BLOG

column (e.g. in newspaper)

2026.09.28

How to Choose a Gynecological Plastic Surgeon | Tips to Avoid Mistakes Even as a First-Timer and a Consultation Guide

宮本 亜希子
Supervising Physician
Board-certified cosmetic gynecologist/ Board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, Japan Medical Specialty Organization Akiko Miyamoto

After engaging in general obstetrics and gynecology practice, including infertility treatment, perinatal care, and other insured treatments, I decided to shift my career to free practice and gynecological aesthetics, with the hope of “supporting women to enjoy their life as a woman” after my own experience fighting against illness. Today, while still being involved in insured medical care as an obstetrician/gynecologist, I am facing women's health issues based on medical evidence through "real femtec" such as gynecologic plastic surgery, Vaginal Growth® injections, and vaginal hyaluronic acid injections, based on my deep anatomical knowledge and skills. We are a leading provider of gynecological services in Japan.
She is also committed to social activities related to the dissemination of sex education, HPV vaccine awareness, and the improvement of women's quality of life. He is also actively involved in educating the public about medical knowledge, such as writing Chapter 7, "Vaginal Hyaluronic Acid Injection," in his specialty book, "The Basics of Cosmetic Surgery," which is the first book he reads when he becomes a cosmetic surgeon.

婦人科形成 おすすめの選び方|はじめてでも失敗しないポイントと相談ガイド

 

It can be really hard to open up to others about concerns regarding the appearance or function of your intimate area, can't it?

 

I think that, especially for those considering gynecological plastic surgery for the first time, concerns such as “Will it hurt?”, “How much improvement can I expect?”, and “Where can I go for a consultation that will put my mind at ease?” tend to pile up.

 

These concerns are deeply influenced by individual differences in sensory perception and personal circumstances. That is why it’s important to start by choosing an environment where you can have a calm conversation with an experienced specialist.

 

While Tokyo and Ginza offer a wealth of information and options, making it easy to compare and evaluate choices, they are also areas where it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to decide.

 

In this article, we’ve carefully summarized everything in easy-to-understand language—from the basics of gynecological plastic surgery to the characteristics of each procedure, pain and downtime, estimated costs, and tips on how to proceed when consulting a doctor in Ginza, Tokyo.

 

The key is to sort out the “priorities of your concerns” and your “future plans regarding pregnancy, childbirth, and your sex life,” and then work with a women’s health specialist—such as an obstetrician-gynecologist—to find the best solution.

 

We’ll also explain how to interpret “before and after” photos and offer tips on how to identify a qualified specialist. This isn’t about pressuring you to make an appointment. Start by learning more so you can begin exploring your options with confidence.

 

Please use this as a practical guide to help you gather information in Tokyo and Ginza at your own pace.

 

[Doctor’s Point]

Be wary of clinics that perform unnecessary clitoral hood removal or try to upsell procedures by claiming you have a secondary hood when you don’t. Almost no one actually needs a clitoral hood removal.

What Is Gynecological Plastic Surgery? The Basics for Beginners

Gynecological plastic surgery is a medical field that focuses on restoring balance between the "appearance" and "function" of the vulva, vaginal opening, and perineum.

 

"Appearance" refers to things like asymmetry, size, and discoloration.

 

"Symptoms" refer to issues such as chafing, pain, and odor, as well as discomfort during sexual intercourse and mild urinary incontinence.

 

This treatment is not merely a “superficial touch-up” like makeup; rather, it is a general term for minor surgeries and procedures that carefully manipulate tissues in accordance with anatomy (the body’s structure).

 

Results and downtime vary from person to person, and the treatment you choose will depend on your lifestyle and physical constitution.

Main Treatment Options and Common Concerns They Address

Labia Minora Reduction and Superficial Skin Removal

This procedure is often chosen by women who are concerned about protruding labia minora, asymmetry, or pain and itching caused by friction from underwear.

 

If there is tightness or chafing in the prepuce (excess skin surrounding the clitoris) and hygiene is a concern, prepuce removal may be performed in conjunction with other treatments.

 

Sutures are made with fine thread, and either removable or dissolvable sutures may be used.

 

The level of pain varies depending on how well the anesthesia works and your individual constitution, and swelling typically lasts from a few days to about a week, though this varies from person to person.

Clitoral Foreskin Removal

If the foreskin covering the clitoris is too tight or covers it too much, it can lead to problems such as chafing, odor, and difficulty maintaining hygiene.

 

Clitoral hoodplasty is a procedure that trims excess tissue while preserving the necessary tissue.

 

It is important to perform this procedure carefully, with a clear understanding of the pathways of the vital nerves and blood vessels involved in sensation.

 

After surgery, you'll need to make some lifestyle adjustments, such as avoiding strenuous activities for a while.

Vaginal Tightening (Posterior Vaginal Wall Reconstruction) and Perineal Body Reconstruction (Vaginal Opening Reconstruction)

This option is sometimes chosen by women who are concerned about a "loose" feeling, changes in sensation during intercourse, or sounds resembling passing gas (commonly referred to as "vaginal noises") due to childbirth, aging, or individual body constitution.

 

Posterior vaginal wall reconstruction and perineal reconstruction procedures restore support to the vaginal opening and perineum.

 

However, this option is not suitable for those who plan to have a vaginal delivery (natural childbirth) in the future.

 

Be sure to discuss your future plans for pregnancy and childbirth early on in counseling.

Consultations Regarding Urinary Incontinence and Pain During Intercourse

For mild urinary incontinence and pain during intercourse, evaluations by specialists in pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation, endocrinology, and female urology—in addition to gynecological plastic surgery—may be helpful.

 

Rather than trying to resolve the issue with a single treatment, carefully identifying the cause and combining multiple options as needed often leads to a more realistic and satisfying approach.

Criteria to Consider When Choosing a Gynecological Plastic Surgery Clinic in Ginza, Tokyo

Tokyo and Ginza offer a wide range of clinics to choose from and have advantages in terms of ease of making appointments and convenience.

 

On the other hand, it’s true that there’s so much information out there that it’s easy to get overwhelmed and not know where to start. Please take a moment to calmly compare your options using the criteria below.

  • Expertise: Are they a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist or a board-certified female urologist? Can they select the appropriate treatment based on anatomy and function, depending on the patient’s symptoms?

  • Approach to Patient Care: Can you help me prioritize my concerns (appearance, functionality, and future life plans)?

  • Thoroughness of Explanations: Will they be candid about not only the benefits of the procedure but also the potential risks, such as pain, swelling, pigmentation, and scarring?

  • Before & After: Are the photos presented appropriately, and do they clearly show the conditions (lighting, angle, and time period)? Is privacy protection thoroughly enforced?

  • Ease of Access: Is the distance from stations in Tokyo and Ginza reasonable, and are the arrangements for post-operative follow-up visits and emergency contact realistic?

What to Look for When Reviewing a Doctor’s Title and Background

While there are many highly skilled doctors in Tokyo and Ginza, there are also situations where care must be taken in how one presents their professional background.

 

For example, there are cases where a person who was formerly affiliated with an obstetrics and gynecology department—but no longer practices in that field—uses language that makes it seem as though they are still an obstetrician-gynecologist.

 

It’s also important to be cautious of language that makes someone appear to be an expert in women’s health or vaginal medicine when they have no training or work experience in obstetrics and gynecology or female urology to begin with.

 

We recommend consulting an obstetrician-gynecologist or a specialist in female urology who understands the anatomy of the vagina and perineum, as well as the course of nerves and blood vessels, and who can appropriately tailor treatment based on specific symptoms.

 

When reviewing a doctor’s credentials, check their board certification from professional medical societies, their affiliation, and their areas of clinical practice to date.

Estimated Costs and Treatment Frequency (Market Rates in Tokyo and Ginza)

Since this is a private medical service, fees vary by clinic.

 

In central Tokyo and Ginza, prices may be slightly higher than in the suburbs due to rent and labor costs, but the key is not to base your decision solely on price.

 

It is important that the breakdown of the estimate be clear and that it explain exactly what is included—such as follow-up visits, suture removal, medication costs, and fees for handling any complications.

 

Prices vary, but labia minora reduction typically costs in the hundreds of thousands of yen, and it seems that additional fees apply for combined procedures.

 

Typically, follow-up visits are scheduled a few days to a week after surgery, followed by follow-up care for about a month. However, let’s discuss a schedule that works for you, taking advantage of our convenient location in Tokyo and Ginza.

Honest Information About Pain, Downtime, and Risks

Pain during surgery can be controlled using various methods of anesthesia, such as local or intravenous anesthesia. However, once the anesthesia wears off, you may experience dull pain, swelling, or bruising for a few days.

 

The timing for resuming bathing, exercise, and sexual activity varies depending on the type of procedure and your recovery progress; as a general guideline, allow for a few weeks.

 

Potential risks include residual asymmetry, results that do not meet expectations, hyperpigmentation, hard scar tissue, infection, and bleeding.

 

While there are individual differences and it’s not possible to eliminate all risks, it is possible to reduce the likelihood through careful techniques and appropriate care.

 

If you have any concerns, it may be helpful to seek a second opinion in Tokyo or Ginza.

Who is this for? People who want to consider their options carefully

  • Suitable for: For those whose daily lives are affected by chafing or pain, who are concerned about asymmetry between the left and right sides, who have ongoing hygiene concerns, or who continue to experience discomfort in the perineal area after childbirth.

  • People who want to consider this carefully: Those who are planning a vaginal delivery in the near future (for whom vaginal tightening or perineoplasty is not recommended), those with conditions such as diabetes that may slow wound healing, those with a tendency to bleed, and smokers (who need to prepare to quit smoking), among others.

In particular, vaginal tightening (posterior vaginal wall reconstruction) and perineoplasty (vaginal opening reconstruction) are generally not recommended for women who plan to give birth vaginally in the future.

 

Talk with a doctor who can help you discuss your future plans, including other options such as rehabilitation or adjusting your timeline.

Tips for Choosing a Doctor or Clinic (How to Find One in Ginza, Tokyo)

  • Verification of Board Certification: Obstetricians and gynecologists, female urologists, etc. You may be able to find them by searching the official websites of professional medical societies.

  • Consistency in Care: Will the same doctor or team be responsible for my care from the outpatient visit through the procedure and postoperative care?

  • Explanation of "Before & After": Is the photo similar to what you're looking for, or does it show the time of day, angle, and lighting?

  • The Atmosphere of Counseling: Will they take the time to answer my questions, and will there be any high-pressure sales tactics?

  • Access: Access from Tokyo Metro and JR lines, travel time from Ginza and Tokyo Station, and whether it’s convenient to stop by on the way home from work.

Since Tokyo and Ginza offer many options for medical care, it’s also important to consider “convenience” in relation to your daily life.

 

Choose a place that’s easy to get to and doesn’t take too much time, so you can attend classes at your own pace.

The Consultation Process and How to Interpret the “Before & After” Images

During your initial consultation, try to put into words the background of your concerns (when they started, in what situations, and how much they bother you).

 

During the consultation, the doctor carefully explains the anatomical findings, and we compare several options—including the option to do nothing.

 

When looking at "Before & After" photos, the key is to check the shooting conditions (angle, lighting, and how many days or months have passed since the procedure) and determine what results you can realistically expect for your own body.

 

The photos are for reference only; results may vary from person to person.

 

Since it’s easy to visit multiple clinics in Tokyo and Ginza, it’s more reassuring to make an informed decision after comparing your options.

Privacy and Convenience: Ensuring You Can Continue Your Treatment with Peace of Mind in Ginza, Tokyo

Approaches to protecting patient privacy—such as the flow of traffic at the reception desk and in the waiting area, consideration in how staff address patients, and online pre-visit questionnaires—vary from clinic to clinic.

 

While Ginza and central Tokyo are convenient to visit, some people prefer to keep their visits private.

 

Be sure to check whether the clinic has measures in place to help you feel at ease, such as private waiting rooms, flexible appointment options, and the availability of mail-in services.

 

The methods for contacting the clinic if you experience anxiety after surgery (phone, chat, follow-up appointments) and the procedures for handling sudden emergencies are also important factors to consider when comparing clinics in Tokyo and Ginza.

Frequently Asked Questions (Consultations in Ginza, Tokyo)

Q. What's the best season to take the test?

Generally, this is a time when it’s easier to stay healthy and when your work, school, and family schedules aren’t too demanding.

 

During seasons when sweat and moisture are a concern, it’s important to take hygiene precautions, and clinics in Tokyo and Ginza may offer recommendations for seasonal care products.

Q. I'm worried about the pain.

Anesthesia will keep pain at bay during surgery. Postoperative pain and swelling typically last a few days to about a week, though this varies from person to person.

 

If you choose a location that’s easy to get to, such as Tokyo or Ginza, it will be easier to go for your post-operative checkups, which will give you peace of mind.

Q. How long does it last?

These factors are influenced by aging, weight fluctuations, childbirth, and other factors. While we cannot guarantee permanent results, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and proper care can help you keep your results looking their best. If you have any concerns, we recommend scheduling regular follow-up appointments in Tokyo or Ginza.

Q. When can I go back to work?

For desk jobs, recovery typically takes a few days to about a week; for physically demanding jobs, a slightly longer recovery period may be necessary. For vaginal tightening and perineal reconstruction, the estimated recovery time varies, so please check with us individually.

Tips for Gathering Information in Ginza, Tokyo

  • Check not only the official website but also information from academic societies and public agencies.

  • Be sure to check the price list, including the "What's Included" and "What's Not Included" sections.

  • Compare counseling services at multiple clinics and give yourself the flexibility not to make a decision right away.

  • Let's actually simulate the routes and travel times for medical appointments in Tokyo and Ginza.

Summary

Gynecological plastic surgery is an option designed to strike a balance between "appearance" and "function," helping to alleviate daily discomfort and boost self-confidence.

 

However, the best approach varies depending on individual physical characteristics, lifestyle, and future plans for pregnancy and childbirth.

 

In particular, vaginal tightening (posterior vaginal wall reconstruction) and perineoplasty (vaginal opening reconstruction) are not suitable for women who plan to have a vaginal delivery in the future.

 

That is precisely why we strongly recommend consulting an experienced obstetrician-gynecologist or a female urologist who can tailor treatment to your specific symptoms.

Advice

There are many options in Tokyo and Ginza, and it’s easy to review “before and after” results and get a second opinion.

 

Choose a provider you feel comfortable with—based not only on price, but also on the thoroughness of their explanations, post-operative support, and respect for your privacy.

 

There’s no need to rush into making an appointment. If you’re wondering whether this is right for you, start by casually consulting a specialist in Tokyo or Ginza who interests you.

 

I hope we can work together to find the best path for you, at your own pace.

 

▷ Gynecological Cosmetic Surgery and Feminine Care Procedures Page

▷ Counseling Appointment Page

WEB Reservation
RESERVATION
24-hour reception
Click here for web reservation