Rejuvenating the“Other” Lips

A labiaplasty can have an enormous influence on feelings of self-confidence, youthfulness, and femininity. While this particular part of the body is not visible to others the vast majority of the time, the benefits of labiaplasty can be powerful.

Factors such as genetics, childbirth, age and changes in hormones can cause the labia or the vaginal “lips” to lose elasticity and grow in length. While this is primarily a cosmetic concern for many women, some women may experience discomfort during intercourse or other activities. Labiaplasty offers relief from such discomfort as well as the cosmetic rejuvenation of the labia.

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Labiaplasty Procedure

When you arrive for your procedure, you will be administered anesthesia according to your specific procedure plan. Dr. Williams or Dr. Makwana may use local, twilight (local with sedation), or general anesthesia. Depending on the shape of the patient’s labia and the desired results, Dr. Williams or Dr. Makwana will choose the most appropriate incision technique. The “trim procedure” involves the removal of an elongated section, while the “wedge procedure” removes a V-shaped section of tissue. Liposuction may also be used to remove additional tissue. The incisions will be closed with dissolvable sutures.

What to Expect

Labiaplasty

Length of Surgery	1-2 hours
Inpatient / Outpatient	Outpatient
Anesthesia	Local, twilight or general anesthesia
Duration of Results	Permanent

Recovery

Labiaplasty patients should expect to take several days (up to a week) off from work. Discomfort is likely, and patients are encouraged to take prescribed pain medication for the first few days after surgery.

Swelling is also to be expected over the first 2-3 days after surgery, and itching may occur during the first week as the wound heals. Patients should also make sure to take prescribed antibiotics to prevent post-op infection. Mild discomfort may persist up to three weeks following surgery. Patients are also encouraged to wear loose-fitting clothing until they feel comfortable enough to return to their regular wardrobe. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided until Dr. Williams or Dr. Makwana confirms healing is complete. This typically takes 2 to 3 weeks.

Results

We strive to provide you with the best labiaplasty Oakland has to offer, because we know results are immediate and permanent. Patients can expect a smaller labia, as well as increased self-confidence and comfort.

Dr. Steven Williams - Oakland Plastic Surgeon

Tri Valley Plastic Surgery Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty can bring substantial benefits, and provide a noticeable improvement in quality of life. Tri Valley Plastic Surgery is the premier Bay Area plastic surgery practice, having provided beautiful surgical and nonsurgical results to thousands of highly satisfied patients. If you would like to learn more about how labia rejuvenation can improve your self-confidence, sexual pleasure, and general comfort, please contact Tri Valley Plastic Surgery’s Dublin office to schedule your labiaplasty consultation with notable Northern California plastic surgeons, Dr. Steven Williams or Dr. Shreyas Makwana.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose feeling if I have a labiaplasty?

The vast majority of the time, patients experience no loss of sensation as a result of labiaplasty. Many report an increase in sexual pleasure! However, in some cases, loss of feeling or painful scarring may occur.

Can insurance cover labiaplasty?

While labiaplasty performed for cosmetic purposes is not covered by insurance, medically necessary labiaplasty may be billed through insurance.

What are the 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.

Can I drive home after my labiaplasty?

Even if your labiaplasty is performed with general anesthesia, you will need a close friend or family member to drive you home.

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 are the 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.

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.

What are the 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.

Labiaplasty Serving Oakland & The San Francisco Bay Area