginal prolapse. Additionally, during menopause, the vagina undergoes accelerated changes due to the decrease in the hormone estrogen. Vaginal tightening aims to reverse this situation ⁽⁴⁾.

It may also be indicated for women with mild vaginal laxity due to different causes. For example, for those who have lost a lot of weight in a short period. Or for those who underwent profound changes in the female reproductive system during pregnancy and have postpartum laxity ^(1,2).

Benefits of vaginal tightening

We can attribute various benefits to this technique, such as:

Improved sensations: the narrowing of the vaginal canal causes more sensitivity during intercourse ^(5,6,7).

Increased lubrication: the laser also stimulates the cells that produce the vagina's natural lubrication. This helps to alleviate symptoms associated with vaginal dryness, such as pain during intercourse ⁽⁸⁾.

Rejuvenation of the intimate area: by improving the firmness and elasticity of the vaginal tissues, the appearance will be more youthful ⁽¹⁾.

Minimally invasive: they perform vaginal tightening on an outpatient basis, which is minimally invasive. This method does not involve surgery and recovery times are shorter ⁽¹⁾.

Pelvic floor improvement: tightening contributes to strengthening pelvic floor structures. Therefore, it helps prevent pelvic organ prolapse and reduces urinary incontinence ⁽⁹⁾.

Are there any risks?

Although vaginal tightening is considered a safe procedure, as in any intervention, there are possible complications. On the one hand, it could change the vaginal pH and increase the risk of vaginal infections ^(6,8).

In addition, other possible risks include the following ⁽⁶⁾:

Irritation of the treated area: after the procedure, the laser could leave an increased tendency for skin irritability. One way to reduce this discomfort is to follow the postoperative recommendations.

Changes in sensitivity: although the procedure seeks to improve sensations, it is not ruled out that these may be altered. Therefore, there could be changes that affect sexual experiences. The effect will almost always be temporary.

Pelvic pain: discomfort after tightening may occur. In general, the physician will prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or analgesics.

Pigmentation changes: the laser may alter skin cells of the labia. This would cause temporary changes in the colouration of the pubis and surrounding areas.

Burns: the laser is calibrated not to burn the skin or mucous membranes. However, misuse of the technique could lead to this problem. The choice of an experienced and qualified professional minimizes the risk.

Dissatisfaction with the results is not a risk. Consider that expectations are individual and personal. There is always the possibility that you will not be satisfied with what you see or feel after the procedure ⁽¹⁰⁾.

How to take care of yourself after surgery?

Postoperative care facilitates recovery and minimizes the risks of complications. The general recommendations are ⁽¹⁾:

Rest and allow the body to rest after the sessions. Avoid heavy work routines in the following days.

Do not schedule intense physical activity, heavy lifting, or strenuous exercise for one week after the sessions.

Maintain good intimate hygiene to avoid irritation of the area. Consult your doctor if you should postpone pubic hair removal if it is part of your hygiene routine.

Delay sexual intercourse for at least five days.

It is key to remember that results vary from person to person and individual expectations. Do not be left with any doubts before opting for vaginal tightening. Consult a specialized centre and ask all the questions you can think of.

Referencias Bibliográficas

Cleveland Clinic. Vaginal Rejuvenation [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic 2022 [cited 2024 Mar 6]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17761-energy-based-treatments-and-vaginal-rejuvenation
Triana L. Non-surgical vaginal tightening procedures. In: Aesthetic Vaginal Plastic Surgery. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2020 [cited 2024 Mar 6]. p. 199–207. Available from: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-24819-2_17
Joyce R. Evidence Based Intervention Labiaplasty, Vaginoplasty & Hymenorrhaphy [Internet]. NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex 2022 [cited 2024 Mar 6]. Available from: https://www.hweclinicalguidance.nhs.uk/all-clinical-areas-documents/download?cid=1294&checksum=84438b7aae55a0638073ef798e50b4ef
Eserdağ S. Vaginal Laser Applications. In: Aesthetic and Functional Female Genital Surgery. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2023 [cited 2024 Mar 6]. p. 223–44. Available from: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-16019-6_16
Triana L, Liscano E. Vaginal tightening. Clin Plast Surg [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2024 Mar 6];49(4):473–8. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36162941/
Al-Badr A, Alkhamis WH. Laser vaginal tightening complications: Report of three cases. Lasers Surg Med [Internet]. 2019 [cited 2024 Mar 6];51(9):757–9. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/lsm.23110
Juhász MLW, Korta DZ, Mesinkovska NA. Vaginal rejuvenation: A retrospective review of lasers and radiofrequency devices. Dermatol Surg [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2024 Mar 6];47(4):489–94. Available from: https://journals.lww.com/dermatologicsurgery/abstract/2021/04000/vaginal_rejuvenation__a_retrospective_review_of.12.aspx
Hendaria MP, Sari M. The role of topical treatment on vaginal tightening. Berkala Ilmu Kesehatan Kulit dan Kelamin [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2024 Mar 6];34(3):203–9. Available from: https://e-journal.unair.ac.id/BIKK/article/download/24721/23200
Lauterbach R, Gutzeit O, Matanes E, Linder R, Mick I, Aharoni S, et al. Vaginal fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment and changes in vaginal biomechanical parameters. Lasers Surg Med [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2024 Mar 6];53(9):1146–51. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/lsm.23405
Comert EC. Laser Vaginal Tightening our Clinical Experiences. Journal of Sexual Medicine & Research [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2024 Mar 6]; 108(2): 2-4. Available from: https://www.onlinescientificresearch.com/articles/laser-vaginal-tightening-our-clinical-experiences.pdf