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Non-Surgical ThermiVa^® Vaginal Rejuvenation and Tightening Now Available

Posted on June 23, 2016 in News

In addition to his comprehensive selection of female intimate surgeries, Dr. Dimitri Koumanis is pleased to be the first in the Capital District to offer the non-surgical and non-invasive alternative ThermiVa^®. ThermiVa^® may only mildly contract and reduce the size of the labial minora compared with surgical labiaplasty. However ThermiVa^® results have significant benefits to women who have had children and those who have experienced vagina changes with aging and menopause. ThermiVa^® is the first radiofrequency-based system that utilizes gentle heat to tighten and reverse the often loose, weak external labial and internal vaginal tissue that occurs after childbirth, weight loss, or over time with age and menopause. This new advanced technology works without the need for surgery. The response from women – and their partners – ranges from ‘better sex’ to ‘life changing’ to ‘transformational’

If a patient is not interested in labiaplasty or is not a good surgery candidate, she may qualify for non-surgical ThermiVa^® vaginal rejuvenation, achieving benefits which go above and beyond what surgery may offer such as the following:

• Improves lubrication with sex with a moisturizing effect
• Reduces vaginal dryness and reverse postmenopausal atrophy
• Provides smoother, softer tighter skin of the labia majora and a tighter internal vaginal canal
• Reduces mild to moderate pelvic prolapse by shrinkage of internal vaginal tissue
• Reduces urinary leakage with mild to moderate stress incontinence
• Increases sensitivity with improvement in sexual satisfaction for some women who have orgasmic dysfunction

Dr. Koumanis believes ThermiVa^® is a revolutionary new advancement in the area of vaginal rejuvenation and is proud to offer his patients the significant advantages it brings.

Viagra^® enhanced the lives of many men plagued with erectile dysfunction or impotence. Now ThermiVa^® offers women an alternative to surgery or medication to enhance their sex life and overall well-being.
This, safe and painless treatment is considered a “lunchtime procedure” since it can often be performed in 30 minutes or less with no absolutely no downtime. You may immediately resume all activities including intercourse. Results may be seen after a single treatment. But three treatments spaced monthly typically provide the best results. ThermiVa^® results have been shown to last up to a year. Yearly to bi-yearly follow-up treatments help women maintain their positive outcomes.

Should I Choose to Have a Labiaplasty?

Posted on June 20, 2016 in Frequently Asked Questions

Cosmetic surgery is a personal choice, and patients often have a diverse array of reasons for why they select a certain operation. Vaginal rejuvenation is no different. Labiaplasty can be performed to address aesthetic concerns, functional concerns, or a combination of the two. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Dimitri Koumanis, emphasizes that there may be more factors involved in this decision than many people at first realize. In response to the question “Should I choose to have a labiaplasty?”, Dr. Koumanis says:

“Some women just don’t like the appearance of their prominent labia. Others are bothered by chafing, traction, and irritation with intercourse, or when wearing tight clothing. Exercising can put pressure on the groin, particularly activities like bike riding or spinning. Still, others complain of hygiene problems such as a diverted spray when urinating or difficulty ‘keeping clean.’ Other women have combination issues and concerns.

“It’s important to know, help is available to provide you with reduced labia size, improved symmetry, and a relief of symptoms caused by prominent labia minora. Speak to a plastic surgeon who is an expert in labiaplasty for the best results! Be sure to see his patients’ before and after photos to be sure you like the results you see before committing!”

No woman should have to feel uncomfortable or self-conscious as a result of her intimate anatomy. If you would like to discuss your concerns, our skilled medical team can explain all your options and help you to make a well-informed decision. If you choose to have a labiaplasty, your procedure is done right at our Joint Commission accredited office surgery facility with our dedicated team for your convenience, comfort, privacy and cost savings over the hospital setting.

Is It Possible to Have Excessively Loose Vaginal Skin?

Posted on May 15, 2016 in Frequently Asked Questions

A common concern among many women, what constitutes “normal” in regard to vaginal appearance and labial tissue length is an open-ended question with many answers. Aesthetic preferences can vary dramatically from person to person. However, if you experience physical or emotional discomfort as a result of the way your feminine anatomy is shaped, our board-certified plastic surgeon may be able to help. Dr. Dimitri Koumanis has several years of experience performing labiaplasty, and he will thoughtfully and honestly address your questions and concerns during your initial consultation.

A patient recently posed a question to Dr. Koumanis, asking whether it was possible to have excessively loose skin in this area. She indicated that she felt her vagina didn’t look normal. In his response, he explained that most every woman’s labia minora are “normal” and there are seemingly limitless anatomical variations in shape, size, and symmetry—just like with noses. He adds that most variations in labial shape and size are normal, and they function normally. However, Dr. Koumanis notes that women often desire labiaplasty to reduce their labia minora to modify the appearance to suit their needs. Functional issues can be a concern that many women have—but it’s not the only one. Just like nose reshaping, Dr. Koumanis says labiaplasty is most often requested for cosmetic reasons.

Your beauty preferences are likely different from someone else’s. This is why Dr. Koumanis will take the time to listen attentively to what your cosmetic goals are. With this information, he will then develop a customized treatment plan that can optimize your result and help you feel more confident about your body.

Should I Remove My Labiaplasty Sutures?

Posted on April 21, 2016 in Frequently Asked Questions

Recovery following a procedure like labiaplasty can lead to a variety of questions. Many patients wonder what is considered normal in regards to healing. To help prepare you for the recovery process, Dr. Dimitri Koumanis provides post-operative care instructions to ensure you heal properly. He also encourages you to ask any questions you may have so he can help you understand what to expect. Among the many concerns with which he has helped patients, Dr. Koumanis recently responded to a woman who was asking a question in the online medical forum RealSelf. The individual posted, “I see a suture two weeks after labiaplasty. Should I remove it myself?”

In his response, Dr. Koumanis revealed that despite the kind of labiaplasty performed, the sutures are usually absorbable (dissolve on their own) and must remain for the first month or two to provide support. He explained that the patient’s surgeon should provide her with follow-up care and can assist her with suture removal when it is appropriate.

He went on to say that wedge resection labiaplasty sutures dissolve slowly and are mostly internal. Dr. Koumanis warned the woman that she is stronger than the healing wound at two weeks postop – if she were to remove the sutures, she could accidentally tear the wound open. That is why Dr. Koumanis insisted the woman see her plastic surgeon for advice and treatment, and  added “please don’t remove your own sutures, especially after only two weeks!”

For patients at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, Dr. Koumanis personally removes labiaplasty sutures if they have not dissolved by four to six weeks postop.

Will My Partner Be Able to See My Scar?

Posted on March 14, 2016 in Frequently Asked Questions

Every patient’s recovery from labiaplasty will vary to some degree. When you seek a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Dimitri Koumanis, who has extensive experience performing labiaplasty, you can be confident you are receiving the highest quality of care, setting you up for the smoothest recovery possible. He utilizes a calculated approach to the procedure, helping patients avoid scars that are noticeable to their partner.

Dr. Koumanis prefers the wedge-type labiaplasty, as this makes resulting scars virtually undetectable. Wedge labiaplasty involves more work and meticulous technique, using magnification to close the wounds. After about six months, you should be approximately 90% healed. Swelling and bruising resolve over the first month or two. By six to eight weeks after, you and your partner should not be able to notice the scars, as long as they are appropriately and properly placed and positioned in hidden areas by a plastic surgeon trained and experienced in wedge resection type labiaplasty.

If you undergo the “edge-trim” labiaplasty technique (which Dr. Koumanis usually discourages), however, it is much more likely that your scars will be visible. The edge trim type of labiaplasty is easier to do since it simply involves amputation of the prominent labia minora (inner lips). The edge-trim labiaplasty can also lead to a painful scar located along the labial edge with excessive vaginal dryness and, and it is easy to remove too much skin creating an “operated-upon” look. Therefore, edge-trim labiaplasty is to be avoided in most cases. When you attend your labiaplasty consultation, be sure to discuss both the wedge and edge-trim labiaplasty techniques with your plastic surgeon. For most of his patients, Dr. Koumanis recommends wedge-type labiaplasty to avoid prominent scars and the most natural appearance. Plus, clitoral hood skin reduction can be done at the same time with a second “V” or wedge skin resection to give you a natural balance. Asymmetry can also be corrected, if one side has more skin than the other. All labiaplasty options will be discussed and all of your questions will be answered as he educates you at your personalized consultation visit. Dr. Koumanis believes strongly that your initial operation is your one best chance to get the best labiaplasty result. So we encourage you to call us and see him in consultation before you have labiaplasty elsewhere!

When Can I Return to My Daily Routine After Labiaplasty?

Posted on February 15, 2016 in Frequently Asked Questions

As with any surgery, patients are often concerned with how long the recovery will be following labiaplasty. This, among many other frequently asked questions, is thoroughly answered during the consultation with Dr. Dimitri Koumanis. Aside from helping his patients at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, Dr. Koumanis also answers women’s questions about labiaplasty on the online medical education forum RealSelf.

One patient asked: “What is the healing process after labiaplasty? When can I resume my normal activities such as sports and having sex?” Dr. Koumanis was pleased to clear up any confusion from mixed information received from other plastic surgeons she had seen by replying with this explanation.

Dr. Koumanis stated that since the skin in the labia region is very delicate, it takes 2 to 3 months (typically 8 to 10 weeks) before he allows his patients to resume any activity that puts pressure, or causes friction or traction, on the skin of the perineal region or vulva. It takes this long for collagen to mature in the labiaplasty wound to be strong enough to not tear from resuming regular activities.

For safety, Dr. Koumanis clarified that the woman should avoid wearing thongs, having intercourse, using tampons, or placing anything else inside the vagina for the first 2 to 3 months after labiaplasty. He also strongly recommended avoiding strenuous sports – especially those that place pressure on the groin region such as bike riding or spin classes – during that time to allow for proper healing.

If other surgeons allow their patients to resume those activities earlier, they have ignored the fact that it take several months for healing wounds to become strong enough to resist tearing. “When it comes to wound healing, you can’t speed up mother nature!”

For a detailed consultation including an individualized description of what you can expect during labiaplasty recovery, please contact us to set up a consultation with Dr. Koumanis.

Can Extra Skin Over the Clitoris Be Removed?

Posted on January 19, 2016 in Frequently Asked Questions

Female intimate surgery can effectively correct a wide range of issues from which women may be suffering. To get a realistic understanding of what they can achieve through a procedure like labiaplasty and optimum results, patients should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in performing various vaginal rejuvenation techniques.

Dr. Dimitri Koumanis has offered his expertise on a number of questions posed by people regarding topics like labiaplasty on the online resource Realself. In one of the entries, a woman expressed her discomfort with the excessive skin overlying her clitoris, saying that it was affecting her sex life. She had met with a plastic surgeon about the problem but was told a significant improvement couldn’t be achieved, which ultimately led to her looking for a second opinion.

Dr. Koumanis was pleased to set the record straight for this concerned woman. He responded that excessively visible clitoral hood skin can be removed or reduced effectively with a double-wedge type labiaplasty. If the labia minora are not prominent, a lateral skin wedge resection alone may provide her with the result that she desired. Dr. Koumanis described the procedure, noting that an anterior external wedge of skin is removed from either side of the hood of skin overlying the clitoris. By doing this, the desired trimmer appearance can be achieved. While Dr. Koumanis’ patients have found that a clitoral hood reduction may also increase clitoral sensitivity and satisfaction during intercourse, no particular result can be guaranteed.