The exact length of time a vaginal rejuvenation procedure will take, as well as other elements of what to expect from this kind of surgery, depends on the type of surgery being performed. The two major approaches, traditional surgery and laser surgery, are performed differently and can have different results.

Laser Surgery

A relatively new approach to vaginal rejuvenation and labiaplasty, laser surgery is often faster and less invasive than other options. Laser surgery is used most often with labiaplasty, allowing the surgeon to remove very small areas of tissue from the labia minora, or the inner lips of the vulva. There is often much less bleeding with laser surgery, and recovery time can be reduced through use of this procedure. Laser surgery is most often used to remove the outer rim of the labia, while other surgical methods are used for tightening the vaginal and perineal muscles or for performing a "wedge" labiaplasty. You and your doctor will make the final determination about what approach will best meet your needs.

Traditional Surgery

Traditional surgery, performed with a scalpel, often takes longer than a laser surgery procedure. However, depending on what kind of surgery is being done, how extensive the work is likely to be, and your doctor's preferences, this approach might be the best for your specific needs. Traditional surgery is used more often for vaginal rejuvenation, since the work is mostly done within the vagina and laser surgery cannot always adequately address the patient's needs.

In both laser surgery and traditional surgery, you will receive an anesthetic, either general or local depending on your preferences and your doctor's. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, so you will need someone to take you home. Typically, a vaginal rejuvenation takes between one to two hours.