Frequently Asked Questions
The following information is provided for your education and convenience. You may find some of the information repetitive if you have visited other areas of our site.
Q: What is Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® (LVR®), and what is Designer Laser Vaginoplasty® (DLV®)?
A: Designer Laser Vaginoplasty® is the reconstruction and contouring of the genitalia to restore and/or
reshape the tissue to a more youthful or symmetrical appearance.
Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® is the surgical restoration of the vagina with regard to muscle tone and tightening, sensation, and appearance.
Q: Why is a laser used in these procedures?
A: The medical laser used in these procedures provides our surgeons with improved precision when it comes to cutting and dissecting of tissue. Other benefits of the laser include: decreased blood loss, reduced tissue damage and subsequent scarring which may result in improved healing.
Q: How do I know if I’m a good candidate for these procedures?
A: At Southeast Cosmetic Gynecology we believe cosmetic surgery is about aesthetics and change, not about candidacy. We believe there is no such thing as a universal standard for female genital size or vaginal diameter. We do, however, believe women should have the option to alter the aesthetics or function of their body based on their own perception and individual desires. We believe we offer safe and effective methods for achieving these changes.
Q: Is there a cost for my initial consultation with the doctor?
A: No. Your initial consultation is free.
Q: Are these procedures covered by my insurance?
A: In general these procedures are cosmetic, (the same as breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, and face lifts) and as such are not covered by insurance. However, in some instances certain procedures, e.g. bladder sling for urinary incontinence, can be applied to insurance. In these circumstances a portion of your surgery cost may be covered by insurance.
Q: How much do these procedures cost?
A: Pricing for individual procedures will range from $4,000 to $8,500. Combination procedures are available but are more expensive due to the additional time and complexity associated with multiple-procedure surgery.
Q: Where is the surgery performed?
A: All of our procedures will be performed at one of our participating out-patient surgery centers.
Q: How long do these procedures take?
A: Individual procedures typically take between 1 and 2 hours. Combination procedures will take longer depending on the procedures chosen.
Q: What types of anesthesia are available?
A: Local, nerve block, epidural, spinal, IV sedation, and general anesthesia are available. Your particular anesthetic will be determined by the anesthesiologist assigned to your surgery.
Q: What are the surgical risks for Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation®?
A: We believe Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® is a safe procedure with low risk. Like any surgery, there is rare risk for hemorrhage and infection. If one requires surgery on both the upper and lower vagina, there is risk of injury to the bladder and the rectum. With any surgery, scarring can occur and can potentially result in painful sex. Although rare, there are also anesthetic risks. In general these risks are minimal and would accompany any type of surgical procedure.
Q: What kind of pain can I expect after the surgery?
A: Due to our technique, pain is minimal due to liberal use of local anesthetic and/or nerve blocks when indicated. You should expect very limited pain for the first 18 to 24 hours. After this, most patients report mild to moderate discomfort for a few days which can be controlled by analgesics and cold packs to the area. You are likely to have some continued soreness for a few weeks after surgery, but this should not limit your normal activities.
Q: Will I have a catheter after surgery?
A: Possibly. Generally after DLV catheters are not required. However, with LVR or combination procedures, catheters are sometimes required for up to 72 hours.
Q: How soon after surgery can I return to work?
A: In general returning to work is dependent on the type of work you do and the type of surgery you have. Most patients can return within about 1 to 2 weeks.
Q: I am from out of town. How long before I can travel back home after my surgery?
A: You should be able to return home immediately following your post-operative consultation, which happens 3-4 days following your surgery.
Q: How soon can I have sex after surgery?
A: We ask that you abstain from sexual intercourse (vaginal and/or anal) for 6 weeks. However, other sexual activity may be resumed when desired.
Q: Will sexual intercourse be better after LVR®?
A: Although very limited data exist on this subject, sexual gratification may be enhanced with increased friction during intercourse. LVR® procedures are designed to tighten the vagina, thus producing additional friction during intercourse and possibly enhancing sexual satisfaction.
Q: Can Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® and/or Designer Laser Vaginoplasty® be combined with other cosmetic surgical procedures?
A: Yes, the physicians at Southeast Cosmetic Gynecology work with a number of plastic surgeons to combine other plastic/cosmetic procedures (such as breast, nose, eye, or tummy tuck surgery) with Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® and/or Designer Laser Vaginoplasty®. In these situations your surgery will typically be conducted in one prolonged surgical session, thereby minimizing the risks and inconvenience of multiple surgeries.
Q: I leak urine and I’m interested in a surgical solution to this problem. I’m also interested in Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation®. Can I have surgery for both at the same time?
A: YES! Our doctors have vast experience in the evaluation and treatment of incontinence and have performed thousands of minimally invasive surgeries for such. They have the ability to combine surgery for incontinence and LVR®/DLV®. For more specific information on incontinence treatments please visit our sister web site: http://www.seug.com.
