What is Labiaplasty?
Women who experience physical discomfort and/or feelings of self-consciousness due to enlarged or asymmetric labia may now be able to turn to labiaplasty for relief. Also known as labioplasty, labia minora reduction and labial reduction, this procedure, performed by board-certified plastic surgeons at 8 West, alters the labia minora (inner labia) and the labia majora (outer labia)—in other words, the folds of skin surrounding a woman’s vulva.
How a Labiaplasty is Performed
The labia are measured, marked and carefully trimmed, then closed with sutures.
Benefits of Labiaplasty
For women who experience physical discomfort and/or self-consciousness due to labia that they feel are out of “normal range,†the benefits of this procedure are numerous. Confidence is boosted by the fact that the vaginal area is rejuvenated, and many labiaplasty patients report feeling increased sexual arousal and satisfaction as a result.
Related Treatments
A labiaplasty can be and is often performed as a discrete single surgery, but many women choose to make it a true “mommy makeover†by combining it with tummy tuck surgery, breast augmentation and/or laser vaginal rejuvenation (a non-surgical treatment that improves dryness, increases sensation and reduces symptoms of urinary incontinence). The board-certified surgeons at 8 West will meet with you to discuss, in depth, your unique situation, needs and desired objectives in order to determine the best course of action when it comes to your labiaplasty procedure.
Labiaplasty Recovery
Post-operative pain is minimal and may be managed with prescribed and/or over-the-counter pain medication; most women are able to return home the same day, and those who follow their post-operative recovery instructions diligently may be able to resume certain un-strenuous activities three to four days after surgery. Though no vaginal packing is required, patients may choose to wear a sanitary pad for comfort as the reduced labia is likely to remain very swollen during the early post-operative period. Tampons and tight clothing (for example, thong underwear), however, must be avoided as they can deter healing, and patients must abstain from sexual intercourse for at least four weeks following surgery.Prior to their procedure, patients will be instructed on how to properly care for and cleanse the site, and will be provided with a topical antibiotic ointment to apply the reduced labia two to three times daily for several days after surgery. While medical complications to a labiaplasty procedure are uncommon, occasional complications such as bleeding, infection, labial asymmetry, poor wound healing, undercorrection and overcorrection have been known to occur; the surgeon will outline all the risks prior to surgery and give detailed instructions regarding how to handle any complications that may come up.