Laser Vaginal Tightening - Procedure, Side Effects, Recovery

Laser vaginal tightening is a nonsurgical method of vaginal rejuvenation. This method helps tone and tighten the vaginal area without surgery. In laser vaginal tightening, a laser beam is used to heat the top layers of the vaginal tissues, which causes inflammation and leads to the production of collagen, and new firmer and tighter vaginal tissues.

Anatomy and Physiology of the Female Reproductive System

A woman’s reproductive system consist of internal and external parts. The external parts consist of the following:

1. Vulva: It includes the vaginal opening, labia, clitoris, and urethra, all of which lie outside the body
2. Labia: Also called the lips, are protective skin folds surrounding the vaginal opening. They include labia majora (outer larger skin fold) and labia minora (inner small skin fold).
3. Labia majora: It is covered with pubic hair and is usually fleshy.
4. Labia minora: It starts from the clitoris and extends to the vagina.
5. Clitoris: It is located at the top of the vulva where the labia minora ends. A clitoral hood is a fold of skin that covers the clitoris.
6. Urethral opening: It is the tiny hole located below the clitoris from where the urine flows out.
7. Mons pubis: It is the fleshy bulge above the vulva, which after puberty, gets covered with pubic hair to cushion the pubic bone.
8. Vaginal opening: It is located below the urethral opening. It is where the menstrual blood flows out through the vagina, and from where babies are delivered.

The internal parts consist of the following:

1. Vagina: It is an elastic and muscular part of the female reproductive system. It connects the vulva to the uterus and helps experience sexual pleasure, and directs menstrual blood outside the body.. 
2. Cervix: It is a small tube that connects the vagina and uterus and allows the sperm to enter and menstrual blood to flow out from the uterus. 
3. Uterus: Also called the womb, it is a pear-shaped organ that is the size of a fist. The baby grows in the uterus.
4. Ovaries: The eggs are stored in the ovaries. Ovaries also produce hormones like progesterone, oestrogen, and testosterone. These hormones control the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. 
5. Fallopian tubes: The two narrow tubes, one on each side of the uterus, carry the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus for fertilisation.

Generally, a vaginal tightening procedure is performed for various cosmetic reasons. However, the vaginal tightening procedure also helps treat other medical conditions, which  include:

1. Orgasm dysfunction
2. Vaginal prolapse
3. Urinary incontinence
4. Mild pelvic organ prolapse

This treatment also helps minimise the following symptoms: 

1. Stretched or altered vaginal structures due to pregnancy, weight loss, or ageing
2. Sagging skin around the vagina
3. Decreased libido
4. Urine leakage while sneezing, jumping, or laughing
5. Excess dryness
6. Low self-esteem or lack of confidence
7. Low sexual satisfaction
8. Loss of sexual sensation and satisfaction.

The vagina, just like other organs, changes its shape and size with time, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and injury. A female may need a laser vaginal tightening procedure to treat cosmetic reasons and to address other common issues associated with having children or menopause, including vaginal looseness, lack of lubrication and loss of sexual intimacy.

The laser vaginal tightening procedure may take around 15 to 30 minutes to complete, depending on the type of laser and its intensity and the severity of the condition being treated. The treatment approach, selection of procedures and laser type depend upon the patient’s health condition and the opinion of the treating surgeon. This surgery is usually performed using topical anaesthesia. The laser vaginal tightening procedure is performed in the following steps:

The surgeon will:

1. Ask the patient to be in a lithotomy position (lying down on the back with hips and knees flexed and legs separated and supported in raised stirrups). 
2. Properly clean and drape the area to avoid infection and for the patient’s privacy and comfort. 
3. Apply topical anaesthetic to numb the area.
4. Insert a laser probe into the vagina or around the external genitals. The laser equipment has a light beam at the top that heats the tissue.
5. Use gentle strokes or rotate the equipment to distribute the heat in the affected area
6. Then remove the laser probe and clean the vaginal area.

The patient must be sure to consult the doctor before the procedure so that they have the most accurate expectations. The patient can expect the following before and on the day of laser vaginal tightening treatment:

Before Laser Vaginal Tightening Procedure

The doctor will:

1. Discuss why to undergo vaginal tightening surgery during the consultation. There will be a discussion of the patient’s expectations and goals and the risks involved in the surgery.
2. Perform a physical examination to assess the health and know more about the patient’s medical history.
3. Suggest presurgical tests, such as blood tests, urinalysis and chest X-rays. 
4. Give information about what to wear to the procedure, how to adjust or temporarily stop some medications, and how to prepare for the surgery.
5. Tell the patient about the possibility of infection. 
6. Suggest being in good general health and instructing to stay hydrated before and after the procedure.
7. Ask to stop smoking before the procedure for faster recovery.
8. Ask to postpone the treatment if the patient plans to have children 
9. Inform the patient about the number of treatment sessions for the desired results. 

On the day of the Laser Vaginal Tightening Procedure

1. The patient can expect the following on the day of the treatment.
2. The patient must reach the hospital before the scheduled surgery time.
3. The medical staff will ask the patient to complete the consent formalities.
4. The nursing staff will ask the patient to change into a surgical gown.
5. A healthcare provider will record the vital signs (temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level, breathing rate).
6. Another blood test and urine analysis may be required. 
7. An intravenous line (IV) will be inserted into the arm or hand of the patient.
8. The healthcare provider may shave the pubic area if needed.
9. The patient will then be shifted to the operation theatre.
10. After that, the healthcare provider will administer the numbing agent for comfort.

The patient can expect the following after the laser vaginal tightening procedure:

The recovery process at the hospital 

1. Post-surgery, the patient will be moved to the hospital ward so that he/she can recover.
2. The patient's vitals, such as pulse, blood pressure, breathing, and any signs of complications, will be monitored.
3. The patient may have mild discomfort and pain so the doctor will provide pain medications.
4. The patient will be given specific details and instructions on caring for the wound before leaving the hospital. 
5. The doctor will also instruct them to watch for signs of infection and management.
6. The patient will be discharged once the patient’s condition is stable. Can go the same day after the surgery. 

Recovery process/expectation after hospital discharge

The patient:

1. May notice minimal swelling after the treatment.
2. May also experience mild pain or discomfort that can be managed with medication.
3. May use ice packs and pain relievers for discomfort.
4. Can resume work and everyday activity immediately after the treatment.
5. Should not use tampons or engage in sexual intercourse for three to five days.
6. Will most likely require multiple treatments to get the desired results.

First follow-up appointment

1. The doctor will recommend the first follow-up appointment five to 10 days after the surgery. 
2. The doctor will examine the patient and instruct them on future treatments.
3. The doctor might also change the medication or advise the patient to continue with the previous medication for some more time, depending on the condition and recovery of the surgical area.
4. The doctor will also advise the patient for further timely follow-ups as well.

Laser vaginal tightening is a safe procedure with several benefits that further improve the quality of life of a female. Some common benefits of laser vaginal tightening procedure are as follows:

1. Tightens the vagina
2. Increases lubrication and moisture
3. Improves vaginal dryness
4. Aids with urinary  incontinence (urine leakage)
5. Enhances vaginal sensation and sensitivity
6. Improves painful intercourse
7. Strengthen the pelvic and vaginal muscles
8. Improves the appearance of the vulvar area.

There are possibilities of complications occurring after any surgery despite it being a simple and safe procedure. Some of the possible complications of laser vaginal tightening are:

1. Pain at the surgery site
2. Bleeding from the surgery area
3. Scarring 
4. Temporary redness, swelling, tingling, or tenderness.
5. Temporary cramping
6. Altered sexual sensation
7. Painful sexual intercourse
8. Bleeding before engaging in sexual intercourse
9. Pain or bleeding from the treated area
10. Infection in the affected area. 

When is consultation with a doctor needed?

The patient must consult the doctor immediately if she notices the following symptoms:

1. Infection in the vagina
2. Bleeding or unusual discharge from the vagina
3. Inflammation and swelling in the vagina
4. Experience pain
5. Struggling with sexual dissatisfaction
6. Do not feel confident and have issues with their vagina.

The vaginal tightening procedure is prevalent nowadays and is generally performed for cosmetic reasons. Despite its popularity, some females resist undergoing surgery. If the laser vaginal tightening procedure is delayed, the patient may expect the following outcomes:

1. Low self-confidence
2. Urinary incontinence
3. Vaginal dryness
4. Loose skin around the vagina
5. Weak vaginal or pelvic muscles.
6. Painful sexual intercourse.

The laser vaginal tightening cost ranges from ₹10,000 to ₹18,000 per session in India. The cost of laser vaginal tightening treatment depends on several factors, including 

1. Patient’s age
2. Other comorbidities of the patient
3. The technique used
4. The number of sessions needed
5. The experience of the gynaecologist 
6. The choice of hospital or clinic, etc. 

Procedure Name	Cost Value
Laser Vaginal Tightening	₹10,000 to ₹18,000 per session