Vaginal rejuvenation -- procedures that aim to enhance sexual gratification by using a laser to repair vaginal tissue damaged during pregnancy -- exemplifies the "last frontier" of plastic surgery, a "realm where medical ethics collide with culture, commerce and technology," some health experts say, the Washington Post reports. Although data on the number of vaginal rejuvenations performed are hard to determine, both critics and supporters of the procedures agree the number of cases is increasing. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the procedures, which cost between $3,000 and $9,000, were administered 793 times in 2005. However, that figure is considered low, because many of the physicians who perform the procedures are gynecologists, which the plastic surgeons society does not track, the Post reports. David Matlock, a California-based gynecologist who popularized the procedure, said he has performed more than 3,000 rejuvenations in the past 12 years and has trained 140 doctors worldwide. Some surgeons say there is an increase in the number of hymenoplasties -- a procedure that aims to restore the hymen, the membrane that typically covers the vagina prior to first intercourse. According to the Post, the proliferation of vaginal rejuvenation, caused in part by the increased popularity of cosmetic surgery and of reality television makeover shows like E! network's "Dr. 90210," has alarmed critics, who say that there is no evidence the procedures are safe or effective. Some say the procedures also can foster or create insecurity, while doing little to treat the underlying causes of female sexual dissatisfaction, the Post reports. Christopher Warner, a Washington, D.C.-based ob-gyn who performs the procedures at the Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Institute of Washington, said they also can be used to fix stress urinary incontinence, which is urine leakage that sometimes occurs after childbirth (Boodman [1], Washington Post, 3/6).

Matlock Profile
The Post on Tuesday also profiled Matlock, who is regarded as the "driving force behind vaginal cosmetic surgery" (Boodman [2], Washington Post, 3/6).