The term Aesthetic Vaginal Surgery is also known by other names such as Vaginal Rejuvenation, Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation, Labiaplasty, Vaginoplasty, Designer Laser Vaginoplasty, Perineoplasty, and Hymenoplasty. Aesthetic Vaginal Surgery is a broad term that includes the individual procedures. Since it is a rather new field dealing with the appearance and function of a woman'ss private parts the terminology has not been standardized. In simple terms, Aesthetic Vaginal Surgery and its many names deal with cosmetic surgery of the vulvar and vaginal region. It is cosmetic surgery of the Private Parts.

Surgery to improve the appearance and function of a woman's vaginal tissues is important for both personal esteem and physiologic function. Childbirth is often traumatic resulting in lacerations and healing process that is not personally satisfying. The use of forceps or vacuum assisted delivery and the increasing weight of babies today result in more prolepses of pelvic organs, more incontinence, and more looseness of vaginal tissues or unappealing appearance of labial tissue. Many who have finished their childbearing years are now concerned about their personal appearance and are looking for ways to deal with this problem. Some feel that they have lost a great deal of sexual sensation due to loss of tone of the vagina.

The laser is an important surgical tool that has many advantages. Certain lasers are very precise and are used as scalpels. Some lasers are ablative (destructive) and used more to destroy abnormal tissue or to resurface the skin. Many dermatologist and plastic surgeons use this type of laser. However, there is no magic in the use of lasers. In fact, other modalities such as radiofrequency cautery units can give more precise cuts and less tissue destruction by a factor of ten or more. Other surgeons will avoid electrical units altogether and use highl precise scissors or scalpel units. Another way to look at lasers is to realize that it is a tool in the doctor's bag but that it is not ultimately any better than a cold knife. However, it is undeniable that using the term Aesthetic Laser adds glamour and a sense of prestige to a procedure.