Vaginal rejuvenation has gained a lot of attention in recent years, with more women choosing to undergo this procedure for reasons such as improving vaginal health, enhancing appearance, or addressing concerns like vaginal looseness, dryness, or urinary incontinence. While many women are satisfied with the results, it’s important to be aware that, like any procedure, vaginal rejuvenation does come with potential side effects and complications. In this blog, we’re sharing what we’ve learned about the side effects and complications that can come with vaginal rejuvenation, so we can make informed decisions if we decide to go for it.
What Is Vaginal Rejuvenation?
Vaginal rejuvenation refers to a set of procedures aimed at improving the appearance, tightness, and function of the vagina. These procedures can be surgical (like vaginal tightening or labiaplasty) or non-surgical (like laser treatments or radiofrequency therapy). Women opt for vaginal rejuvenation to treat things like vaginal looseness after childbirth, age-related changes, or simply for cosmetic reasons. While these treatments are effective for many, it’s important to understand the possible side effects and complications.
Common Side Effects of Vaginal Rejuvenation
- Swelling and Bruising: After undergoing any vaginal rejuvenation procedure, especially surgical ones, we might experience some swelling and bruising in the treated area. This is completely normal and part of the body’s natural healing process. These symptoms usually subside within a few days to a week, depending on the type of procedure we’ve chosen.
- Pain or Discomfort: Pain or discomfort is another common side effect that can occur, especially right after the procedure. The intensity of pain can vary depending on the procedure. Surgical treatments like vaginal tightening or labiaplasty may result in more discomfort than non-surgical options like laser treatments or radiofrequency. The pain is usually manageable with over-the-counter medications or prescribed pain relievers.
- Temporary Dryness or Sensitivity: Some of us may experience temporary vaginal dryness or increased sensitivity, particularly after laser treatments. If lubrication is affected, it could cause some discomfort during sexual activity. But the good news is, these issues usually resolve as the body heals.
- Mild Bleeding or Discharge: Light bleeding or discharge is a common side effect, particularly with surgical procedures. This bleeding should be minimal and stop within a few days. If we notice heavy or prolonged bleeding, it’s best to contact our doctor for advice.
- Itching or Irritation: Itching and irritation can happen as the body heals from the procedure. This is usually a temporary issue, but if the itching becomes severe or persistent, it’s a good idea to reach out to the healthcare provider.
Potential Complications of Vaginal Rejuvenation
While side effects are usually temporary and go away with time, there are some potential complications that we should be aware of. Though rare, complications can occur:
- Infection: As with any surgery, there’s a risk of infection after vaginal rejuvenation. If the procedure involves incisions (like vaginal tightening or labiaplasty), you experience redness, swelling, pain, fever, or discharge of pus. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should immediately consult with us to prevent the infection from worsening.
- Scarring: Scarring is a possible complication, especially with surgical procedures. Though skilled surgeons try to minimize scars, some level of scarring might still occur. In rare cases, scars might be visible or cause discomfort during intercourse. Non-surgical procedures, like laser treatments, generally have a lower risk of scarring, but there can still be some skin irritation or discoloration.
- Nerve Damage: While it’s very uncommon, nerve damage is a risk, particularly with more invasive procedures. This could result in altered sensations, numbness, or pain in the vaginal area. If we experience any unusual changes in sensation, it’s important to consult with us for further evaluation.
- Changes in Sensation: Some of us might experience changes in vaginal sensation after vaginal rejuvenation—either an increase in sensitivity or, in rare cases, a decrease. While many women report improved sexual satisfaction, the procedure might lead to unwanted changes in sensation for some individuals.
- Excessive Tightening: Another possible complication, though rare, is excessive tightening of the vaginal walls. This can cause discomfort during intercourse or make penetration difficult. If this happens, further surgical intervention might be needed to address the issue.
- Scar Tissue or Adhesions: Scar tissue or adhesions (when tissue sticks together) can form after vaginal rejuvenation, especially if the healing process is disrupted or if there’s an infection. Adhesions can cause vaginal tightness or restrictions, which could interfere with sexual activity. If this happens, surgery may be needed to remove or correct the issue.
How to Minimize Risks and Complications
Even though complications are possible, many women undergo vaginal rejuvenation with no issues. However, to minimize the risks and ensure the best results, we should consider the following steps:
- Follow aftercare instructions: After the procedure, it’s important to follow all aftercare guidelines, including those related to pain management, hygiene, and restrictions on sexual activity.
- Attend follow-up appointments: Regular check-ups with our doctor after the procedure are important. These visits help monitor the healing process and catch any potential issues early.
- Be patient during recovery: Healing takes time, so we should give our body enough time to recover fully before engaging in any sexual activity or strenuous physical activities.
Conclusion
Vaginal rejuvenation procedures, whether surgical or non-surgical, can bring many benefits, such as improved sexual satisfaction, better vaginal health, and enhanced self-confidence. However, it’s essential to understand the potential side effects and complications that could arise. Before opting for vaginal rejuvenation, it’s crucial to consult with us.
