What Are the Possible Side Effects of Vaginal Rejuvenation?

Vaginal rejuvenation is often marketed as a way to address concerns such as vaginal laxity, changes after childbirth, discomfort during intimacy or changes associated with ageing. However, the term “vaginal rejuvenation” does not describe one specific treatment.

It may refer to surgical procedures such as vaginoplasty or perineoplasty, while some clinics use the term for non-surgical treatments involving lasers, radiofrequency or other energy-based devices. Because these treatments are different, their possible side effects and risks can also vary.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) describes vaginal rejuvenation as a marketing term and notes that female genital cosmetic surgery has not been proven to be safe or effective. ACOG also warns that energy-based treatments marketed for vaginal rejuvenation can cause serious complications.

Understanding the possible risks is therefore an important part of deciding whether a particular treatment is appropriate.

Key Takeaways

• Vaginal rejuvenation can refer to several different surgical and non-surgical procedures.
• Possible side effects depend on the specific treatment used.
• Surgical procedures can cause pain, bleeding, infection, scarring, altered sensation and painful intercourse.
• Energy-based treatments can cause burns, scarring, pain during sex and potentially long-lasting pain.
• Temporary discomfort and irritation may occur after some procedures, but more serious complications are also possible.
• Not every symptom such as vaginal dryness, pain or laxity is necessarily caused by a problem that vaginal rejuvenation can address.
• Women should understand the evidence, risks and alternatives before proceeding with treatment.

What Is Vaginal Rejuvenation?

“Vaginal rejuvenation” is a broad term used in the cosmetic and aesthetic treatment industry.

According to ACOG, it may refer to procedures such as:

• Vaginoplasty, which may be marketed as a way to tighten the vaginal walls
• Perineoplasty, which may be marketed as a way to strengthen or alter the perineum
• Laser-based treatments
• Other energy-based procedures

ACOG specifically describes “vaginal rejuvenation” as a marketing term rather than a medical term.

This distinction matters because the risks associated with surgery are different from those associated with an energy-based treatment.

Before discussing side effects, it is therefore important to know exactly what procedure is being considered.

Possible Side Effects of Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation

Surgical procedures such as vaginoplasty or perineoplasty involve altering tissue and therefore carry the risks associated with surgery.

ACOG identifies several potential complications of female genital cosmetic surgery.

1. Pain

Pain is a potential side effect following surgery.

Some discomfort can be expected during normal recovery from an operation, but persistent or severe pain requires medical assessment.

The amount and duration of discomfort can depend on the procedure, the extent of tissue modification and individual healing.

2. Bleeding

Bleeding is another potential surgical complication.

Some bleeding or spotting may occur during recovery, depending on the procedure. Significant or persistent bleeding, however, should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

ACOG lists bleeding among the potential risks of female genital cosmetic surgery.

3. Infection

Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection.

An infection may cause symptoms such as increasing pain, swelling, redness, unusual discharge or fever. The appropriate response depends on the individual situation and may require medical treatment.

4. Scarring

Surgery can result in scar tissue.

Scarring may be minor and difficult to notice, but in some cases scar tissue can contribute to discomfort or changes in the way the tissues feel.

ACOG specifically identifies scarring and adhesions as possible complications of female genital cosmetic surgery.

5. Changes in Sensation

Changes in sensation can occur after genital surgery.

Depending on the procedure and the tissues involved, a woman may experience increased, reduced or altered sensation.

This is particularly important because some women seek vaginal rejuvenation with the expectation that it will improve sexual sensation. A procedure that changes sensation does not necessarily result in improved sexual satisfaction.

6. Pain During Sexual Intercourse

Painful intercourse, medically known as dyspareunia, is another possible complication.

ACOG lists dyspareunia among the potential risks of female genital cosmetic surgery.

This is an important consideration for women who are considering treatment specifically to improve sexual comfort or satisfaction.

7. Need for Additional Surgery

A procedure may not produce the desired result, or complications may occur that require further treatment.

ACOG identifies the need for reoperation as one of the potential complications of female genital cosmetic surgery.

This means the decision should not be based solely on the initial procedure. It is also worth asking what happens if the result is unsatisfactory or a complication develops.

Possible Side Effects of Laser and Energy-Based Treatments

Some vaginal rejuvenation treatments are marketed as non-surgical alternatives using lasers or other energy-based technologies.

“Non-surgical” does not necessarily mean risk-free.

ACOG states that the FDA has not approved laser or other energy-based treatments for vaginal cosmetic surgery. These treatments have also not been approved for treating menopause symptoms, urinary incontinence or sexual problems.

The FDA has warned about serious complications associated with energy-based treatments marketed for vaginal rejuvenation.

1. Vaginal Burns

Energy-based devices deliver energy to tissue. If tissue is exposed to excessive or inappropriate energy, burns can occur.

ACOG specifically cites vaginal burns as a potential serious complication of energy-based vaginal rejuvenation treatments.

Burning or significant pain following treatment should not simply be assumed to be a normal part of recovery.

2. Scarring

Tissue injury can potentially result in scar formation.

Scarring may alter the feel or elasticity of tissue and, depending on its location and severity, may contribute to discomfort.

The FDA’s safety concerns regarding energy-based vaginal rejuvenation include scarring.

3. Pain During Sex

Pain during intercourse is another reported concern.

This is particularly important because some vaginal rejuvenation treatments are marketed specifically to improve sexual comfort or sexual function.

A treatment intended to improve these concerns can therefore have the opposite effect in some cases.

4. Long-Lasting Pain

ACOG notes that the FDA has received reports of long-lasting pain following energy-based treatments marketed for vaginal rejuvenation.

The possibility of persistent pain is one reason women should understand the risks before undergoing treatment.

5. Burning or Irritation

Temporary burning, irritation or discomfort may occur following procedures involving tissue heating or energy delivery.

However, severe or persistent burning should not automatically be dismissed as a normal reaction.

The FDA’s adverse-event reporting system contains individual reports involving pain and burning following vaginal laser procedures. These reports are not controlled clinical studies and cannot establish how frequently such complications occur, but they illustrate why potential risks should be discussed during informed consent.

Are Side Effects the Same for Every Vaginal Rejuvenation Treatment?

No.

This is one of the most important points to understand.

A surgical vaginoplasty and an energy-based treatment are not the same procedure. They use different techniques and therefore have different potential complications.

The exact risk profile should therefore come from the healthcare professional performing the specific treatment, along with information about the device or procedure being used.

What Factors Can Increase the Importance of a Medical Assessment?

Some women may have symptoms that appear to indicate vaginal laxity but actually have another underlying cause.

For example, pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to urinary leakage, pelvic pressure, sexual difficulties and other symptoms.

Similarly, vaginal dryness and painful intercourse around menopause may be associated with changes in vaginal and vulvar tissues rather than simply a loss of vaginal tightness.

This is why treatment should ideally begin with identifying the underlying problem.

A woman experiencing persistent pelvic pain, unusual bleeding, recurrent urinary symptoms, unusual discharge or significant pain during intercourse should seek appropriate medical assessment rather than assuming that vaginal rejuvenation is the solution.

Can Vaginal Rejuvenation Improve Sexual Function?

This depends on the treatment and the reason for considering it, and the available evidence is limited for cosmetic procedures.

ACOG states that there is no evidence that female genital cosmetic surgery improves libido, body image or sexual pleasure. It also notes that the safety and effectiveness of these cosmetic procedures have not been established.

Sexual function is complex and can be affected by:

• Vaginal dryness
• Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
• Hormonal changes
• Pain
• Medical conditions
• Medications
• Psychological factors
• Relationship factors

Changing the anatomy of the vagina therefore does not necessarily address every cause of sexual discomfort or dissatisfaction.

What About Vaginal Rejuvenation After Childbirth?

Pregnancy and childbirth can affect the pelvic floor and vaginal tissues.

Some women notice changes in sensation or pelvic support after giving birth. However, this does not automatically mean that surgery or an energy-based procedure is necessary.

Pelvic floor rehabilitation may be appropriate for some women, particularly when symptoms are related to muscle weakness or dysfunction.

If a woman is considering vaginal rejuvenation after childbirth, an assessment can help determine whether the concern relates to the vaginal tissues, pelvic floor muscles, scarring from childbirth or another issue.

What About Vaginal Rejuvenation During Menopause?

Menopause can cause vaginal dryness, irritation and discomfort during intercourse.

These symptoms should not automatically be described as vaginal laxity.

Women experiencing menopausal vaginal symptoms should discuss their symptoms with a healthcare professional to determine the cause and available treatment options.

ACOG specifically states that energy-based treatments marketed as vaginal rejuvenation have not been FDA-approved for treating menopause symptoms.

This makes it particularly important to distinguish between a cosmetic procedure and evidence-based treatment for a specific menopausal condition.

How Can You Reduce the Risk of Complications?

No procedure is completely free of risk, but informed decision-making can help.

Before undergoing vaginal rejuvenation, consider asking:

1. What exactly is the procedure?
2. Is it surgical or energy-based?
3. What condition is it intended to treat?
4. What evidence supports its use for my specific concern?
5. What complications have been reported?
6. How frequently do these complications occur?
7. What is the expected recovery period?
8. Could the procedure affect sensation or sexual function?
9. Are there established non-surgical alternatives?
10. What happens if the treatment does not produce the expected result?
11. What happens if I experience a complication?
12. What experience does the practitioner have with this specific procedure?

ACOG recommends that women considering genital cosmetic surgery be informed about the practitioner’s experience, surgical outcomes and possible complications.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention After Treatment?

Some discomfort can occur after a procedure, but certain symptoms should be evaluated promptly.

Seek medical advice if you experience:

• Severe or worsening pain
• Significant bleeding
• Fever
• Increasing swelling
• Foul-smelling or unusual discharge
• Severe burning
• New or significant changes in sensation
• Persistent pain during intercourse
• Symptoms that are getting worse rather than improving

The appropriate response depends on the procedure performed and the severity of the symptoms.

Final Thoughts

The possible side effects of vaginal rejuvenation depend heavily on what is meant by “vaginal rejuvenation.”

Surgical procedures can involve risks such as pain, bleeding, infection, scarring, altered sensation, painful intercourse and additional surgery.

Laser and other energy-based treatments have raised separate safety concerns. ACOG reports that the FDA has warned about complications including vaginal burns, scarring, pain during sex and long-lasting pain.

This does not mean every woman who considers vaginal rejuvenation will experience a complication. It does mean that the potential benefits and risks should be discussed honestly before treatment.

Most importantly, vaginal symptoms should not automatically be attributed to “looseness.” Pelvic floor dysfunction, menopause, childbirth-related changes, infection and other medical conditions can produce similar concerns.

A proper assessment can help determine what is actually causing the problem and whether vaginal rejuvenation is an appropriate option at all.