COSMETIC gynaecology, which emphasises on enhancing the physiological function of the internal female genital structures and also the aesthetic appearances of the external genital structures (vulva), has been gaining tremendous popularity globally over the last 10 years.

The growing trend is synonymous to general cosmetic surgery which is dominating the field of medicine globally with people travelling to all corners of the globe to ensure that the best surgeons are performing their desired cosmetic procedures effectively, flawlessly and affordably. From dental veneers, botox, fillers, breast augmentations, tummy tucks to liposuctions and BBLS — individuals are choosing to look their best, feel their best and to also empower themselves. The list of these procedures can be quite extensive and evolutionary making the cosmetic medical speciality a thriving industry.

The most popular cosmetic surgical gynaecological procedures are the vaginoplasty (which involves the complete reconstruction of the vaginal canal, reducing its diameter, to improve sexual gratification) and labiaplasty (which involves the removal of excess skin of both the inner and/or outer lips of the vulva to achieve a more aesthetic appearance).

Cosmetic gynaecology also utilises non-surgical techniques such as energy (via ultrasound, laser or radio frequency energy) to improve function and aesthetics to these intimate areas. Additionally, the use of platelet rich plasma (PRP — portions of the patient’s own blood) has been very beneficial in gynaecology for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction (O-Shot), stress urinary incontinence and underlying skin conditions.

Sounding very exotic and reminiscent of an ancient Roman artist is the latest cosmetic gynaecological procedure — The Vagilangelo — which is a perfect blend of surgical and non-surgical techniques. Coined by NYC cosmetic gynaecologist Dr Amir Marashi, the procedure is referred to as a “minimal invasive vaginoplasty”.

To understand the Vagilangelo, one must first understand the anatomy of the vagina. Contrary to popular belief, the vagina is naturally positioned at a downward angle. The importance of this angle is to aid with the penis or toy in stimulating the “G zone”/G spot which is located close to the entrance of the vagina on its top wall. The “G zone” is a sensitive zone within the vagina filled with nerve endings which when stimulated can result in vaginal orgasms — which some women find difficult to achieve. With advancing age, decreasing hormones and child birth, the muscles of the vagina relax and this downward angle is lost and now becomes horizontal. What results is a lack of stimulation of the “G zone” and an even more greater difficulty in achieving vaginal orgasms.

Traditional vaginoplasty permanently rectifies this problem by recreating the vaginal angle, narrowing the diameter of the vagina (thus allowing greater stimulation of the G zone) and enhances the muscular tone of the entire vagina leading to a greater sexual experience. Though extremely successful (95 per cent success rate), there is an associated prolonged surgery time (mostly done at a surgery centre/hospital), strict post-operative instructions, inability to deliver vaginally in the future and also a prolonged healing time of six to eight weeks (No SEX!).

The Vagilangelo — offered locally by Gynae Associate’s Dr Daryl Daley and Baywest Hospital’s Dr Germaine Spencer — is a two-step procedure which can easily be done in office under local anaesthesia with little to no discomfort. It first involves using PRP injections to enhance the G zone, making it more sensitive, lubricated and physically swollen, thus more easily stimulated. The second step involves bringing the muscles of the entrance of the vagina closer together with sutures thus recreating the angle. The two work together to create a greater sexual experience. Though the level of satisfaction achieved is not as great as a traditional vaginoplasty, patient satisfaction is still high. The entire procedure takes around 30 minutes and is significantly less than a full vaginoplasty.

Intercourse can be resumed within three to four weeks, with minimal post-operative instructions. Patients will also be able to deliver vaginally in the future. The actual surgical procedure is permanent, (until future child birth) but yearly PRP injections can be used to re-enhance the G zone.

This procedure is ideal for women who don’t have any other underlying pelvic floor problems such as pelvic organ prolapse (uterus, bladder or rectum protruding through vagina) and are enjoying a healthy sex life who wish to enhance their experience greater. The additional PRP enhancement will also help with vaginal lubrication, sensitivity and stress urinary incontinence.

Dr Daryl Daley is a cosmetic gynaecologist and obstetrician. His office is located at 3D Gynaecology Ltd. at 23 Tangerine Place, Kingston 10 and the office number is 876-929-5038/9. He can be contacted at ddaley@3dgynae.com