Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty ( also referred as labia reduction surgery) is a highly specialized procedure. The goal of labiaplasty is to reduce the size of the labia minora and enhance its appearance.

The main purpose of the labiaplasty procedure is to reduce the size and reshape the external labia.  Labiaplasty is not the same as vaginoplasty or vaginal rejuvenation.  Labiaplasty may be performed also in order to correct labial unevenness or a large labia that may produce physical discomfort or embarrassment to a patient.

Labiaplasty is a procedure usually performed in-office.

Labiaplasty Procedure

Labiaplasty can be performed on the labia minora or the labia majora of the vagina. The objective of a labiaplasty is to surgically reshape and trim down the labia minora (inner lips) or the labia majora ( outer lips) of the vagina or both.  

There are many reasons why the labia can change its original shape. These reasons include:

• Sexual intercourse
• Childbirth
• Genetics
• Aging process

With labiaplasty or labia reduction surgery a patient can now correct these conditions and enjoy a better happier more confident life.
After an initial labiaplasty consultation and examination of your medical history, your labiaplasty surgeon will schedule the labiaplasty surgery.  Labiaplasty surgery requires only local anesthesia and is done on an outpatient basis.

A labiaplasty surgery usually takes less than 2 hours.

During the labiaplasty surgery, the large or uneven vaginal lips are cut, shortened and shaped using specialized scissors, a scalpel or a laser. In some cases liposuction can be used to reduce the size of the labia majora.

Another procedure that can be done in conjunction with the labiaplasty is the hoodectomy. This procedure exposes the clitoris with the goal of increasing sexual pleasure.

The labiaplasty sutures are then closed with dissolvable stitches.

Labiaplasty Today

Everyday more and more women opt to have the labiaplasty procedure done. The reasons to have a labiaplasty performed include:

• Genital pain
• Cosmetic reasons
• To enhance sexual satisfaction

The demand for labiaplasty surgery is on the rise also as the procedure is featured on the media and more women know about it.

Labiaplasty Candidate

A good candidate for labiaplasty include women with enlarged inner or outer vaginal lips ( labia majora and labia minora).  Labiaplasty is a surgery that can help correct these circumstances that may also cause pain and self-consciousness in a patient. Good candidates for labiaplasty are fully developed women in good overall health. Since every person is different, it is important to have a consultation with a labiaplasty specialist to know if you are a good candidate.

You are a good candidate for labiaplasty also if you experience any of the following:

• Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse caused to a large or uneven labia.
• Pain or discomfort while exercising due to a large or uneven labia.
• Pain or discomfort while wearing tight underwear, pants or jeans due to a large or uneven labia.

Labiaplasty Considerations

Please be aware that the labiaplasty surgery is not designed to increase sexual pleasure or satisfaction by itself.  Labiaplasty is meant to only correct the shape and sizes of the labia. Sexual pleasure will only be increased in the case that the vaginal labia interferes with the sexual act.

Labiaplasty Consultation

It is necessary that you make a have a consultation with a labiaplasty specialist to know if you are a good candidate, how you can benefit from labiaplasty and what to expect from your labiaplasty procedure. Your labiaplasty doctor can clear any doubt and answer any questions that you may have about the labiaplasty procedure.  

Labiaplasty Cost

Many labiaplasty specialists offer free consultations for patients who are looking forward to getting this procedure. In many cases there may be payment plans and financing available for the labiaplasty procedure and many labiaplasty doctors may offer special discounts if the procedure is dome in conjunction to other procedures.  

In some cases the labiaplasty surgery may be covered by insurance; specially is the patient experiences pain during sex or exercising due to the size of the labia. It is necessary that you talk to your insurance company to know if they will cover the full or part of the cost of the labiaplasty.

The labiaplasty surgery costs usually include: local anesthesia fees, facility fees, and labiaplasty surgeon fees. Usually labiaplasty fees range from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on your location, skills of the labiaplasty surgeon and your particular case.  

Labiaplasty Risks

Like any other surgical procedure; the labiaplasty surgery includes risks such as:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Temporary numbness
• Asymmetry between the inner and outer labia lips
• Pigmentation changes
• Pain
• Decreased feeling in that area
• Scar tissue buildup
• Hematoma

It is important that you choose a good labiaplasty surgeon to make sure that you get the best changes of having a successful labiaplasty surgery. It is also necessary that you follow carefully the labiaplasty surgery directions and doctor’s follow up orders and aftercare to reduce the risks of the labiaplasty surgery.  With a skilled labiaplasty surgeon a labiaplasty should be a procedure that produces great results and satisfaction; and with proper after care your labiaplasty recovery should be smooth and you will be back to normal quickly.

Labiaplasty Preparation

Like with any medical procedure; it is recommended that you stop smoking or consuming alcohol for a least a week before your labiaplasty procedure.

It is recommended that you stop taking certain medications before the labiaplasty surgery including aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and blood thinners, since these may increase the risk of bleeding.  Also any herbal remedies that may increase the risk of bleeding should be stopped.  These include: vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, green tea and gingko biloba since they may increase the risk of bleeding during your labiaplasty surgery.

Make sure that you tell your labiaplasty surgeon everything that you are taking. Please consult your labiaplasty surgeon or regular physician before stopping abruptly any prescribed medication.

Do not have sexual intercourse the night before the labiaplasty surgery.

Labiaplasty Follow Up Consultation

It is necessary to have a follow up session with your labiaplasty surgeon.  After the labiaplasty surgery your surgeon will give you a list of medications to take and the necessary after care and you will be given a labiaplasty follow up appointment or be advised to schedule one.

Your labiaplasty surgeon will prescribe oral medications to reduce pain and antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.

In this follow up appointment your labiaplasty surgeon will make sure that the healing process is going on as planned, may take out any sutures and will assess what aftercare is needed in order to help with your labiaplasty recovery.  This consultation is a very important part of the labiaplasty surgery recovery.

Labiaplasty Recovery

After the labiaplasty surgery the area treated may be swollen and tender for several weeks. It is recommended that you do not have sexual intercourse for at least 4 weeks after your labiaplasty.  

After the labiaplasty surgery you will be requested to stop any heavy, strenuous exercise for at least 3 weeks.   After your labiaplasty surgery you cannot also wear tampons for 10 days after the surgery and you will be requested to wear a protective pad for at least 1 week since some bleeding will be present.

Labiaplasty is a very popular cosmetic procedure in New York and the top choice for many when considering a procedure to correct a problem or to look and feel great. Today's Labiaplasty techniques offer better, faster and safer procedures that can deliver better results. For many patients it might be impossible to correct a problem that can be cosmetic or functional with other means different to Labiaplasty, or they might need the help of a Labiaplasty when other methods have failed. Regardless of the reason, a Labiaplasty is a great way to get dramatic results with a single procedure! Learn more about New York Labiaplasty.