Recently, a woman had contacted me for help prior to undergoing a vaginal rejuvenation procedure.

Madeline, a 50 year old mother of 2 teenage daughters, graciously agreed to answer some questions for us so we may learn from her experience.

She discusses how her life had been affected due to her symptoms before surgery, why she chose her doctor and what she learned after the surgery (4 weeks post-op at the time of this interview).

Vanessa:

What were you experiencing prior to vaginal rejuvenation that had you considering it?

Madeline:

When I had my first daughter, I had 3rd degree tear from the delivery. Ever since, my muscle down there had been very loose and intercourse with my husband had not been very pleasant because I couldn't feel anything and he had expressed the same. I also experienced incontinence. I am an active person and I'd like to stay physical to stay in shape. I play tennis, martial arts and swimming. The incontinence had limit myself from these physical activities. In 2004, I had surgery locally to fix the incontinence and my physical activities had come back. But the vaginal looseness and lost of muscle control were still there.

Vanessa:

What were your concerns/fears about vaginal reconstruction procedures?

Madeline:

My worst fear was the procedure would make it worse and that something would go wrong and my most private anatomy would be ruined forever.

Vanessa:

Please describe the type of research you had done prior to having surgery?

Madeline:

Actually I didn't even know there are procedures out there that would fix this problem.  We gave up the idea of finding a fix after my first delivery (1993).  At the  time, these procedures were not available.

I accidentally ran across the article on the doctors about Vaginal Surgery in an airline magazine while I was flying back home with my husband from a trip in July 2011.  I took down the info on a piece of paper and told myself that I would check it out after I get home.  I didn't say anything to my husband at the time because I wanted to check it out first.  But I was very excited about the prospect.  The magazine listed the top doctors in their fields and I felt that if they had made to this list, they had to be very good.

So when I got home that night, I went on the Internet to their site and checked out their credentials, patient testimonies, read about all the procedures they have, and looked at all the before/after photos.  I was most impressed with the doctors' credentials, but the things that sold me were the patients testimonies (both from patients and also from nurses/professionals who had watched the doctors in action during surgeries) and from the before/after photos.

But to be more sure, I checked out other doctors across the states who advertised the same service.  I kept going back to the original doctors and found myself leaning very heavily toward them.

I called their office, expressing my interest in coming to see them and inquired about pricing.  The patient coordinator asked me a few questions and told me that most likely I would require 3 procedures and gave me an estimate.

I talked to my husband after I've collected enough facts/info.  He was very receptive to the idea.  He told me to go ahead and schedule the appointment.

Vanessa:

Why did you decide to have vaginal tightening surgery?

Madeline:

I wanted to have the surgery to fix the injury caused by the tear.  It had affected my confidence and our sex life for so long.  Ever since the injury happened, I felt like I had lost part of myself.  I never felt the same again.

Vanessa:

Is there anything that you would have done differently?

Madeline:

I would have done it sooner had I known that the surgery was available out there.

But as far as the surgeries go, no I wouldn't do it any different.

Vanessa:

What type of advice would you give to a woman wanting to have vaginal rejuvenation?

Madeline:

If it's important to you (and/or your partner) and if you can afford it, then go for it.

Vanessa:

What would you say is the single most important thing to consider before choosing to have this surgery?

Madeline:

The most important thing to consider is the Surgeon.  Meet with the doctor, ask questions and gather all the facts.  Make sure he/she has the experience and the expertise on the procedures you're looking for.

Let your intuition guide you in choosing the final doctor.

Vanessa:

Please share anything you wish you would have known prior to having the surgery?

Madeline:

I was an out of town patient.  I only scheduled to stay two days after the surgery before I flew back. If I had known, I would have stayed longer before flying back.  It was stressful having to fly back so early.  The flight back was uncomfortable because I had to sit during the flight.  Also, two days after the surgery was too soon because I was still feeling groggy and tired from the surgery and the effect of the anesthesia.

Vanessa:

Any tips you would like to share about the healing period that you believe would be beneficial?

Madeline:

My surgery included 3 procedures:  Anterior Repair (to fix the vaginal wall supporting the bladder), Posterior Repair (to fix the vaginal wall that supports the rectum), Perineoplasty (fix the tear from the anus to the vaginal openning) and lastly, Vaginal Rejuvenation (tightening of the vaginal inner wall).

The doctors and staff did warn me about constipation and I had followed their advice on taking stool softenner and drink lot soft liquid.  But after I got home, which was 3-4 days after the surgery, I still had constipation and it was the most painful experience of all.  It took me all day and all night going back and forth to the toilet before I could go and it was very painful.  I was so terrified of tearing something.  I took pain medication for about a week.  After that, it was manageable where I didn't need to take them any longer.  *Foods to Avoid After Surgery*

I wore a catheter for one night after the surgery while I stayed overnight in the hospital.  The next morning, they took the catheter out and I passed urine just fine.

It is very uncomfortable to sit because of the procedures being down there, so it is very important to buy a comfortable donut pillow to sit on afterward.  My sister bought me a neck pillow where you blow up w/air and I sat on that.  It was helpful, especially on my flight back after the surgery.  But I found a website that sells very soft pillows (Wisdom Health) for these types of surgeries.  I ordered and received them yesterday.  They are so much better than the one I had.  I bought more than one to use in the car, at home and at work.  These pillows cost a little bit more but it's worth every penny.

I am in the fourth week of recovery. Today I still have some light discharge and still have to wear the pad.  I still have some discomfort on my right buttock and still a little uncomfortable to sit on that side.  I did some research and found out that is from the Posterior Repair.  The pain is getting better and I must say, that the Posterior Repair had the most pain.

I checked the Perineoplasty stitches last night and it looks like the stitches are all healed.  I'm scheduled to go back for my post op followup in 3 weeks.

After my four weeks of recovery, I can say that the most uncomfortable things were having to wear the pads for so long (I started to get diaper rash like symptoms), not being able to sit very long, not being to stand very long (I felt heavy pressure down there when I stood for more than 10 min.). Lying down was the most comfortable position.

Thank you so much Madeline for telling us about your experience! Your firsthand wisdom is so helpful and gives women an honest explanation of what to expect before and after surgery.

Best wishes on your recovery and keep us posted!

If you have any questions about vaginal tightening, risks, recovery or types of doctors, contact me or leave a comment below.

Comments (15)

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written by sally , January 15, 2012

I have had 10 & 11 lb. babies & had apezeatames w/ tearing, & incontinance is there too. my question is does insurance pay for this procedure?

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written by Vanessa Scott, January 16, 2012

Hi Sally,

Thanks for your question.

Insurance may help with cost of procedure because of the incontinence. A couple of things to keep in mind, if you go to a regular gyn with no additional cosmetic training they will only address the incontinence and not necessarily the "vaginal rejuvenation" (which would include the rebuilding of your perineum/area tears took place).

So if you want both areas to be taken into consideration make sure the doctor you see understands your concerns and can help with both areas.

The good thing is if you do have this problem and it is deemed medically necessary, insurance will help with your costs, cover the incontinence surgery and all that you would have to pay out of pocket is the "vaginal tightening".

Hope that makes sense. Let me know if you have other questions.

Best,

Vanessa

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written by Tatiana, January 28, 2012

Hi.. I was born with a lage labia and looses vagina,,i have had 2 childen and and my vagina size has stayed the same. I had 9 and 10 pound babies and had not one tear. but my sexual confidence is very low cause of my looseness. to where no man stayes with me cause of it..im single mom to where i have money saved and just need a approximate cost on this surgery. I know this is what i want and feel it will help me out in many ways for my happyness.

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written by Vanessa Scott, January 29, 2012

Hi Tatiana,

Thank you for having the courage to share your experience.

Though you say you were born with large labia and a "loose" vagina, that does not mean that you actually were. Usually with age, hormone changes in the body, genetics, child birth the size of labia and even vagina change.

And do not blame yourself or the size of your vagina because you are single. If the males in your life have not stuck around it has more to do with them not being worthy of your love or because you do not feel worthy. Real men do not even care what your vagina looks like and very few can even tell the difference between a "tight" or "loose" vagina (at least the ones that really deserve your love). I have talked with many women and men about that.

With that said, I am not suggesting that your issues or body did not change after having those big healthy babies, but remember nobody is more important than you when it comes to YOUR happiness. So if this is about YOU enjoying sex again or YOU feeling better, then that is entirely different.

Depending on what symptoms you are experiencing (vaginal looseness, loss of sensation, urine leakage, labia pain, etc.), the cost for surgery can range from $5,000-$12,500. The more work necessary, the more cost and what not. So that is a range to give you an idea.

Let me know if you have other questions and do not hesitate to contact me again please!

Best wishes,

Vanessa

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written by Aly, February 18, 2012

I had a vaginal reconstruction 3 months ago (11/3/11) and when i have intercourse with my husband it's still a little sore, sensitive, and at time painful. Is this normal?? How long would it take for me to heal 100%?? I spoke to to my GYN and she said that I may feel this way for the rest of my life is this true!?? She also said that I can massage my vaginal walls by cutting an evening primrose oil and putting the oil inside my vagina and with time it will help. How true is that??

I had asked you a question in December 2011 which you were very helpful. I couldn't find that post.

Aly
Thank you

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written by Vanessa Scott, February 18, 2012

Hi Aly,

Thanks for the update.

Yes I recall your other comments. Glad to hear from you!

It is not unheard of for you to be sore or experiencing some discomfort (due the nature of the surgery). Since technically you only started having intercourse only recently, right?

Frequency will help and of course time. Some doctors also recommend "softening massages" which is what your doctor may be referring to after vaginal tightening.

Describe where you feel the discomfort/pain (inside, entrance, etc.).

When you say vaginal reconstruction, did your gyn use a sling? In other words, was the surgery done for prolapse/bladder/uterine issues or for vaginal rejuvenation? What type of doctor is she (regular gyn or cosmetic trained)?

In terms of how long can it take, it really depends on the patient, the surgeon, the quality/amount of the work, etc. For the most part though it is not abnormal for you to still be a bit sore.

When did you officially resume sexual intercourse and with what type of regularity?

Get back to me and let me know.

Vanessa

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written by Aly, February 19, 2012

Hi Vanessa,

Thank you very much for your quick response.

My husband and I resumed sex 6wks after I had the surgery. My doctor gave me the ok. When i had first sent you the message in December we had already had sex. And I had to admit it was very painful and there were times where we couldn't continue/finish due to the severe pain I was having and I would tense up instead of being relaxed. We have been having regular/normal intercourse. When I first started intercourse after surgery we had to stop multiple times bc I just couldn't.

Yes my doctor which I was checked by a midwife on Friday, told me about the perineal massages which pregnant women get late in their pregnancy and helps them get their walls get softer also by using the Evening Primrose Oil. She said this will help me a lot. But what scared me was when I asked her if there was a possibility that I could feel this pain and discomfort for the rest of my life and she said YES.

I feel the discomfort in both the entrance and at the tip of the inside. While I did my pap on Friday, I did not feel any pain when the midwife passed the entrance and went as deep as she could.

My doctor is a GYN/OB she checked me while I was pregnant with bothmy kids but she did not actually deliver them. (I know doesn't make any sense).

No my doctor did not use a sling. The reason for me doing this surgery was bc after I had my last baby over a year ago he ripped me and I got stitches. The stich did not heal properly and they believe that it actually popped. I felt so open and when I had sex I could barely feel anything and I didn't think that was normal no matter how many kegels I did. Also I was constantly in the bathroom due to my bladder and any time I exercised or sneezed I would always pee a little on myself. I did not mention this to my doctor bc I thought it was normal after childbirth. But after the surgery it has gotten a lot better.

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written by Vanessa Scott, February 20, 2012

Hi Aly,

Thanks for your response.

Again it is still early in your recovery, and no 2 women will experience the same exact thing postoperatively. However your doctor should have covered these possibilities prior to surgery (just to inform you) it could happen.

Even if the likelihood may not be as high as say losing nipple sensation during a breast augmentation, it is still a possible outcome.

Unfortunately there may be no way to predict or guarantee one outcome over the other, but this type of long term pain can have a direct correlation to your surgeon's experience and them overcorrecting/tightening.

Did she measure your partner BEFORE surgery? This is a great way to avoid over-tightening during vaginal rejuvenation.

Keep doing the softening exercises and relax as you continue having sexual intercourse. If you see there is no improvement, ask your surgeon about the possibility of being overcorrected/tightened. Right now do not stress yourself out. Observe your progress, but do not obsess over it. In doing so, the tension, apprehension or fear will only make matters worse.

Let me know if you have other questions and tell us how you are doing please!

Best wishes,

Vanessa

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written by Aly, February 20, 2012

No she did not measure my husband before surgery nor did she mention what I would be feeling after surgery during intercourse.
Thank you so much for all your advice I really appreciate it, and they wer every helpful. I guess I have to stop the fear of pain, stop stressing and tighting up.

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written by Vanessa Scott, February 20, 2012

Thanks Aly. Glad the info has been helpful.

Some docs also believe that it is never too late to use dilators to help stretch that area if natural sexual encounters do not do the trick. Frequency is key (just make sure to listen to your body & take your time). He will need to be gentle too. This is like starting to understand your body/vagina all over again. So do not force anything.

Relax and enjoy the experience.

Wishing you all the best.

Vanessa

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written by Louise, February 29, 2012

I was a 4 year old victim of incest and later forced into teen prostitution. I've been raped more times than I remember, I just feel so disgusted and want to reclaim my womanhood.
I've had 4 children without medical help and my labia seem very large, its embarrassing.
Id like to know if any doctors offer low cost help or perhaps a medical school that needs women to train on?
I'm in need of LVR , labia reduction and hymen restoration.
How much would this cost if I can't find a doctor willing to do a lower cost?
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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written by Vanessa Scott, March 01, 2012

Hi Louise,

Thank you for contacting me. If this is something you decide to have, it would certainly be best to see a doctor that has experience. There are potential risks with any surgery that can be irreversible. So keep that in mind even with vaginal surgery.

There maybe doctors that would be willing to help, but I do not know of any type of medical program that "train" on women.

The cost will depend on what all you are experiencing (urine, bladder issues, rectum/bowel, etc). If there is some medical issues you may be able to get insurance to help with that portion. But they will not consider the "vaginal rejuvenation" as that is not "medically necessary". Cost can range $5000-$10,000 (more work, more cost)

Please let me know if you have other questions.

Best wishes & may you find what you are looking for!

Wishing you peace, healing and happiness,

Vanessa

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written by Wendy, April 09, 2012

The question I have is how much does the vaginal tightening cost by itself if my insurance pays for the other procedures?

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written by Wendy, April 09, 2012

How can I find a doctor and pricing in Columbus, GA?

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written by Vanessa Scott, April 09, 2012

Hi Wendy,

Question A. The price will vary by doctor. Some do not work with insurance, so be aware of that. It would be best, if you know you have valid medical issues, to see a doctor that has the training to address both the medical (SUI, prolapse, etc.) AND the vaginal rejuvenation training.

Question B. You can contact Dr. Miklos & Moore (http://www.lvratlanta.com/) they are about an hour or so from Columbus. Let them know your issues & learn more about the specific costs. They do work with insurance also and have advanced training for the vaginal tightening...

Let me know if you have other questions.

Best,
Vanessa

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