|
Choosing to undergo Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation has the potential to make profound, wonderful changes in your life – but it’s a big decision. We know you have lots of questions, and we’re
here to help.
Here in the FAQ, we’ve taken great care to compile the most common questions
that patients present us with as they make their decision. Please also know
that we’d love to expand on these answers personally. Call us anytime, toll
free at 888-9-PELVIC (888-973-5842) or contact us by e-mail, and we’ll set up
a complimentary phone consult with our surgeon. Give your telephone number
and the best time to contact you, and we’ll be sure to respond within one
business day.
Q: How
does Laser Reduction Labiaplasty compare to non-laser surgical procedures?
A: Laser Reduction Labiaplasty refers to a trademarked method of performing these procedures which was developed by Dr. David Matlock in Beverly Hills.
Only Certified Associates of the Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Institute of America are able to perform them. The quality of the procedure, including technique and aesthetic results, is far
superior to anything else available. There are some vulvas which require attention to detail that if these techniques aren't used will result in a very unnatural and displeasing look. In fact, many of my consults are for revision of prior poorly performed labial reductions.
Q: What
Laser do you use?
A: After becoming proficient in
performing Laser Reduction Labiaplasty and Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation as per
the techniques taught by Dr. Matlock I then trained under Dr. Red Alinsod in
Laguna Beach. From him I discovered
the Ellman Surgitron RF
device which is even less destructive to
tissues than any laser. Since it is minimally destructive it is
essentially pain-free with faster healing.
The results have been amazing, thus I no
longer use Dr. Matlock’s 'laser' for these
delicate procedures, but I still use his
techniques. As a result, the final
outcome is far superior to those of other surgeons.
Q: What
is YOUR technique in performing labial reduction surgeries?
A: My technique is a blending of the
teachings of Drs. Matlock and Alinsod with my own personal
modifications. I believe I offer the
best techniques and aesthetic results available anywhere. Look at my Photo Gallery and compare my
results with those of others.
Compare these with the results of other
surgeons. As you look at their photo
galleries pay attention to the persistent labia minora tissue close to the
clitoris and/or posteriorly towards the perineum. This is a result of poor attention to
detail or a lack of an understanding of what women want, or how to accomplish
these results. Look at these photos of
women (click here) who came in for revision of a prior labial reduction
Q: How
is your procedure different from plastic surgeons and general gynecologists?
A: Plastic surgeons typically use a wedge
resection technique popularized in their literature. This is a similar idea as when they perform
a breast lift. They excise a triangle
portion of tissue and suture the remaining edges. Their intention is to maintain the
pigmentation of the labia, however the results can be very aesthetically
unpleasing or result in abnormal healing (click here) to see examples of
this. Also, most women do not like dark
labial edges, therefore this technique would not suit them.
General gynecologists simply cut the
labia in a straight line with scissors or cautery unit resulting in a very
unnatural and asymmetric look (click here).
Q: Why
are your prices higher than most?
A: Like the old adage ‘you get what you
pay for’. Other surgeons take pride in
how quickly they perform labial reductions and charge a couple of thousand
dollars for them. This becomes a very
profitable procedure for them considering they spend 30 minutes performing
them and have not had additional specialized training, nor have they
dedicated their career to female pelvic medicine.
I pay a lot of attention to detail from
the initial consultation to your postoperative follow-up care. At surgery I am meticulous and take the
necessary time to achieve the best results possible.
As a physician colleague of mine says:
“Dr. Aguirre, I trust him with my wife”.
Q: Why
is it important that you are a fellowship-trained Urogynecologist and
Reconstructive Pelvic Surgeon?
A: I have dedicated my entire career to
Female Pelvic Medicine, thus I am very knowledgeable regarding every aspect
of women’s pelvic and sexual health.
I often see patients in consultation for
Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation and/or Laser Reduction Labiaplasty and identify
urogynecologic conditions which need to be addressed first or actually
exclude them from being candidates for these procedures.
Please visit my website dedicated to this
specialty (www.bladdersolution.com).
Q: Will
Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation help with my urinary incontinence?
A: No.
Unlike what you may read in other websites regarding LVR this is not
the best treatment for stress urinary incontinence.
If you are troubled by symptoms of
incontinence then you will need an evaluation. Urinary incontinence is a medical condition
covered by most insurance companies, thus the evaluation and surgical
management are as well. There are new
minimally invasive slings (click here) which may be performed in conjunction
with Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation and/or Laser Reduction Labiaplasty.
Q: I think I’m a good candidate for the
procedure and I’d like to have it done. Can you go into more detail?
A: That’s a tough question, but only
because we’re so good at what we do! Because we’re so specialized – we’ve had
a thriving urogynecologic practice for a decade – we offer a wide breadth of
services, and that makes it difficult to frame a clear response when the
question is so broad. Please feel free to acquaint yourself with the
procedure by browsing our site. We’ve made sure to describe our offerings in
detail so you can be best prepared to identify your needs and desires. Once
you feel comfortable with the basics, please feel free to schedule a
complimentary telephone conversation with our gynecologic surgeon – just call
toll free at 888-9-PELVIC (888-973-5842) or contact us by e-mail, and we’ll
set it up for you. Simply provide your telephone number and the best time to
contact you, and we’ll return your call or e-mail the day it is received.
Q: Don’t get me wrong
– I love my children, and I’m glad I had natural, vaginal births – but I hate
what it’s done for my sex life! It isn't at all the same as it was before I
had my kids. Sex just isn’t…as gratifying, I guess. After I had them, my
vaginal opening has been so much bigger than it was before, and those muscles
that my husband and I used to love…gone. I tried Kegels (so many Kegels),
vaginal weights, tantric workshops – I need something else.
A: You’re not alone! Millions of women
have precisely the same problems you’re describing. You’re not helpless,
either! Women today are taking their sexual health and gratification in their
own hands, not blindly accepting that the joy of having children comes with
the high price-tag of their sensual selves. They’re empowered to make the
choices that will enrich their lives in and out of the bedroom.
Simply put, Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® is an adaptation of a surgical
procedure that has been practiced for quite some time. Dr. Aguirre uses the
Ellman Surgitron RF device as his laser to perform meticulous, relatively
bloodless surgical incisions. It’s done on an outpatient basis in most cases.
The procedure tightens both the vaginal musculature and the support tissues,
increasing sensation. The procedure tightens the vaginal opening by shrinking
the diameters of both the internal and external vagina and enhancing the
perineal body (the sensitive area between the outside the vaginal opening and
the anus.) The post-op patient also enjoys a more beautiful vagina, as the
procedure significantly reduces redundant vaginal mucosa (relaxed vaginal
lining), and apporximating the labia minora back to its original location.
Some patients even say that their vagina looks “youthful”!
How does the procedure affect sexual gratification so immensely? Well,
according to Masters and Johnson (the research team that pioneered scientific
study of the nature of human sexual response), female enjoyment of sex is
“directly related to the amount of frictional forces generated” during the
act. Tighter muscles and less extraneous tissue lead to greater frictional
forces, and the aesthetic enhancements are an additional enticement to
increase sexual activity. It’s that simple.
It’s important to note, too, that this is your surgery. We’re acutely aware
of that. We regard you as an integral part of our team; we listen carefully
to you, and we always have your expressed wishes in mind. You determine how
tight you want to be, and you describe how you would like your vagina to
appear.
Q: I’ve had three children, and it’s had a really embarrassing
effect on my social life. The doctor says it’s called vaginal relaxation, so
I lose urine at really inopportune times – like when I cough, sneeze,
exercise, or even laugh. It’s really depressing. It’s horrible in social
situations, not to mention hygienically intolerable! Adult diapers are an
absolutely unacceptable solution. Can I fix it while I correct my vaginal
looseness?
A:
Yes! Your problem, stress urinary incontinence, is related to
pregnancy-induced relaxation of the muscular wall that supports the urethra
and bladder. Because it increases vaginal muscle tone and control, the Laser
Vaginal Rejuvenation® procedure can help with the problem, but it is not the
solution. You would need a suburethral sling procedure performed at the same
time. The good news is that insurance covers the treatment of stress urinary
incontinence.
Q: The bottom floor of
my vagina is “relaxed,” and so is the perineal body. Can I undergo Laser
Vaginal Rejuvenation®? Can it help me?
A: Yes you can, and yes it will. In your
case, it’s even more straightforward. The procedure is generally not very
extensive. Of course, in addition to its myriad aesthetic benefits, Laser
Vaginal Rejuvenation® will markedly increase your sexual gratification!
Q: I haven't had kids,
but I’d really love to be “tighter” and for my vagina to have a more youthful
appearance. Am I a good candidate for Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation®?
A: Yes! In general, procedures for women
who have not borne children focus on reduction of the vaginal diameter and
aesthetic adjustment. As the surgery tends to focus on the lower section of
the vagina and the perineum (the sensitive area between the outside of the
vaginal opening and the anus), the procedure is generally less extensive.
Q: I don’t like the
fact that my inner vaginal lips extend beyond the outer lips. Can I have them
reduced?
A: The outer vaginal lips (labia minora)
are easily sculptured to fit your concept of vaginal beauty. The procedure is
called laser reduction labiaplasty. It’s not terribly extensive, and it can
have a life-changing impact on your personal self-image.
Q: Is it going to
hurt? How much pain will I be in after undergoing Laser Vaginal
Rejuvenation®?
A: Considering the extreme sensitivity of
the area we’re working with, the pain experience is remarkably low. So you
can breathe easy, we use cutting-edge medical and pharmaceutical technologies
to manage your pain during surgery and immediately post-op. You can expect to
experience little to no pain the first 18 to 24 hours, followed by some
tenderness (which can be kept under control with over-the-counter analgesics
and cold compresses) that lasts for a few days afterwards.
Q: How long will I
spend in surgery if I have the Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® procedure?
A: Of course, the actual time you spend
on the operating table depends on your situation (such as your general
health, the procedure you’ve decided upon, and other factors.) In general, it
only takes about an hour, and it’s almost always done without the need to
stay the night in the hospital.
Q: Where (in what
facility) will the surgeon perform the procedure?
A: In most patients we can perform Laser
Reduction Labiaplasty in the office under local anesthetic to dramatically
lower costs. You do not need an I.V. This means you will not have
anesthesilologist or hospital costs which can add $2,000-$3,000 to the
overall cost of the procedure. If I.V. sedation or general anesthesia is
necessary the surgeon will perform the procedure at one of two cutting-edge
surgical facilities: Sky Ridge Surgical
Center in Lone Tree, Colorado or the Rose
Medical Center
in Denver, Colorado.
Q: What type of
anesthesia can I expect to be under?
A: In-office procedures are performed
under local anesthesia with the patient comfortable and fully awake. In the
surgical center or hospital our board-certified anesthesiologist can provide
you with the anesthesia of your choice. You can select from a range of types:
spinal, local, nerve-blocking, intravenous sedation, or general. However,
over 90% of procedures are performed under I.V. sedation and a pudendal block.
Please note that some procedures call for certain types of anesthesia, but
this will be discussed in detail with you prior to surgery.
Q: When may I start
having vaginal sex again after having Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation®?
A: Clearly, the vagina is a very
sensitive part of a woman’s body. Therefore, to be certain that complete
healing has taken place, we generally recommend that you take a break from
vaginal sexual intercourse for about six weeks – less time for oral sex
unless a labiaplasty is performed. Timelines are case-specific and will be
discussed in detail with our surgeon.
Q: When can I return
to work after Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation?
A: It really depends on the physical
demands of your job, and will be discussed in detail with Dr. Aguirre. To
give you an idea, most patients are able to return to their normal work
schedule within a week.
Q: I’m coming in from
out-of-town to have the procedure done. How long will I need to stay in Denver afterwards?
A: Welcome to Denver! You can go home in 2 - 3 days, but
we’re certain that you’ll want a little extra time to enjoy our beautiful
city.
Q: How much does Laser
Vaginal Rejuvenation® cost?
A: In order to provide you with a
projected cost for your procedure, we need to know about your specific case
and expectations. As you might imagine, our fees change depending on the
procedure you select and the scope of the surgery. Please feel free to
schedule a complimentary telephone conversation with our gynecologic surgeon
– just call toll free at 888-9-PELVIC (888-973-5842) or contact us by e-mail and
we’ll set it up for you. Simply provide your telephone number and the best
time to contact you, and we’ll get back to you the day it is received. Our
fees are all-inclusive and cover the consult, surgical center, all medical
and support staff, and follow-up.
Q: I’m interested in
Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® - but what are the risks?
A: You can be confident that Laser
Vaginal Rejuvenation® is a low-risk, high-return surgery. The serious risks,
as is true with any surgery, are hemorrhage, scarring, infection, and
anesthetic risks. With Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation®, these risks are less than
one percent.
If the patient and our medical team decide to adjust both the upper and lower
vagina, there is very slight risk to the rectum and bladder. Finally,
over-correction of the vagina can lead to the experience of pain during sex,
but we go to great lengths to prevent this from happening.
Your comfort going in to the procedure is of immense importance to us. We invite
you to call for a free initial telephone consultation; we’ll address your
concerns in detail and put your worries to rest.
Q: Can I have Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® and Designer Laser
Vaginoplasty® done at the same time?
A:
Designer Laser Vaginoplasty (such as laser perineoplasty, laser reduction
labiaplasty, liposculpture, etc.) can absolutely be combined with Laser
Vaginal Rejuvenation®. We’ll work closely with you to define how you want
your vagina to appear, so you’ll enjoy incredible sensation and new pride in
your private appearence.
Q: Can I have other
cosmetic procedures done at the same time that I have Laser Vaginal
Rejuvenation® or Designer Laser Vaginoplasty performed?
A: Yes! As a matter of fact, it’s a very
common choice to combine surgeries. Our team - which includes board-certified
gynecologic, reconstructive and plastic surgeons - can strategically
integrate Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation® or Designer Laser Vaginoplasty with a
range of cosmetic surgeries. Some of the more common companion surgeries are
breast augmentations/lifts, tummy-tucks, eye lifts, rhinoplasty, and
liposuction/sculpture.
Q: How does Laser Reduction Labiaplasty compare to non-laser
surgical procedures?
A: Laser Reduction Labiaplasty
refers to a trademarked method of performing
these procedures which was developed by Dr. David Matlock in Beverly Hills.
Only Certified Associates of the Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Institute of
America are able to perform them. The quality of the procedure, including
technique and aesthetic results, is far superior to anything else
available. There are some vulvas which require attention to detail that
if
these techniques aren't used will result in a very unnatural and displeasing
look. In fact, many of my consults are
for revision of prior poorly performed labial reductions.
Q:
What Laser do you use?
A: After becoming proficient in
performing Laser Reduction Labiaplasty and Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation as per
the techniques taught by Dr. Matlock I then trained under Dr. Red Alinsod in
Laguna Beach. From him I discovered the Ellman Surgitron RF
device which is even less destructive to tissues than any laser. Since it
is minimally destructive it is essentially pain-free with faster healing.
The results have been amazing, thus I no longer use Dr. Matlock’s 'laser' for
these
delicate procedures, but I still use his techniques. As a result, the final outcome is far
superior to those of other surgeons.
Q:
What is YOUR technique in performing labial reduction surgeries?
A: My technique is a blending of the
teachings of Drs. Matlock and Alinsod with my own personal modifications. I believe I offer the best techniques and
aesthetic results available anywhere. Look at my Photo Gallery and compare
my results with those of others.
Compare these with the results of
other surgeons. As you look at their
photo galleries pay attention to the persistent labia minora tissue close to
the clitoris and/or posteriorly towards the perineum. This is a result of poor attention to detail
or a lack of an understanding of what women want, or how to accomplish these
results. Look at these photos of women
(click here) who came in for revision of a prior labial reduction.
Q:
How is your procedure different from plastic surgeons and general
gynecologists?
A: Plastic surgeons typically use a
wedge resection technique popularized in their literature. This is a similar idea as when they perform a
breast lift. They excise a triangle
portion of tissue and suture the remaining edges. Their intention is to maintain the
pigmentation of the labia, however the results can be very aesthetically
unpleasing or result in abnormal healing (click here) to see examples of
this. Also, most women do not like dark
labial edges, therefore this technique would not suit them.
General gynecologists simply cut the
labia in a straight line with scissors or cautery unit resulting in a very
unnatural and asymmetric look (click here).
Q:
Why are your prices higher than most?
A: Like the old adage ‘you get what you pay for’. Other surgeons take pride in how quickly they
perform labial reductions and charge a couple of thousand dollars for
them. This becomes a very profitable
procedure for them considering they spend 30 minutes performing them and have
not had additional specialized training, nor have they dedicated their career
to female pelvic medicine.
I pay a lot of attention to detail
from the initial consultation to your postoperative follow-up care. At surgery I am meticulous and take the
necessary time to achieve the best results possible.
As a physician colleague of mine
says: “Dr. Aguirre, I trust him with my wife”.
Q:
Why is it important that you are a fellowship-trained Urogynecologist and
Reconstructive Pelvic Surgeon?
A: I have dedicated my entire career
to Female Pelvic Medicine, thus I am very knowledgeable regarding every aspect
of women’s pelvic and sexual health.
I often see patients in consultation
for Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation and/or Laser Reduction Labiaplasty and identify
urogynecologic conditions which need to be addressed first or actually exclude
them from being candidates for these procedures.
Please visit my website dedicated to
this specialty (www.bladdersolution.com).
Q:
Will Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation help with my urinary incontinence?
A: No. Unlike what you may read in other websites
regarding LVR this is not the best treatment for stress urinary incontinence.
If you are troubled by symptoms of
incontinence then you will need an evaluation.
Urinary incontinence is a medical condition covered by most insurance
companies, thus the evaluation and surgical management are as well. There are new minimally invasive slings which
may be performed in conjunction with Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation and/or Laser
Reduction Labiaplasty.
We hope we answered your
questions! It’s our ongoing goal to provide you with a complete, user-friendly
website that educates, illustrates, and thoughtfully explains our patient
services. To this end, we constantly update our ‘site with new information.
Please contact us any time with further questions – we’re here to help.
|