2023-04-06
In Feminine Rejuvenation & Wellness

What Can Labiaplasty Help With?

A labiaplasty can help with vaginal irritation, discomfort or decreased sexual pleasure. Patients have even experienced boosted confidence following a labiaplasty procedure. If you’ve struggled in any of these areas, a labiaplasty might be beneficial for you.

What Is Labiaplasty?

A labiaplasty is a safe, straightforward surgery that reduces the shape and size of the inner vaginal lips — also known as the labia minora. Some women are born with enlarged labia, and other women find that their labia stretch over time. Either way, the excess tissue can cause irritation, chafing and discomfort.

Labiaplasty aims to trim and reshape the inner labia and restore a more youthful appearance. The procedure can also be done on the labia majora, but it is less common.

How Does a Labiaplasty Work?

Patients undergo local or general anesthesia for the vaginal rejuvenation procedure for comfort. Overall, labiaplasties involve little to no pain. The procedure typically entails one of two standard techniques:

  • Trim: This method involves removing the excess skin hanging past the labia majora and closing the open edges with absorbable sutures. Following the procedure, a thin scar can barely be seen along the edge of the vaginal lips.
  • Wedge: In this technique, a wedge-shaped area of tissue is removed from both sides of the labia minora. The open edges join along the outer labia, resulting in a tucked-in, less pronounced look for the inner labia.

Benefits of Labiaplasty

Labia reduction can offer several advantages, especially for women who are experiencing discomfort on a daily basis. We’ve outlined a few of the functional and cosmetic benefits of a labiaplasty here.

Better Clothing Fit

Enlarged labia can result in embarrassment and physical discomfort when wearing tight clothing, like swimsuits or leggings. The excess skin can lead to chafing and uncomfortable pressure with movement. Labiaplasty can help make a favorite swimsuit or yoga pants fit comfortably again.

Increase Confidence

Discomfort regarding the labia can be both physical and emotional. You may feel self-conscious in intimate situations or while wearing tight clothing. Labiaplasty can improve your confidence in public and in the bedroom. A labiaplasty can also increase sexual confidence and pleasure, clearing the area around the clitoral hood and reducing the possibility of tissue being caught or dragged.

Reduced Pain

The inner labia are delicate and can be easily irritated when exposed during day-to-day activities. Exercising, riding a bicycle and walking for extended periods can cause the tissue to twist and pinch. Labiaplasty removes the excess tissue, so pain and discomfort from everyday friction are no longer an issue.

Improved Hygiene

Excess tissue can harbor bacteria. In private areas, it can increase the risk of UTIs and other health complications. Removing this excess tissue through labiaplasty can lead to more efficient and effective hygiene practices.

Minimizing the Effects of Childbirth or Aging

Aging can cause skin to lose elasticity and sag in various areas. This natural process can affect the labia, sometimes even before the rest of the body shows signs. Additionally, vaginal childbirth can cause the labia to stretch. A labiaplasty can mitigate these effects, restoring your body closer to its pre-aging or pre-pregnancy shape.

Vaginal Rejuvenation at U First Health & Rejuvenation

U First Health & Rejuvenation offers vaginal rejuvenation services, including labiaplasty, to help you achieve your goals for your body. Our team will prioritize you at every step, striving to create a welcoming environment where you feel comfortable sharing your story.

When you come in for a consultation, we will sit down with you, provide education on the procedure and answer any questions you may have. If you’re ready to take the next step toward improved confidence and comfort, contact U First Health & Rejuvenation today. We look forward to helping you in any way we can.

2023-04-06
In Hernia Repair

How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Hernia?

The timeline for recovery from a hernia can vary depending on the type of hernia, the type of surgery, the possibility of preexisting conditions and your age. It’s common to feel mild pain and fatigue after the procedure, but most patients feel better within a week. Learn more about no-mesh hernia recovery and whether the procedure might be a good option for you.

What Is a Hernia?

A hernia is a physical condition that occurs when an organ squeezes through a weak area in its surrounding muscle or tissue barrier. Hernias most often form in the abdomen, involving the stomach or intestine.

Inguinal, Umbilical and Ventral hernias are common varieties. Other types of hernias include:

  • Inguinal: These generally benign hernias can occur where your thigh and groin come together.
  • Femoral: Often mistaken for an inguinal hernia, a femoral hernia is formed in the femoral canal — around the crease of the groin into the upper thigh.
  • Incisional: An incisional hernia can form following surgery if organs push against the weakened scar tissue.

Signs, Symptoms and Causes of a Hernia

If a hernia is visible, it appears as a bulge in an area that is normally flat. Hernias are most common around the abdomen or the top of the inner thigh. Some can be deep, so an external examination isn’t always reliable in detecting signs of a hernia.

You may also experience pressure, dull aching or pinching when the hernia appears — often while exerting yourself through actions like laughing, coughing or lifting something heavy.

The primary cause of a hernia is a weakness in your tissue barrier that allows an organ to push through. The weakness can be present at birth or develop during your lifetime. Some factors can increase your risk of a hernia, including chronic coughs, a history of abdominal surgery or repeat pregnancies.

No-Mesh Hernia Repair and Surgery at U First Health & Rejuvenation

In the past, hernias were repaired using a hernia mesh procedure to support the damaged tissue. This mesh could be absorbable or non-absorbable, either temporarily or permanently reinforcing the herniated area. However, hernia mesh presents recovery complications that offset the benefits for many patients.

At U First Health & Rejuvenation, we use a no-mesh hernia repair approach with the Desarda technique. Instead of using mesh, we utilize the patient’s muscle tissue to cover the hernia site and naturally adhere to the area. This approach reduces the risk of foreign object rejection in the body, making the no-mesh approach safer and more effective for hernia treatment.

Hernia Recovery Time

You should be able to go home the same day of hernia repair surgery. Be sure to have a trusted individual who can drive you home from the appointment and stay nearby to monitor your progress for the first 24 hours.

While you are caring for yourself at home, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Rest when you can: Limit your activity and take time to rest — getting adequate sleep will help aid your recovery.
  • Walk every day: Take it easy as you try to walk, slowly increasing the amount each day. Walking will help encourage blood flow and healing.
  • Avoid strenuous activity: Resting includes avoiding exercise or lifting until your doctor approves it.
  • Clean the incision: Wash the surgical site with warm, soapy water and pat it dry. Avoid hydrogen peroxide or alcohol.
  • Support your incision: If you need to cough, sneeze or otherwise exert yourself, apply pressure to support the incision and decrease any pain that may occur.

Let U First Health & Rejuvenation Help

U First Health & Rejuvenation is here to aid you through hernia repair and recovery. Our no-mesh technique offers low recurrence rates and minimal tension for a quicker recovery journey.

We revolutionize hernia repairs and offer flat-rate prices for the care you need. Contact us to learn more or to schedule your consultation today.

2023-01-24
In Hernia Repair

How to Tell When You Have a Sports Hernia

How to Tell When You Have a Sports Hernia

If you’re an athlete in a strenuous sport, you’re probably familiar with sports hernias. These injuries are painful and can put you on the sidelines longer than you’d like. Doctors can treat sports hernias with medications, physical therapy or surgery.

If you think you may have developed a sports hernia, read on to learn more about them and how they are treated so you can get back to the game.

What Is a Sports Hernia?

A sports hernia is a wound to a muscle or tendon in the lower part of your abdomen or groin that results in lasting discomfort. Sports hernias are common in athletes of sports that involve changing direction abruptly and extreme twisting motions.

Medical professionals typically refer to a sports hernia as an athletic pubalgia because there isn’t actually a hernia involved. A sports hernia can, however, lead to an inguinal hernia, which happens when tissue pushes through a gap in the lower abdominal wall.

Who Is at Risk for a Sports Hernia?

Athletes of high-intensity sports that demand consistent, strenuous twisting, especially of the pelvis, are most at risk of developing a sports hernia. These motions can cause a strain or tear in the muscles, tendons or ligaments of the abdomen or groin.

 

Men are more prone to sports hernias than women, and experts believe it’s because men have narrower pelvises. Athletes aged 26 to 28 are particularly susceptible to sports hernias. Children and the elderly rarely develop sports hernias.

Playing the following sports is most likely to result in an athletic pubalgia:

  • Football
  • Wrestling
  • Tennis
  • Skiing
  • Soccer
  • Rugby
  • Ice hockey
  • Hurdling

You can get a sports hernia even if you’re not an athlete. Anyone who engages in twisting or explosive motions can develop a sports hernia.

What Are Sports Hernia Symptoms?

The predominant symptom of athletic pubalgia is persistent pain in the lower abdomen or groin. The following characteristics apply especially to sports hernias:

  • You feel immediate and significant pain when an injury occurs.
  • The painful sensation is ongoing and can be burning or dull.
  • You notice tenderness or bruising in your upper thigh or lower abdomen.
  • You have difficulty determining the exact location in which the pain originates.
  • You feel pain in your groin when you sneeze or cough.
  • The discomfort travels down to your genitals and/or inner thigh.
  • Exerting yourself worsens the pain, especially when running, kicking, twisting or rising up to sit.
  • The pain is strong enough that you stop playing your sport or majorly reduce your physical activity.
  • The discomfort may dissipate when you rest but returns with physical activity.

How Are Sports Hernias Diagnosed?

Sports hernias can be tricky to confirm because several other injuries and conditions cause similar symptoms. Additionally, injuries to other parts of your body can result in groin pain. Referred pain, as it’s called, happens because your groin contains many nerves that reach different parts of your body.

Your doctor will assess how you’re feeling and review your history before conducting a thorough physical exam. They may also use diagnostic imaging to help confirm or rule out an athletic pubalgia.

Imaging tests may include:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRIs use a large magnet, radio waves and a computer to produce clear images of the structures within your body. MRIs are the most effective scans for identifying tears in soft tissue.
  • X-ray: X-rays use safe amounts of radiation to create pictures of your bones and soft tissues.
  • Ultrasound: Ultrasounds use sound waves to display real-time images of your organs and soft tissues.
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan: CT scans use X-rays and a computer to create detailed pictures of a cross-section of your body.
  • Bone scan: Bone scans use a radioactive isotope injection in your arm to help detect abnormalities in your bones.

How Are Sports Hernias Treated?

The goal of treatment is to relieve your pain, restore your strength and functional movement and get you back to playing your sport.

Treatment plans for sports hernias depend on a few factors, such as the gravity of your injury, your age, your health status and the level of physical activity you wish to regain.

Doctors treat sports hernias using non-surgical or surgical methods. Your doctor will likely recommend non-surgical methods first before turning to surgical procedures.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Non-surgical treatments for sports hernias include the following:

  • Rest: Taking a break from vigorous physical activity and icing your injury during the first 10 days can help.
  • Compression: A wrap or compression garment can help reduce pain if you have a bulge in your lower abdomen or groin.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications: Non-steroidal medications like naproxen and ibuprofen can help ease swelling and discomfort.
  • Corticosteroids: Your doctor may suggest steroid injections if your symptoms persist.
  • Physical therapy: Physical therapy beginning two weeks after your injury can help improve the strength and flexibility in your lower abdomen and groin.

Surgical Treatment

Your doctor will turn to surgical treatment methods if your symptoms do not improve after six months of non-surgical treatment.

Surgical procedures for sports hernias include:

  • Open surgery: Your surgeon will cut open your skin and tissues to visualize the area they will work on.
  • Laparoscopic surgery: Less invasive than open surgery, laparoscopic surgery uses a camera inserted through a small cut to help the surgeon visualize the problem area. He will then insert small surgical tools through additional cuts to make the repair.

A material made of mesh is frequently used in both surgical approaches to reinforce the damaged tissues. However, the body may not react favorably to foreign material. Mesh can cause infections and scar tissue, resulting in pain and other serious complications that may require additional surgery.

Fortunately, many patients are eligible for no-mesh hernia surgery. You may not need mesh if you have healthy tissue surrounding the hernia. Your surgeon can use sutures to bring the healthy tissue together and cover the hernia. There are many benefits of no-mesh hernia repair, like decreased risk of complications and faster rehabilitation following surgery.

 

Turn to U First Health and Rejuvenation for Sports Hernia Treatment

The doctors at U First Health and Rejuvenation in Fort Myers, Florida, are revolutionizing hernia repairs with mesh-free surgical techniques. As the Desarda Hernia Center of the United States®, we offer an intimate, concierge-style experience and an on-site surgical suite to streamline your hernia treatment. If you’re looking for approachable, compassionate providers and a seamless treatment plan for your hernia, you will find it at U First Health and Rejuvenation.

Give us a call at 888-884-0019 to learn more, or contact us to schedule an appointment.

2022-09-27
In Feminine Rejuvenation & Wellness

Are You a Good Candidate for Feminine Rejuvenation?

Are You a Good Candidate for Feminine Rejuvenation?

Many factors, including age, childbirth, trauma and hormones, can affect a women’s genital tissue, which could directly impact her quality of life. Fortunately, women have numerous options for gynecological treatments, including feminine rejuvenation. This procedure helps improve the appearance below the waist, reducing bothersome symptoms and restoring the vagina after childbirth.

Learn more about feminine rejuvenation below, how it works and if you’d make a good candidate for the procedure!

What Is Feminine Rejuvenation?

Some women experience issues with the laxity of their vaginal openings and walls, decreasing sexual satisfaction and making it challenging to use tampons or sexual devices. This can be a frustrating and discouraging experience.

As a solution, feminine or vaginal rejuvenation is a procedure that can tighten, reshape or reduce vaginal tissue to restore a firmer tone and a youthful or symmetrical appearance. There are many reasons a person might choose feminine rejuvenation, including improving comfort or alleviating issues caused by loose vaginal tissue that limits sexual gratification or causes pain. The procedure can help improve a patient’s quality of life, self-confidence and sexual experiences.

Individuals can choose between surgical and non-surgical options for vaginal rejuvenation, giving them more control over the procedure and recovery.

How Does Vaginal Rejuvenation Work?

This process works differently depending on whether you choose the surgical or non-surgical option.

The non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation treatment option relies on lasers, which use gentle heat to target vaginal tissue. The heat helps stimulate collagen production, which helps tighten different vaginal areas. A key benefit of non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation is there’s often no downtime associated with the procedure, so you can continue your regular activities as the vagina slowly improves as your body makes more collagen.

Other benefits of the non-surgical option include:

  • Shorter treatment times, usually around 15 minutes each session
  • Significant improvements after one to two days with continuous improvement as days pass
  • Results can last as long as one year before another treatment is necessary

The surgical options vary depending on what area you’re attempting to treat and can include:

  • Vaginoplasty: This procedure reconstructs or repairs the vagina, typically after childbirth, radiation treatment or congenital abnormalities
  • Labiaplasty: This procedure reduces the labia’s size.
  • Vulvoplasty: This procedure reshapes the outer parts of the vagina.
  • Clitoral hood reduction: This procedure eliminates excess tissue that resides over the clitoris, which can help improve sexual sensations and gratification. This procedure can also alleviate discomfort.
  • Mons pubis reduction: This procedure removes excess skin or fat surrounding the mons pubis, which can help create a streamlined appearance in the pelvic region.

If you choose the surgical option, keep in mind you’ll have to care for your body during your recovery. Many people are on bed rest for the first day or two after the procedure, and you may have a short stay in the hospital afterward. There may be an at-home recovery time of up to six weeks, depending on the type and depth of your procedure.

Once you get home from the surgery, you’ll need to drink plenty of water and eat healthy to help your body heal. Only engage in gentle physical activity, such as short 10-minute walks a few times a day. Additionally, your physician will prescribe you medication for pain management, so remember not to drive or drink alcohol while taking it.

The surgery option also means you’ll have to take some time off work or school. Ensure you have plans to accommodate your needs. As you recover, you can gradually increase activities, but remember to go slow, so you don’t push your body beyond its limits.

All treatment options will help improve overall vaginal health, but some target specific areas for unique issues or concerns. Talk with your doctor about what option is best for you.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Feminine Rejuvenation?

There’s no age limit for feminine rejuvenation, so women of all ages can be patients, though the treatments are most popular for women 20-60 years of age. Most women are safe receiving feminine rejuvenation, and nearly all women are good candidates for the procedure, whether for cosmetic reasons or to improve different symptoms.

Those who need feminine rejuvenation and are good candidates include:

  • Women with stretched or altered genitals resulting from childbirth
  • Women who experience pain during sex or other physical activities, such as horseback riding or riding a bike
  • Women with sagging structures in their vaginas
  • Women with congenital deformities
  • Women who want to improve the appearance of their vaginas

People who shouldn’t consider vaginal rejuvenation treatment are those who are pregnant or are considering having more children, as childbirth can affect the vagina’s appearance, requiring additional treatment. Once you’ve decided to stop growing your family, you’ll be an excellent candidate for feminine rejuvenation!

When Is Vaginal Rejuvenation Treatment Necessary?

Some people utilize vaginal rejuvenation for cosmetic reasons, improving the appearance of the vagina for a more youthful or healthy look. Getting vaginal rejuvenation can improve pelvic floor incontinence in individuals who have undergone childbirth.

Other people need vaginal rejuvenation due to different symptoms, or their vulva and vagina shape interferes with their quality of life. For example, a person with a longer labia may have to be careful whenever they sit down to prevent pain. Additionally, they may need to be careful during sex to avoid their labia being pushed inside their vagina.

Some vaginal problems occur with age as the body produces less estrogen and moves into menopause. The vaginal rejuvenation procedure can help women find relief from their menopausal symptoms, allowing them to continue to live a regular life.

Additional reasons or symptoms that cause people to seek out vaginal rejuvenation include:

  • Vaginal dryness
  • Loss of sexual sensations or pain during intercourse
  • Bladder incontinence
  • Gender reassignment
  • Decreased natural lubrication
  • Increased inflammation

Improve Your Vaginal Health With U First Health & Rejuvenation

U First Health & Rejuvenation offers laser and surgical vaginal rejuvenation services to help improve your vagina’s appearance and reduce symptoms that cause pain, discomfort, limited sensations or bladder incontinence. Dr. Anne Lord-Tomas is in charge of our feminine rejuvenation practices, and her 20 years of experience gives her the knowledge and skills to help improve your quality of life.

We offer below-the-waist procedures and bio-identical hormone therapy to help restore balance to your vaginal area. You’ll work closely with Dr. Anne to create a treatment plan that addresses your needs and suits your lifestyle, helping you become the best version of yourself. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about how we can help!

2022-06-30
In Hernia Repair

The Pros of No Mesh Hernia Repair

the pros of no mesh hernia repair

With surgery, the fewer foreign objects placed inside your body, the better. Although it’s less than ideal, some surgeries put certain materials into your body that support soft tissues and aid healing.

For many years, hernia repair surgery was one such procedure, requiring mesh placement over a hernia to support surrounding tissues and protect exposed organs. However, advancements in medical technology and technique have made mesh unnecessary in some hernia surgeries, enabling the possibility of no mesh hernia repair.

Continue reading to learn more about the dangers of hernia mesh and how no mesh hernia repair can benefit you!

What Is Hernia Mesh?

Hernia mesh is a surgical device that supports damaged tissue around healing hernias. The mesh is either a flat sheet of prosthetic material placed over the top of the hernia site, a plug that fits inside the hernia site or a patch that goes over or under the damaged tissue.

The most commonly used material is plastic, although some options include biodegradable or animal-derived materials. When you have a hernia, part of an organ protrudes through muscle tissue, creating a hole of sorts. The mesh covers this hole to protect the herniated organ and support the muscle tissue.

Mesh hernia repairs have been around for over 50 years. Initially, they were a positive development from the previous method of suturing hernias closed, which had a high recurrence rate. Still, mesh hernia repair is far from a perfect method, as many patients have experienced complications and other safety issues with this approach.

In response, newer and safer techniques have arisen in recent years. These methods have fewer complication risks, shorter recovery times and lower recurrence rates.

What Are the Problems With Hernia Mesh?

Before looking at safer hernia repair methods, it’s helpful to examine the problems with hernia mesh. Here are some common questions and concerns about hernia mesh repair and the specific issues that have arisen with this device.

Is Hernia Mesh Safe?

Hernia mesh is an FDA-approved procedure for treating most hernias. It’s relatively safe, but relatively safe isn’t ideal when it comes to surgical procedures. Although most patients experience no complications with hernia mesh repair, enough patients do. Thus, its safety is justifiably questioned, especially when safer practices exist.

Any time a foreign object is placed inside a person’s body, there are risks. Moreover, hundreds of thousands of hernia mesh devices have been recalled due to safety issues over the years. Those devices are no longer on the market, but they point to further issues with hernia mesh.

Does Hernia Mesh Dissolve?

There are two main types of hernia mesh — absorbable and non-absorbable.

Absorbable mesh dissolves over time, temporarily reinforcing the hernia until dissolving. Non-absorbable mesh is a permanent implant that permanently reinforces the herniated area. A doctor may use non-absorbable mesh if a patient has a high risk of recurrence.

How Long Does Hernia Mesh Last?

On average, absorbable mesh lasts five years. The specific amount of time that hernia mesh lasts for each patient depends on the mesh type and potential complications.

How Long Is the Recovery With Hernia Mesh Repair?

Hernia mesh repair is typically an outpatient surgery, meaning patients can return home the same day of the procedure. The total recovery time for hernia mesh repair can take anywhere from four to six weeks.

Patient health impacts the recovery time length. If complications occur, it can take a full year for healing to occur. Most patients can manage any pain they experience during the recovery period with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. It’s common to experience pain for two weeks after the procedure.

After returning home from a hernia mesh repair procedure, doctors typically tell patients to:

  • Avoid showering or getting the surgical site wet for at least one day after the surgery
  • Stay home from work and perform only basic functions for one to four days after surgery, depending on the patient’s condition
  • Avoid driving or drinking alcohol for two to three days after surgery
  • Perform light stretching and walking within four to seven days of surgery but avoid lifting anything over 15 pounds
  • Resume full activity after four to six weeks

What Is the Percentage of Hernia Mesh Complications?

A Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) study found the hernia mesh repair complication rate to be 5.6%. With that complication rate, researchers suggest that the potential complications partially offset hernia mesh repair benefits.

Complication Symptoms With Hernia Mesh Repair

According to the FDA, the most common complications associated with hernia mesh repair include:

  • Pain
  • Infection
  • Hernia recurrence
  • Adhesion, or scar-like tissue sticking different tissues together
  • Intestinal obstruction, or blockage of the large or small intestines
  • Bleeding
  • Fistulas, or abnormal connections between intestines, organs or vessels
  • Seroma, or fluid build-up at the surgical site
  • Perforation, or holes in surrounding organs or tissues

Process for Getting Started With No Mesh Hernia Repair

Several methods have arisen to reduce the medical reliance on mesh products. These approaches have been shown to repair hernias with varying effectiveness. At U First Health & Rejuvenation, we use the cutting-edge Desarda technique for most repairs. Instead of using a foreign object, the Desarda technique uses the patient’s muscle tissue. The muscle tissue covers the hernia site and supports surrounding tissues. In this way, there is no risk of rejection associated with surgical mesh.

Surgical mesh inflicts significant tension upon the hernia site by pulling the edges together to close it. Comparatively, the muscle tissue with Desarda hernia repair acts as a bridge between the surrounding muscular tissue. In this way, the Desarda technique minimizes uncomfortable tension during surgery. The muscle used to conduct Desarda hernia repair is the muscle covering the groin, known as the external oblique aponeurosis.

Desarda hernia repair is a flat-rate procedure. Thus, you don’t have to haggle with insurance companies when having this procedure done. All you need is to pay the required fee, and you’ll receive this safe and effective hernia treatment. Doctors use the Desarda technique for inguinal hernia repair.

Schedule a Free Consultation With U First Health & Rejuvenation!

U First Health & Rejuvenation is the only certified Desarda Hernia Center of the United States®. Our doctors have over 20 years of experience. If you have an inguinal hernia and want to learn more about Desarda, we’d be happy to schedule a free consultation with you either in-person or over the phone.