What problems can aesthetic gynecology solve?
Indications for aesthetic gynecology can be divided into several groups.
The first is the problems that concern the labia majora and labia minora. These could be birth defects, consequences of childbirth, trauma, age-related changes or severe weight loss.
Classic examples of problems that can be solved in one way or another by aesthetic gynecology:
- Too large labia, which interfere with sex life and active lifestyle;
- Too small labia majora;
- Asymmetry of the labia majora or labia minora;
- Laxity of the labia majora;
- Hyperpigmentation;
- Hypotrophy of the labia majora (their ptosis - prolapse),
The second group - problems associated with the vagina and perineum. Here the main reference point is the patient's feelings. The list of problems may be as follows:
- Decreased sensation during sexual intercourse (for example, a consequence of childbirth);
- Feeling of dryness, tightness in the vagina (after menopause, childbirth) and as a result - pain and discomfort during sexual activity;
- Consequences of episiotomy, tears during childbirth (for example, unsuccessful suture).
Additionally, it is possible solve problems related to the "classic" problems of gynecology:
- Urinary incontinence;
- Lichen sclerosus;
- Problems with lubrication after radiation therapy.
The “arsenal” of aesthetic gynecology:
- Laser phototherapy
The laser helps to activate the tissues - during the procedure, pulses with a specific frequency and wavelength stimulate cells, prompting them to function more actively. In response to laser phototherapy, cells begin to synthesize collagen, which in turn attracts water molecules - thus moisturizing the tissues (solving the problem of insufficient lubrication) and increasing the tone of the vagina (solving the problem of reduced sensation of a "stretched" vagina).
It is this property that allows the laser to be used as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy after menopause. Or in case of vaginal atrophy, for example, after radiation therapy.
Also, by stimulating the formation of new tissues with the help of a laser, the problem of hyperpigmentation can be solved.
Important:
- The procedure is painless and the patient can return to her usual rhythm of life immediately after it.
- There are restrictions on sex life - from 48 hours to 7 days, depending on what type of laser is used and for what indications.
- PRP and PRF injections
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) and PRF (Platelet Rich Fibrin) injections help solve some elasticity
First, some blood is taken from the patient (from 15 to 50 ml), then, using a centrifuge, the blood is purified until only plasma (the liquid part of the blood), platelets (blood cells responsible for coagulation) and fibrin (fibers that also help blood clotting) are left. Next, the finished product is injected with a microneedle into the mucous membrane or the skin (for example, into a scar after cesarean or episiotomy).
Such injections consist of only natural material without synthetic additives. Moreover, this medication contains growth factors that help to achieve the effect when using PRP and PRF. Growth factors are proteins that trigger the processes of cell regeneration, the synthesis of new cells, the synthesis of collagen, again with the subsequent hydration of the tissue.
There is a difference between PRP and PRF. In the second case, more fibrin is left in the drug, which makes it possible to successfully combine the laser procedure with the surface application of PRF (without injections) - the drug is quite thick (unlike PRP) and is not runny, and after the laser procedure on the mucous membrane is done, it starts all the processes of regeneration and rejuvenation more effectively.
Important:
- Plasma therapy helps restore elasticity, smoothness to the mucous membrane or skin, but does not give a filling effect.
- Do not expect an immediate effect - it is visible in about 4 weeks.
- Hyaluronic acid injections
In aesthetic gynecology, 2 types of hyaluronic acid are used.
The first is a low-density drug for the so-called biorevitalization or "rejuvenation" of tissues. If functions similarly to a laser and plasma injections: hyaluronic acid molecules actively attract water to themselves, smoothing and moisturizing the mucous membrane. The indications are the same - lack of moisture, dryness, atrophy, painful scars.
The second type of hyaluronic acid - high density – is used to achieve volume, the "filling" effect. It is used to correct asymmetry, for loose, lax labia, for a "stretched" vagina after childbirth or menopause.
The volume effect is also used to treat urinary incontinence, the so-called “bulk” therapy, during which the drug is injected around the urethra, restoring its anatomical location.
Important:
- The effect of the injections is visible immediately, but it increases even more over the next week, thanks to the property of hyaluronic acid to attract moisture.
- It should be borne in mind that the drug dissolves within 1-1.5 years, after which it will be necessary to repeat the procedure.
- 4. Lipofilling
Lipofilling or transplantation of the patient's own fat is, first of all, a surgical procedure. It is performed under full anesthesia, in sterile conditions.
Adipose tissue is taken, after which, after special treatment, the fat cells are injected back into the patient. The effect is to increase the volume, fill the tissue. Used for congenital asymmetry or laxity of the labia majora after menopause or childbirth. Lipofilling is an excellent method when large changes in the volume of the problem area are required.
Important:
- It makes sense to inject adipose tissue in places where it was found originally - therefore, lipofilling is only suitable for correcting problems of the labia majora (asymmetry, lack of volume).
- 5. Surgical methods
Surgical methods include labiaplasty (correction of the labia majora and labia minora), vaginoplasty (correction of the vagina) and perineoplasty (correction of the perineal tissue).
The methods are divided into minimally invasive, such as a vaginal thread lift, or surgery using a surgical laser, and invasive, in which a full-fledged surgical operation is performed. Which method is suitable for the patient is determined during a consultation with a specialist, focusing on each specific case.
Important:
- If the only indication for surgery is the patient's dissatisfaction with her sexual life, it is important to understand: the visual anatomical effect does not always provide any subjective changes in sensations. This is often a complex problem. And for its solution, both physiotherapy (Kegel exercises, biofeedback therapy under the guidance of a physiotherapist) and psychological work are important.
