Do YOU need a designer vagina? Expert reveals the four different ops you can have – and how much they cost

WE have our hair done, we use make-up, we enhance our breasts.

We hone and tone our bodies– so why not consider touching up the area of our body that truly is what makes us a woman physically?

Ever considered getting a designer vagina? Once a taboo subject, the cosmetic procedure is increasingly popular.

Here, gynaecologist Dr Gabrielle Downey for explains exactly what is involved...

DR DOWNEY SAYS...

These procedures can be life changing.

But they’re not trivial procedures and it’s important to be armed with the facts before you make any drastic changes, especially if surgery is involved.

Once a taboo subject, the procedures to cosmetically change vaginas is becoming increasingly popular.

Unfortunately, the surgeries are not available on the NHS and they are very expensive.

Indeed, there is no doubt that both nature and life alters our bodies.

For some women sex is not as good after they have had their babies, they can’t feel their partners any more.

These operations are cosmetic in nature and not medically necessary.

They are performed to either improve function or appearance or both.

1. LABIOPLASTY

The most commonly requested procedure at present is the removal of excess labial tissue - the inner lips of the vulva that hang outside the outer lips.

Women as for labioplasty either because they do not like the look of the labia, it rubs on their clothes, swells and ulcerates or gets caught during sex.

These issues can cause embarrassment and low self-esteem.

Labioplasty is a cosmetic procedure to sculpt and remove excess and usually even out the labia minora (inner lips).

What happens during the surgery?

Labial reduction takes between one and two hours and can be performed under local anaesthetic or general.

Any cuts that are made are carefully placed to prevent scarring and are closed with stitches that dissolve.

You can expect mild discomfort and swelling for a few days after the operation, which usually disappears completely after one to two weeks.

This can be managed by taking painkillers, using local anaesthetic gels, medihoney and teatree oil.

A week after surgery you should be able to return to work, and be able to resume normal daily activity after two to three weeks.

However we advise against sexual activity for four to six weeks following surgery, and tampons should not be used during the first six weeks.

Cost:

It can cost anywhere between £1,750 and £3,000

2. VAGINOPLASTY

In some women the vaginal muscles have poor tone, strength, and control, and internal and external diameters increase.

The muscles of the perineum can be weak and poorly supported.

Under these circumstances, the vagina is no longer at its optimum state.

As a result, the sensual side of sexual gratification is diminished.

Vaginal rejuvenation was designed to enhance sexual gratification for women who for whatever reason lack an optimum vagina.

Pelvic floor exercises can improve tone in up to 70 per cent of women and should always be tried first before contemplating any surgery.

Women with involuntary loss of urine with coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, or sex can have their stress urinary incontinence corrected along with enhancement of sexual gratification can be improved with pelvic floor exercises.

For some that is not enough.