Labiaplasty

Plastic surgery has always been a popular means to retain one’s youthful appearance. In the past few years, female genital cosmetic surgery has become more prevalent among women who wish to revive their youthful, natural looking labia or wish to address symptoms caused by having large and protruding labia minora (inner lips). Labial rejuvenation procedures can address issues with labia minora (inner lips), labia majora (outer lips), clitoral hood, and mons pubis.

Labial rejuvenation can create a more attractive, more symmetrical anatomy as well as alleviate pain that may be caused by exercising and sex. If you are experiencing any of these issues, please speak with your surgeon to see if these cosmetic procedures can help you.

Labia Minora Reduction

Labiaplasty usually refers to a surgical procedure that helps to reshape labia minora that may have been altered during the natural process of vaginal birth. Even women who have not given vaginal birth, may have asymmetrical or large labia minora as a result of aging or of simply being born with it. These women may experience pain and discomfort when exercising, during sexual intercourse or while wearing tight clothing.

Labia Majora Rejuvenation

Labia majora (outer lips) may also be effected by aging or weight changes and surgical correction may be done to address it as well. With aging, labia majora may become deflated and wrinkled. This fat atrophy can be addressed during this body procedure with fat grafting. If labia majora is enlarged, then surgical reduction may be performed.

Clitoral Hood Reduction

For women who have enlarged clitoral hooding, trim procedure may be performed to decrease bulging and beautify this area.

Mons Pubis Rejuvenation

The mons pubis (fatty tissue above pubic bone) may become deflated with aging or weight loss. Fat grafting may be done to restore it to a more youthful appearance.

Alternatively, mons may become too bulky and puffy. Liposuction can be performed to address this issue.

Labiaplasty Consultation and Planning

During your consultation, your surgeon will ask you about your symptoms and listen to what you would like this surgery to accomplish. Your surgeon will discuss your medical history and perform a physical examination to determine if you are a candidate for any of these procedures. He or she will formulate a surgical plan and explain to you what procedures will need to be done to address your concerns and give you the results you are looking for. It is, however, imperative that you have realistic expectations, and understand that not all patients will experience the same results. Your surgeon will go over the benefits and risks associated with labial rejuvenation.

If you wish to proceed with your operation, you will be scheduled and given instructions on medications to avoid prior to your surgery, such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications. It is also advised that you stop smoking one month before any elective procedure and don’t smoke for one month after the procedure to maximize your healing.

Labial Rejuvenation Procedure Description

There are two common ways a labiaplasty procedure is performed: the trim method and the wedge method. With the trim method, the excess tissue of the labia is excised along the edge of the labia. Alternatively, the wedge method removes a wedge of labia to shorten it and create a more symmetric anatomy. Wedge labiaplasty is a preferred method in most cases. The scar is short and inconspicuous.

If you wish to address deflation in the labia majora or mons pubis, fat grafting may be combined with labiaplasty. Small amount of fat is harvested, usually from the abdomen via liposuction, and then injected into the labia majora or mons pubis if needed.

If labia majora or mons pubis are enlarged, they can be surgically reduced during the same operation.

Labial rejuvenation procedure normally is performed in our certified surgery center under local or general anesthesia depending on patient preferences. It may also be performed under local anesthesia in an office setting. The procedure may take 1 to 2 hours. All incisions are closed with absorbable sutures and after a brief time in the recovery room patients go home.

Labiaplasty Recovery

After your procedure you will be instructed on how to maintain hygiene and will be given prescriptions for oral pain medication as well as topical pain relieve spray. You may also want to use ice for pain and swelling as needed. Pain is usually mild. All sutures are absorbable and do not need to be removed. You may start noticing sutures falling out at about 1 to 2 weeks. This area of the body has a rich blood supply and thus heals well with minimal scarring. Most swelling and discomfort post labiaplasty will resolve within a week and patients are able to return to work. Once you are completely healed, which is usually by 4 weeks, you may return to all normal activities including sexual intercourse.

Labiaplasty Results

Your surgeon will go over your expected results prior to your operation. Women usually report being more comfortable in any clothing and are not bothered by previous discomfort. They report being less self-conscious in the bedroom and more confident in their fresh look.