The conditions that may affect our health can sometimes be pathological, sometimes physiological, and sometimes psychological. Aesthetic procedures can be performed both to resolve physiological problems and to ensure functional improvement, as well as to make a person feel psychologically happy. The concept of beauty in the genital area varies from woman to woman and from culture to culture. In aesthetic procedures, it is crucial not only to enhance appearance but also to avoid harming naturalness and not to restrict the function of the area.
What is Genital Area Aesthetics?
Genital area aesthetics is known by many names, including "vaginal aesthetics," "vaginal rejuvenation," "private area aesthetics," "genital beautification," and "cosmetic genital surgery." In women, the genital area includes the vagina, the inner and outer labia, and the perineal region.
Due to aging, pregnancy, childbirth, or congenital structural defects, the youthful form of the inner and outer genital area may deteriorate. The procedures in genital aesthetics involve the surgical or cosmetic correction of these areas. The goals of these procedures may include improving the external appearance of the vagina, reducing the size of the labia minora, correcting deformities after childbirth, modifying the internal width of the vagina through vaginal tightening to enhance sexual satisfaction, and increasing sensitivity at orgasmic points in women who report a lack of sensation.
Genital aesthetics is not just about beautification or correcting shape abnormalities. These procedures also play a significant role in improving a person’s sexual functions, preventing frequent infections, and ensuring a more satisfying and secure sexual life.
What Are the Methods Used in Genital Area Aesthetics?
LABIOPLASTY: Labioplasty refers to the procedure of reducing the length of the labia minora, the inner lips of the female genital area. It is the most frequently performed vaginal aesthetic procedure in Turkey and worldwide.
Due to congenital or structural features, the inner lips may undergo shape changes, sagging, enlargement, or discoloration over time. This condition may interfere with sexual intercourse, cause a lack of desire, or make intercourse painful. A short surgical procedure performed under local or general anesthesia can resolve this issue, allowing the patient to return to daily life quickly. However, it is essential to abstain from sexual intercourse for 4 to 6 weeks after the operation.
CLITOROPLASTY: Excess skin over the clitoris or excess lateral skin folds can reduce pleasure and create aesthetic dissatisfaction. Clitoral hoodoplasty, which is often combined with labioplasty but can also be performed alone, is used to correct this issue. The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's condition. After surgery, cold application and rest are recommended.
HYMENOPLASTY: This procedure is performed for the repair of the hymen. Hymen repair can be requested for cultural reasons, sexual trauma, surgical procedures performed in this area, or by patients who wish to re-experience their first sexual intercourse with their partner. The repair can be done using temporary or permanent methods. Temporary repair is performed about one week before marriage or planned intercourse.
VULVOPLASTY (Labia Majora Reduction) and Vulvar Fillers: With aging, excessive weight loss, and chronic irritation, the labia majora may lose volume, leading to sagging and wrinkling. For patients bothered by this condition, I offer surgical removal of excess skin (vulvoplasty), fat grafting (lipofilling), or injectable fillers based on examination findings and patient needs. Sometimes, both procedures can be performed simultaneously.
Fat is harvested from the abdomen, hips, or another suitable area and injected into the targeted region to restore volume. In some cases, I remove excess fat from the pubic region and, if desired, use it to enhance the vulva’s appearance.
VAGINAL TIGHTENING: This surgical procedure is performed to tighten the vagina. Although radiofrequency, laser techniques, and fillers can be used as alternatives, these methods may not yield satisfactory or long-lasting results in patients with significant vaginal laxity. The most commonly preferred method for such cases is vaginal tightening surgery, also known as vaginoplasty.
This procedure reduces vaginal enlargement and corrects aesthetic concerns. If necessary, other parts of the genital area can also be addressed. The operation takes approximately 1-2 hours, and the patient can return to normal daily activities within two days. However, sexual intercourse should be avoided for 6 to 8 weeks.
LASER VAGINAL TIGHTENING: Laser treatment is a popular alternative to surgery for vaginal widening and laxity. The healing process is shorter compared to surgical methods, and patients can return to normal life immediately after the procedure. The procedure takes about five minutes and is entirely painless. This is one of the frequently performed procedures in my clinic, with successful results.
VAGINAL FILLERS: Fillers can be used for vaginal tightening in patients who do not wish to undergo surgery. They can also be injected into the G-spot to enhance sexual function, improve vaginal moisture in cases of atrophic vaginitis, and restore volume and youthfulness to the vulva. These procedures are performed under local anesthesia in a clinical setting, and patients can return to work immediately afterward.
PRP APPLICATION: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is derived from the patient's own blood and contains concentrated growth factors. PRP is used in the genital area primarily to treat vaginal dryness. It is particularly beneficial in postmenopausal atrophy, as it promotes collagen production, rejuvenates the area, and restores secretory gland function.
Additionally, PRP is used to increase sensitivity in the G-spot for orgasm disorders and to alleviate painful intercourse. It also rejuvenates and beautifies the skin, lightens pigmentation, and reduces wrinkles. This is a procedure that I frequently perform in my clinic with excellent results.
GENITAL WHITENING: Factors such as childbirth, hair removal treatments, polycystic ovary syndrome, hormonal medications, and increased estrogen levels in the blood can lead to pigmentation changes in the genital area. Several techniques can be used to lighten the skin, depending on the severity and extent of the pigmentation.
Methods such as laser treatment, mesotherapy, PRP, and chemical peeling can be employed for genital whitening. These treatments can lighten the skin tone by several shades. Additionally, minor maintenance treatments can be performed periodically to prevent re-darkening of the area.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aşkı Ellibeş Kaya
Obstetrician and Gynecologist
