Since ages we have considered Gynecology only as a subject dealing with the diseases of women, helping the diseased women in need. But the spectrum of Gynecology extends much beyond this. There are many less explored avenues of gynecology which remain un trodden but have immense potential in unraveling the inner beauty of women and improving the functional aspects. Reconstructive gynecology or cosmetic plastic Gynecology ventures in search of this beauty.
Cosmetic Gynecology differs from the mainstream Gynecology as a DEMAND based subject, a demand of the woman to improve her Gynecological body image, to relive, reclaim and enrich her sexual health by addressing the aesthetic issues. The word COSMETIC in Cosmetic Gynecology has a hard core scientific component than when the same word is used in a beauty parlor. Age, childbearing and menopause often take a physical toll on the body of women leaving them with unwanted changes. Excessive stretching of the vaginal muscles is a common occurrence after vaginal birth or simply due to aging. Damage can diminish sensation during intimate activity, reduce satisfaction, and change the relationship between partners. Laxity of the skin is caused by numerous factors and no area is immune to this natural decline. These atrophic changes often cause painful intercourse and thus jeopardize the sexual and personal life of women.
There are many such problems which affect the sexual life and body image of women after child birth or after menopause. Women suppress those as they are shy to speak about these problems pertaining to their intimate parts. Cosmetic Gynecology addresses and treats these problems by reviving the tissues, restoring their function and helping a woman to reclaim her youth. The sole aim of this arena of Cosmetic Gynecology is to help women feel younger and better, to improve the aesthetic outlook of their body. As well as to address the sexual and urinary problems which may occur after childbirth or menopause It is a much needed yet less discussed stream of Gynecology. We therefore take up the responsibility to raise the awareness about this and bring women under the umbrella of this new dimension of Gynecology which calls for celebration of womanhood!
Cosmetic Gynecology comprises of Surgical and non-surgical procedures.
Female cosmetic genital surgery (FCGS)encompasses the complete range of procedures designed to change aesthetic and/or functional aspects of women’s genitalia. Surgical proceduresaim at correction of deformity/ function, which can be congenital or acquired. These are operations like clitoroplasty, hymenoplasty, labioplasty, perineoplasty, vaginoplasty. Perineoplasty and vaginoplasty taken together are referred to as Surgical Vaginal rejuvenation.
Some women are born with larger than usual size of labia minora or majora. This might not only be of aesthetic concern but may cause difficulty in movement, cause friction with tight clothing, impairment of proper hygienic measures leading to infection.They are displeased with the appearance of their labia, especially while wearing bathing suits, athletic attire, leggings, jeans, etc. This problem can be tackled by labiaplasty which has various techniques.
The clitoris may be either hidden or overtly enlarged (clitoromegaly). This may cause even confusion while ascertaining the sex of the child at birth Clitoroplasty or clitoral reduction aims at restoring the normal anatomical relationships and improving the body image.
Childbirth often causes excessive stretching of the vagina that leads to a gaping introitus resulting in sexual dysfunction and reduced sexual pleasure. Similar problem may occur after menopause , which is topped up by dryness, irritation of the vulvovaginal region leading to dyspareunia. Injuries during childbirth and estrogen deficiency after menopause may lead to instrinsic sphincter deficiency culminating into stress urinary incontinence. Such women require vaginal rejuvenation which is a modification of the age old pelvic floor repair performed by the Gynecologists since decades.
Hymenoplasty, Labia majoraplasty, Monsplasty, G spot augmentation are other less performed surgical procedures which come under the domain of FCGS Hymenoplasty is done to repair the tissue and restore the appearance of an intact hymen. The hymen gets usually torn during first intercourse, during horse riding, cycling, tampon insertion etc. In most cultures, intact hymen denotes virginity and is considered an important factor in marriage. Restoration of hymen surgically is a simple, safe procedure to repair the hymen and is performed on the individual’s needs.
Vaginoplasty or tightening of vagina or vaginal rejuvenation addresses the loose vaginal tissue. Ageing, multiple childbirth can not only lead to laxity of vagina but can also result in decreased sexual satisfaction. This procedure involves removing the excess lining and tightening of the lax musculature and surrounding soft tissue. It can also be combined with labiaplasty.
Labiaplasty addresses the appearance of inner labia or the labia minora. Labia minora may be uneven or more prominent .It may occur post child birth, or may be present since birth. Problems faced by the patient include prominence underneath the swimwear or underwear, leading to discomfort or embarrassment. It may at times interfere with intercourse. Labiaplasty not only helps to alleviate these problems but also helps to reduce the vaginal lip size.
Clitoral unhooding or hoodectomy is a minor surgical procedure in which the tissue that normally covers the clitoris is removed when it is in excess.
Monsplasty
Pubic liposuction and pubic lift are procedures which can be done together depending upon the extent of the condition. Monsplasty otherwise called as the pubis lift is achieved through a combined surgery of pubic liposuction with pubic lift. This procedure will tighten and shape up your ‘bikini bridge’ which may be prominent when wearing your outfits.
All these are done as day care procedures, absorbable sutures are applied and the scar is usually imperceptible. Post procedure some amount of bruising, discomfort and swelling is common but tolerable.
Non-surgicalprocedures include Lasers & radiofrequency in vaginal rejuvenation, platelet rich plasma, use of fillers to correct asymmetry.
Radio frequencyIt is NON -ablative NON surgical, resulting in gentle heating of tissue versus aggressive technologies.Radio Frequency (RF) is delivered at a comfort level with little to NO discomfort and NO downtime.It increases the vaginal moisture, strengthens the vaginal muscles, improves painful intercourse, reduces urinary leakage and urgency, tightens the vagina and increases the vaginal sensitivity. Thus it can help women who are experiencing vaginal laxity and a loose or rubbing feeling , sexual dysfunction ,orgasmic issues, urinary leakage or stress incontinenceor from dryness of their vagina or labia (atrophic vaginitis) due to the effects of menopause.
It uses a minimally-invasive electrocoagulation unit to apply radiofrequency energy and a small probe to apply controlled heat to the treatment areas. Controlled heat causes microscopic lesions which are necessary to promote neocollagenesis.
LASER is basically a combination of light and energy. Controlled Thermal injury to the Collagen produces immediate contraction and release of TGF Beta2. This couples with Membrane Receptorsof the Fibroblast, producing a release at the Microsomal Level of Heat Shock Protein-47 (Charged with Metabolism of Collagen Type I).The presence of this Molecular Chaperone is essential for proper production and assembly of new Collagen.An increase of five Degrees from the normal temperature of the cell triggers a Rapid Synthesis of Heat Shock Proteins, resulting between 15 And 25% of The HSP Cellular Proteins within minutes. This principle is utilized for neocollagenesis and rejuvenation of vagina.
The loss of libido is an unfortunate condition that affects millions of women on a daily basis. Women from young to old can experience low sex drive at various stages of life: younger women may experience it after the birth of a child in their 20’s and 30’s; perimenopausal women usually during their late 30’s and 40’s; and both menopausal and postmenopausal women throughout the rest of their lives can all experience low libido.
Some of the contributors to low female libido include: decreased testosterone and estrogen levels; vaginal dryness; medication side effects; chronic health conditions; loss of a spouse or partner; lack of emotional intimacy; conflict; stress; and mood concerns. A decrease in sex drive can also develop due to medical conditions or as the result of psychological or emotional issues.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a comprehensive, non-invasive, and in-office medical treatment that is designed to improve desire and pleasure.. PRP Vaginal Rejuvenation works by using your own platelet rich plasma (PRP) to stimulate stem cells and growth factors to regenerate healthier vaginal tissue.. The patient's blood is drawn and placed in a centrifuge for 15 minutes to separate out the platelets. The platelet-rich plasma is then injected into target areas.
Women keep on suffering from problems relating to intimate issues taking this as granted and accepting these as natural. It is time to realize they need not live with those problems either aesthetic or functional as treatment is available for this perspective. Cosmetic Gynecology helps them to take this leap forward.