Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure whose purpose is to alter the size and/or appearance of a woman’s genital tissues.
Generally, labiaplasty seeks to decrease the size of your internal labia (labia minora) so that tissues lie flush with the outer labia (labia majora). Labiaplasty is among the specialized procedures offered at Southwest Breast and Aesthetics in Phoenix, AZ. Our doctors are board-certified and trusted Arizona plastic surgeons.
Our patients consistently give the doctors at Southwest Breast and Aesthetics high praise for their personal warmth and approachability. They encourage you to schedule a consultation at Southwest Breast and Aesthetics in Phoenix, AZ to determine if labiaplasty is right for you.
There can be medical reasons to undergo labiaplasty, such as chafing of the vulvar skin during physical activity or pain and discomfort during sexual activity.
But more often, labiaplasty is a medically non-essential cosmetic procedure for women who simply desire a smaller or shorter labia minora for a wide variety of reasons. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that around 10,000 labiaplasty procedures are performed in the United States annually. In one recent survey, 91 percent of responding labiaplasty patients said they were “more satisfied” with their genital appearance following their surgery.
Yes. Labiaplasty’s sole purpose is to change the size and/or shape of the labia. The procedure known as vaginoplasty is a vaginal-tightening technique.
Candidates for any elective surgery should be in good health. Non-smokers are preferred. Some pre-existing conditions may disqualify you for labiaplasty. It’s important that you answer your doctor’s questions fully and honestly during your initial consultation.
Your surgeon should be open, honest, and both willing and able to answer all of your questions. If you are uncomfortable for any reason or feel that your doctor is not listening to you, trust your instincts.
Once you are in the operating theater, the surgeon will usually use one of two methods to address the labia minora.
Wedge resection” involves trimming the excess protruding edges of the labia. “Central wedge resection” maintains the original labial edges by cutting wedge-shaped portions of skin from the center of the labia minora. Dissolvable sutures are then used to bring the remaining skin together. If your surgery seeks to reduce the size of the labia majora, the procedure will involve excising tissue and/or liposuction. Plumping labia that are not as full as the patient desires are accomplished by injecting fat or other filler material. Most labiaplasty procedures take less than an hour.
You should set realistic goals. Also, be frank with yourself about why you are considering labiaplasty. This surgery carries both psychological and emotional components. “Normal” encompasses a very wide range in vulvar appearance and anatomy. It is very unlikely your labia are “abnormal.” Our society and culture often place enormous stress on women. Be good to yourself in assessing your motivation for labiaplasty.
Labiaplasty is aimed at shortening the labia. Barring complications, the surgery accomplishes exactly that. Most Phoenix Labiaplasty patients who opt for this procedure do so because their labia are prone to twisting or tearing should find relief. Patients should be careful not to seek too drastic a reduction in labia size and length. If the labia are over-resected, it can leave the vaginal opening more susceptible to infections.
Yes. All surgeries do. In addition to general risks like excessive bleeding and infection, labiaplasty can result in decreased vulvar sensitivity, chronic dryness, numbness, and scarring. But labiaplasty is generally considered a low-risk procedure.
Your doctor will ask you to provide your medical history, including any previous surgeries. If you smoke, you will be directed to stop at least six weeks prior to your labiaplasty. Be candid about all medications or supplements you are taking. You’ll need to avoid aspirin or any other drug that can promote bleeding. In the days leading up to your surgery, let your doctor know if you are not feeling well.
Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure. Your doctor will let you know how long before your surgery to stop eating and drinking. Once you check in at the surgical facility, a nurse will take your vitals and prep your skin for surgery. Labiaplasty can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the treatment plan you and your surgeon have agreed on.
You should be able to return to work in about a week. You will be prescribed antibiotics for you to prevent infection as well as anti-inflammatories to address pain. Ice packs may be used to reduce swelling. Take care to follow instructions about proper cleansing of your surgical wound. You should avoid all vigorous activity, including sex, for at least six weeks. Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to make sure your recovery is on track.
Costs will vary depending on the type and extent of the procedure performed. If your labiaplasty is deemed medically necessary, your insurance might pay for all or part of it. But if your procedure is strictly cosmetic, you’ll be responsible for the bill. Go over all of that with your doctor when deciding whether to pursue labiaplasty.Bottom line? You are in control of your body and your physical and aesthetic goals. So the simple question is, “Are your labia interfering with your quality of life”? If you answer “yes” for any reason, you may want to consider labiaplasty. The board-certified plastic surgeons at Southwest Breast and Aesthetics in Phoenix, AZ are dedicated to providing the highest quality of patient care. They invite you to schedule a consultation today.
You’ll be able to go home once your body has cleared the effects of your anesthesia. But remember that you have just undergone a significant surgical procedure. Your labia will be swollen and sore. Your doctor will address your pain level as appropriate. Make sure you’ve arranged for someone to drive you home and that you have help at home for the first few days following your surgery.
Your journey to better begins with a consultation at Southwest Breast and Aesthetics. Our plastic surgeons set the standards for plastic surgery through their innovative procedures and meticulous attention to detail. Discover a better experience by booking your consultation at Southwest Breast and Aesthetics today.
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