diVa® versus Labiaplasty: Which Is Right for You?

Childbirth, pregnancy, age, menopause – they all take a toll on women’s bodies. And a lot of that toll is unfairly paid by our vaginas and labia. Many women experience dissatisfaction with the appearance and function of their vagina and labia. Issues with vaginal laxity and excessive labial tissue can cause health issues and interfere with sexual satisfaction and daily comfort. If a woman feels self-conscious about the appearance of her vagina and labia, it can impact her self-confidence and her intimate relationships. Today, surgical vaginal procedures such as vaginal laser rejuvenation and labiaplasty can improve appearance, function and confidence. These vaginal procedures provide extremely effective, long-term relief. 

What Is diVa® Vaginal Laser Rejuvenation?

DiVa® laser vaginal therapy is a non-hormonal and non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation treatment that can drastically improve vaginal health with a simple 3-to-5 minute in-office procedure. Because diVa® doesn’t use estrogen or any other hormones, it is safe for women who can’t be exposed to hormones because of health issues or a history of breast cancer.

How Does diVa® Work?

DiVa® laser vaginal rejuvenation works in two ways with two different lasers in one treatment. One laser resurfaces the interior of the vaginal walls, encouraging the growth of newer, young, healthy cells in the vaginal lining that provide spring and lubrication. A second laser penetrates deeper tissues to encourage the growth of new collagen structures, which strengthen, firm and “plump” the vaginal walls. diVa® is also used to help mild cases of urinary incontinence. DiVa® laser vaginal therapy’s Sciton Hybrid laser treats the full length of the vaginal canal to tone and tighten for healthier vaginal function.

Why Have a diVa® Vaginal Procedure?

Vaginal laxity can cause a variety of health and cosmetic issues for women including decreased sensation during sex, a “loose” appearance of the vaginal opening, urinary incontinence, bowel movement issues and less-effective menstrual protection from tampons.  Many women suffer from vaginal laxity, or looseness, which can be caused by childbirth, hormonal changes during menopause or aging. Vaginal laxity can lead to decreased sexual satisfaction and a decline in overall vaginal health. Vaginoplasty tightens both the opening of the vagina and the vaginal canal, restructuring the vagina and improving muscle tone and control. Because diVa® strengthens the vaginal structures, the vaginal procedure can also be used to correct mild vaginal prolapse.

What Can I Expect during My diVa® Vaginal Procedure?

DiVa® laser vaginal therapy provides comfortable, fast and easy treatment, taking only three to five minutes to treat the full length of a vaginal canal. Some women experience warmth or mild pain during diVa® laser vaginal therapy. For pain relief during your procedure, your provider will offer you a topical anesthetic and a patient controlled gas system called Pro-Nox™, which is a gas system designed to deliver a 50% oxygen and 50% nitrous oxide mixture for relief of pain and anxiety during the procedure.  Afterwards, women may experience a day or two of light spotting and slight discharge.

What Is Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty surgically reduces and reshapes the labia, or the “lips,” surrounding the vaginal opening. The procedure removes fat and tissue for a smoother, tighter appearance.

Why Labiaplasty?

There is no such thing as standard or “normal” labia. Each woman has a unique appearance. But, for some women the shape and size of the labia interferes with everyday activities, such as exercise, sexual activity or even walking. Women may feel their labia are too large and will be self-conscious wearing leggings or a swimsuit.

What Does a Labiaplasty Do?

If you are experiencing discomfort or are unhappy with the appearance of your labia, your urogynecologist? gynecologist? can assess your needs and advise you on the type of treatment, including labiaplasty surgery, that best suits your body and your goals. Labiaplasty can be performed on the labia majora, or outer lips, or on the labia minora that surrounds the vaginal opening. Labiaplasty can also include clitoral hood reduction, which is a cosmetic procedure to remove excess skin from the clitoral hood. This procedure can increase sexual satisfaction and confidence in appearance.

How Long is the Recovery for Labiaplasty versus diVa®?

For labiaplasty, the initial recovery from the surgery takes about 24 hours followed by up to six weeks of pelvic rest restrictions, which includes no intercourse, swimming, bathing or strenuous exercise – so your body has the time it needs to heal.

With diVa®, women must avoid anything in the vagina for 7 days but can resume all other regular activities immediately after treatment. The initial number of treatments recommended is three treatments. 

If you have concerns about the appearance, health or function of your vagina or labia, Coyle Institute can help you find the right treatment. Schedule your consultation today and regain your vaginal health and confidence!

At Coyle Institute, We Restore Women’s Lives Through Improved Pelvic Health So You Can Focus On What’s Important: Enjoying Your Life and the People You Love.