You’ve likely heard of a tummy tuck and a face lift, but have you heard of labiaplasty? Labiaplasty is one of the fastest growing cosmetic surgery procedures in the United States, seeing a 9 percent year-over-year increase in the most recent Plastic Surgery Statistics Report. But what exactly is labiaplasty surgery?
Labiaplasty is a kind of vaginal rejuvenation were the vagina’s inner lips, known as the labia minora, are surgically reduced so they rest fully within the vagina’s outer lips, known as the labia majora.
Why are more women getting this procedure? And, is it something that you could benefit from? We’re sharing everything you need to know about labiaplasty surgery to help you decide if it could be right for you.
What is the purpose of a labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty surgery, also known as labia reduction surgery, is performed for several reasons.
If your labia minora protrudes beyond your labia majora, you can experience uncomfortable sexual intercourse, pain from twisting or tugging of the labia as you engage in physical activities like riding a bike, general itching and irritation, as well as personal displeasure with the appearance of your labia minora. Surgery to reduce the size of the labia minora can improve sexual pleasure, relieve pain, and make you happier and more empowered with the appearance of your vagina.
Labiaplasty Procedure: What to Expect
Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure which means you should be able to return home the same day. There are two kinds of labiaplasty: trim labiaplasty and wedge labiaplasty.
- Trim labiaplasty: Your doctor will reduce the size of your labia by removing excess skin along the outer edge of the labia and stitching it back up.
- Wedge labiaplasty: Your doctor will reduce the size of your labia by removing a wedge or V-shaped section of your labia at the widest point and then stitching the edges together.
Not everyone is a candidate for labiaplasty. You must be in good health prior to having the surgery. Your doctor will perform an initial evaluation and consult to determine if you are a candidate for labiaplasty and help determine which is the best approach for you.
Both trim and wedge labiaplasty procedures can be completed in about one hour. You will receive general anesthesia so you will be asleep and not feel anything during surgery. After the procedure is over, you will recover at your doctor’s office or outpatient surgery center until the anesthesia wears off and a friend or family member will drive you home.
Labiaplasty Recovery Timeline: What You Need to Know
Most patients take one week off from work after labiaplasty surgery to rest and ice. You will be sent home with a dressing over the surgery site similar to a pad used for menstruation. Swelling is normal after a procedure and can be reduced by placing a cold pack between your underwear and an elastic garment like Spanx. You can also lie with your bottom elevated to reduce swelling.
Pain can be managed with over-counter-medications or stronger medications prescribed by your doctor if necessary. Stitches used in labiaplasty are generally absorbable and will dissolve over the course of a few weeks.
You should be able to return to your typical daily activities in 5-7 days. You will have a follow-up appointment with your doctor to check the stitches and how you are healing. Your doctor will then clear you for full activity. You should be able to resume sexual intercourse, heavy exercise, and wearing tampons after four to six weeks.
Labiaplasty Results
The goal of labiaplasty surgery is to reduce the labia minora so they do not hang below the labia majora. A labiaplasty can also be performed to make the labia more symmetrical. Scarring from labiaplasty is minimal. Most women who experienced discomfort during sexual intercourse, pain while performing certain physical activities, or were displeased with the appearance of their vagina, indicate relief of symptoms and happiness with appearance after surgery. Many women feel more comfortable wearing yoga pants and other work-out gear. Multiple studies report labiaplasty is a safe and effective procedure with patient satisfaction rates over 94%.
Labiaplasty is a form of vaginal rejuvenation that can increase sexual pleasure, reduce exercise discomfort, and improve satisfaction with appearance.Where can I find labiaplasty near me?
If you are interested in learning more about labiaplasty surgery, you can schedule an appointment with a plastic surgeon who performs the procedure. It is important to look for a physician who is board-certified. You will receive an added benefit if you schedule your surgery with a specialty gynecology practice that is experienced in performing labiaplasty. Atlanta’s Advanced Gynecology focuses on women’s health, is staffed by board-certified surgeons, gynecologists and nurse practitioners, and is skilled in procedures unique to women. When scheduling your consult for labiaplasty, ask if your doctor has specialty training and education in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery.