Labiaplasty (Vaginal Rejuvenation)
| Labiaplasty removes loose or excess skin from the labia and reshapes the labia to enhance its appearance. | |
|---|---|
| Length of Surgery | 1-2 hours |
| In/Outpatient | Outpatient |
| Anesthesia | Local, twilight or general anesthesia |
| Duration of results | Permanent |
It has become commonplace to see pre- and post-operative photographs of surgical patients on plastic surgery websites. We value our patients and their privacy.
We have placed some pre-op and post-op photos of some of our plastic surgery procedures on-line but require you to provide an email to which a link will be sent so you can view the images.
Request access to before & after gallery
Questions to ask a surgeron about labiaplasty surgery:
We, of course, hope you will choose Tri Valley Plastic Surgery for your plastic surgery needs, but we encourage patients to speak with other physicians as well. We have compiled a list of questions that should be helpful if you decide to talk to other doctors.
- Am I a good candidate for labiaplasty surgery?
- Are my described expectations realistic?
- Where is the surgery performed?
- How long will the procedure take?
- What kind of anesthesia is used?
- What is your experience in performing labiaplasty surgery?
- Are you a board certified plastic surgeon? Can I see your qualifications?
- Ask to see any labiaplasty surgery before and after photos of recent surgeries?
- What percentages of your labiaplasty surgery patients have had significant post-surgical complications? (Surgeons should disclose this information to you.)
- Who will be assisting my surgery? Can I see their qualifications?
- How much will my labiaplasty surgery cost?
- Do you offer patient financing?
- Will you repeat/correct procedures if the agreed goals are not met? If this is the case, will I be charged again?
- What is the recovery and healing period for labiaplasty surgery? When can I resume full normal activity?
- Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked, suspended?
- Ask for and follow up on patient references (these can be invaluable to finding out what your surgeon is really like and the level of customer satisfaction he/she has received in the past).
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Am I a candidate for labiaplasty?
Suitable candidates for labia rejuvenation surgery include women who:
- Experience problems with sexual intercourse or have labia pain.
- Are uncomfortable when sitting, cycling or walking due to enlarged labia
- Would like to improve the appearance of their labia
- Experience emotional discomfort and self esteem issues due to the appearance of their labia
- Have been born with large, asymmetrical or protruding labia
- Are not planning to have any more children
- Have realistic expectations for the outcome of their labiaplasty
Unsuitable candidates for labiaplasty surgery include women who:
- Are pregnant or menstruating
- Have episiotomy complications
- Have an active yeast infection or active herpes outbreak
- Have a prolapsed uterus
What is a labiaplasty procedure?
A labiaplasty (labia rejuvenation) improves the look and function of the labia (the lips of the vaginal opening), which may have become stretched or loose as a result of childbirth, sexual activity, hormones or aging. Labiaplasty removes the excess skin and reshapes the labia to enhance its appearance.
A labiaplasty procedure may be performed to surgically reshape or reduce the external appearance of the vagina on women who are unhappy with the appearance of their labia. Enlarged inner genital lips (labia minora) may hang down outside the vagina as a result of becoming loose or stretched through the reasons above. The excess skin may present hygiene problems or make sexual intercourse and other activities such as cycling, walking or sitting uncomfortable. The patient may also be embarrassed at the appearance of their labia, and their self-confidence may suffer as a result.
During the labiaplasty surgery, the surgeon removes the excess tissue of the labia minora, while the labia majora (on the outside of the body) may also be reduced by surgery or liposuction. The procedure takes around one to two hours to perform on an outpatient basis under local, twilight or general anesthesia.
The results are permanent, although it is possible for the labia to become stretched again due to pregnancy, childbirth, or sexual activity.
Labiaplasty procedure steps
Step 1
Local, twilight or general anesthesia will be administered. Your doctor will determine the best choice for you.
Step 2
One of two techniques may be used next: a long strip of the labia minora is excised (cut away); Alternatively, a wedge shaped section is cut away removing a V-shaped area of the labia minora, the excess is removed and the top and bottom are brought together. Excess skin or fat from the labia majora can be removed with liposuction.
Step 3
Dissolvable sutures are used to close the incision.
Step 4 - The results
The results of your labiaplasty procedure will be immediately obvious.
Labiaplasty recovery and healing steps
Mild to moderate discomfort and swelling will often be experienced by women after undergoing labiaplasty. It is recommended to take any pain medications that your doctor prescribes. Discomfort should subside within several days but mild discomfort can continue for several weeks. You may need to wear supportive undergarments to help reduce swelling, which should subside within six weeks. Depending on the type of sutures used and their location, they should dissolve within 7-21 days.
You may be advised to avoid intercourse for three to six weeks following labiaplasty surgery, and may also be told to avoid using tampons and vaginal douches during your recovery period.
Labiaplasty patients should be able to return to work and normal activities within two to five days, and more strenuous activities within two to three weeks.
Labiaplasty side effects and surgery risks
Labiaplasty risks include:
- Scarring
- Infection
- Asymmetry of the labia
- Pigmentation changes
- Changes in sensation
- Changes in texture or pigment of the labial edge
- Separation of the labial edge
Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about labial rejuvenation surgery risks with your labiaplasty surgeon.
