Vaginal Botox vs Microneedling vs Cosmetic Surgery

There are several ways to spruce up the appearance and function of aging genitalia. Compare advantages of avoiding or going under the knife.

Vaginal Function Withers

Do you know methods florists use to preserve flowers? Soaking them in glycerin causes this slow-evaporating lubricant to replace the water within the petals. This keeps flowers looking fresh longer. To prevent colors from fading, florists sometimes use dyes.^[1]

Female reproductive organs undergo significant changes throughout a lifetime. Vulval appearance is subject to as much variance as the number of floral species.

Optimum function and aesthetics of the vulva may endure from puberty through middle age. Weight changes, vaginal childbirth, and menopause wither the pubescent beauty of delicate genitalia. When labia lose moisture, they can flatten, fold, stretch, and disfigure.

Loss of estrogen affects the lining and strength of the vaginal canal. This results in dryness, discharge, urinary incontinence, and pain during intimacy.

Most women resign themselves to such bodily changes. They might compensate with sexy lingerie, keep boudoir lights off, or turn their backs to their partner. Others recognize that simple procedures can revitalize and restore the former beauty of their intimate areas.

Cosmetic surgery offers the most versatility for achieving optimum appearance. Understandably, women have a natural aversion to pruning personal petals. There are several ways to spruce up the appearance and function of aging genitalia.

Vaginal Lubricants

The vaginal tract receives moisture, from the cervix and two pea-sized Bartholin glands at the entrance to the vagina during arousal.^[2] Supplemental lubricants (lubes) are available in liquid or gel form with a base of either water or silicone.^[3] Addressing dryness that accompanies aging, lubes reduce irritation, thus increasing pleasure from intimacy.

Avoid lubes with a long list of chemical ingredients. This includes parabens, which can act like a very weak estrogen; propylene glycol, a form of alcohol that could be irritating; and glycerin, which can promote yeast infections. A simple ingredient list is best. Consider YES water-based or oil-based lubricants. Coconut oil is a natural lubricant but may degrade condoms.^[3,4]

Vulva Masks and Labial Serums

Most vulval beauty products have a prerequisite of hairless pubic skin. Non-prescription vulva wellness products promise to enhance moisture, aroma, and fullness, offering other unscientific rejuvenating benefits.^[5]

Lumera Regenerative Medicine O Shot

This non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure uses a woman’s platelet-rich plasma to regenerate portions of the vagina and the clitoris. This treatment can enhance sexual desire and sensitivity (especially when combined with hormonal therapy in appropriate patients). Women may also notice a reduction of urinary incontinence, tighter vaginal skin, as well as less pain and dryness during intercourse.^[6]

Microneedling

Aging skin around the labia majora area becomes flaccid, wrinkled, and discolored. Under many brand names, radio frequency-focused heat applied with thousands of microneedles penetrates the skin to improve collagen production. This stimulates your body's natural healing process. The labia majora and vulva appear more rejuvenated, youthful, smoother, and plumper.^[7]

Vaginal Botox^®

Vaginismus is female Sexual Dysfunction caused by excessive contraction of vaginal walls or pelvic muscles. Vaginal Botox has the opposite effect of apparent skin tightening that is commonly used to minimize facial wrinkles. (Facial Botox injections loosen muscles that tighten and wrinkle facial skin.)

Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) relaxes the pelvic floor and desensitizes the area, permitting coitus, with rapid results lasting up to six months.^[8]

Cosmetic Surgery

Going beyond restoration, cosmetic surgery may produce a more desirable appearance than genetic development. A surgeon modifies the length and shape of labia under general or local anesthesia.

Labiaplasty can reduce asymmetry when one labia is longer than the other. More commonly, women opt to reduce the length of both labia, to prevent twisting, tugging or extending beyond a bathing suit. Labia minora reduction often tucks it below the hair-bearing labia majora,^[9] unless the patent prefers otherwise.

The clitoral hood can become more pronounced when the labia minora are reduced. So doctors often pair clitoral hood reduction with labiaplasty. Seek a doctor specifically trained in the field of plastic surgery and certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Variation	Millimeters	Inches
Clitoral length	5–35 mm	0.2–1.4
Clitoral glans width	3–10 mm	0.1–0.4
Clitoris to urethra	16–45 mm	0.6–1.8
Labia majora length	70–120 mm	2.8–4.7
Labia minora length	20–100 mm	0.8–4.0
Labia minora width	7–50 mm	0.3–2.0
Perineum length	15–55 mm	0.6–2.2
Vaginal length	65–125 mm	2.6–4.9

Hymen, the crescent-shaped or ring-shaped membrane near the opening of the vagina can rupture from various causes. This includes tampon insertion, speculum examination, strenuous exertion, or other non-sexual activities. Hence, its absence is not conclusive evidence of virginity. Yet, some women opt to have hymenoplasty or revirginization to restore the hymen.^[10]

Maintain Your Garden

Dry intimacy is more uncomfortable than having a conversation with medical personnel about vulva appearance. Lubricants provide comfort without aesthetic improvement. Other options address vulval appearance and self-confidence. Botox and skin rejuvenation treatments are not limited to intimate areas.

A randomized controlled trial has demonstrated that vaginal laser “rejuvenation” does not relieve symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) or improve sexual function in breast cancer survivors.^[11]

Ignoring vaginal changes is like neglecting a rose bush when the blossoms mature and fall off. A flowering plant requires ongoing nourishment and pruning to enjoy the seasonal blooms. Maintain your garden to increase perennial satisfaction.