Some plastic surgeons say labiaplasty is one of the fastest-growing plastic surgeries in the world. This is because labiaplasty experienced the biggest increase in procedures from 2016 to 2017.
As a result, more women want surgical help to address some of the common issues with their genital appearance. If you are having difficulty with your labia due to age, weight loss, genetics, or childbirth, below is helpful information about labiaplasty (vaginal rejuvenation) in Houston TX.
Labiaplasty Overview
To better understand how labiaplasty can improve your life, it’s essential to understand what this female genital cosmetic surgery entails.
When you have a labiaplasty procedure, the surgery involves making changes to the labia minora or vaginal folds. The procedure is usually performed to remove excess tissue and reduce the size of the labia minora or labia majora. Some surgeons also perform labiaplasty to reduce the size of both vaginal folds.
There are many reasons why patients have this procedure. Some women undergo labiaplasty surgeries to reduce severe pain and physical discomfort that can occur from having an enlarged labia.
For example, your labia may get caught in clothing or become compressed or pulled from sitting on a bike seat.
Other women undergo labiaplasty for cosmetic and aesthetic reasons. They may not like how their vagina and labia look, they feel like they have too much tissue, and are concerned about how they may look to their partner. One over the benefits of labiaplasty is the positive impact it can have on a patient’s self confidence. Every woman’s genital anatomy is unique and so every woman’s reason for labiaplasty is unique.
After taking your blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels, etc. your procedure will begin. During the labiaplasty procedure a qualified surgeon removes excess tissue by trimming away some labia to make it more comfortable or aesthetically pleasing with the labia majora and labia minora being in proportion to each other. There are several surgical reduction procedures your surgeon can perform, depending on your anatomy and personal goals. These include:
- Trim procedure: With this surgical technique surgeon cuts away extra tissue from the labia minora edges, so it’s even with the labia majora.
- Wedge procedure: The surgeon takes out a wedge-shaped piece of tissue from the labia minora. The submucosa is left in place, so when they stitch the labia, the wrinkled edges are still there. This makes the labia minora look more natural.
If you are considering this surgical procedure, below are some of the labia minora problems it can solve and how it may improve your life.
What Are the Potential Labiaplasty Side Effects
When you have labiaplasty performed, like any surgery, it carries the risk of potential side effects. While your surgeon will do all they can to ensure patient safety, you will still encounter a few minimal side effects. Some of your immediate effects may include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Physical discomfort
- General anesthesia reactions
- Bacterial infection at the surgical site
- Scarring
- Altered sensation
- Asymmetry issues
It’s important to discuss expectations, risks, and alternatives with a qualified surgeon during your initial consultation. While many patients are more than happy with their outcomes, understanding potential side effects is essential for informed decision-making and post-operative care.
Why Do Women Undergo A Labiaplasty Procedure?
Improve Physical Health
Before undergoing labiaplasty complaints about comfort and aesthetics are most common. One of the biggest complaints that these patients have is that an elongated labia causes physical pain and health problems. For instance, you could have pain in the genitalia when trying to ride a horse or bike.
Other women may feel the pulling and tugging of the elongated labia when they wear a bathing suit or snug clothing.
Also, the area may become inflamed and irritated because of the enlarged labia, and it can become difficult to keep clean.
A successful labiaplasty can make it more comfortable to engage in common activities and wear the clothing you want. It also can reduce problems with irritation and infection by removing some of the vaginal folds that may contain bacteria. This is one of the many labiaplasty benefits.
Boosts Sexual Well-Being
Labiaplasty can solve problems involving your sexual well-being. This is definitely true for women who are dissatisfied with how their labia and vagina look, particularly after childbirth or weight loss.
Having concerns about how your genitalia look to your partner is a big issue for many women. They may feel insecure or have discomfort and pain when having intercourse. Some women report that they cannot have normal sexual relations with their partners anymore because of issues with their labia.
But when labiaplasty is performed by a skilled surgeon, you can usually make these issues go away. Most patient say they feel more confidence and less discomfort in the bedroom, which improves their ability to enjoy sexual activity.
Improves Workouts
One of the biggest problems with elongated labia is the tissue can get caught in clothing and twisted during physical activity.
This problem can make it more difficult to work out comfortably, and may make you reluctant to engage in exercise.
After labiaplasty and your body has healed, you will be able to enjoy exercise again without concerns about your labia being pulled or caught by clothing or body movements.
Enhances Self-Esteem
Labiaplasty may eliminate discomfort and irritation, but it also can improve feelings of low self-esteem and self-worth.
Even though we might know better, there is little doubt that how you feel about your body can affect how you feel about yourself. Having issues with body image can affect your self-esteem, and this can occur when you have issues with the appearance or function of your genitalia.
When you undergo labiaplasty, the function and appearance of your privates will be improved with your labia majora and minora in harmony, and this may very well boost your self-confidence. After female genital cosmetic surgery, you know that you have overcome a challenging personal issue.
Also, many women like this plastic surgery because they can have other surgeries that enhance how they look. Popular choices include breast augmentation, a tummy tuck, and liposuction.
Limiting Recovery Labiaplasty Surgery Side Effects
Most patients recover in a few weeks from this procedure. You will probably have some minor labiaplasty swelling and discomfort for one or two weeks, but this can be managed with prescription medication or Tylenol.
Some patients use ice packs on and off for 20 minutes around the surgical area to relieve mild pain for the first three or four days, and that usually solves most of these issues.
Also, you should wear loose-fitting pants and underwear for a few weeks so your incisions can heal. Some patients may have minor bleeding for a few days, but try wearing a mini-pad to address this issue.
Remember there will be swelling and discoloration for two or three weeks, so you won’t see the results right away. Most of the swelling is usually gone after six weeks, but you could have minor swelling for up to six months after the labiaplasty. You should avoid all strenuous exercise during this time as well to ensure proper healing.
When this plastic surgery is done by a skilled plastic surgeon, most patients have impressive results with labiaplasty, so talk to your surgeon today. They will be able to prepare you with a solid list of post operative care instructions to guide you throughout your recovery healing process.
Questions and Answers
Does insurance cover labiaplasty?
Does insurance cover a labiaplasty? This is a common question patients have. Labiaplasty is typically cosmetic and not covered by insurance. Patients usually pay out of pocket. Insurance may cover it if medically necessary, but rarely.
How much does labiaplasty cost?
As per the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average labiaplasty cost is generally between $3,000 – $4,000. Still, every patient is different and it is important to consult directly with your plastic surgeon to understand the exact price.
What are the medical reasons for labiaplasty?
What are the medical reasons for labiaplasty?Discomfort is one of the primary medical reasons for labiaplasty. Stretching may cause interference with clothing, discomfort during activities like sitting, walking, exercising, or sexual intercourse.
How long after labiaplasty does it take to look normal?
After the procedure, swelling may last 3–6 months. Once it subsides, results become visible as healing completes, typically taking about 6 months.
How long does labiaplasty take?
Typically conducted as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia, labiaplasty lasts approximately 1.5 hours. This surgical intervention aims to resize and reshape vaginal lips, offering both comfort and, at times, addressing health concerns. Prior to undergoing labiaplasty, many women struggle with discomfort wearing tight clothing, bathing suits, or engaging in sexual intercourse.
Does labiaplasty leave scars?
Thanks to advancements in technology and techniques, coupled with the expertise of skilled surgeons, scars resulting from labiaplasty are often minimal and challenging to notice. Encouragingly, scars left by labiaplasty procedures are below the pubic hair line.
Are the results of labiaplasty permanent?
Yes, labiaplasty results are generally permanent, but they can be affected by aging, weight changes, or childbirth.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for labiaplasty?
If you experience discomfort from enlarged or uneven labia, especially during activities like exercise or intimacy, labiaplasty might be a good option. Additionally, if concerns about appearance affect your confidence, the procedure can provide both physical and emotional benefits. A consultation with a qualified surgeon is essential to determine if it’s right for you
How do I care for my labiaplasty scars during recovery?
Using cold compresses can help manage swelling, while wearing loose clothing reduces irritation around the treated area. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support your body’s healing process, promoting faster recovery and better results
What should I expect during the labiaplasty consultation?
During your consultation, the surgeon will evaluate whether labiaplasty is suitable for you. Be sure to discuss how your labia affects your daily life and what you hope to achieve from the procedure, so they can guide you on the best approach for your needs.
Are there non-surgical alternatives to labiaplasty?
Traditional labiaplasty involves surgically removing excess tissue, typically performed as an outpatient procedure. However, non-surgical options, like laser or radiofrequency treatments, can also reshape the labia, offering a less invasive alternative with potential benefits.
Is a labiaplasty a high-risk surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, labiaplasty carries some risks, such as discomfort, infection, bleeding, or dissatisfaction with the results. However, complications related to the surgery, particularly around the vaginal area, are extremely rare when performed by a skilled surgeon.
Request a Houston Labiaplasty Consultation
Interested in labiaplasty in Houston?
Please set up a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Steinberg today. She’ll talk to you about the labiaplasty benefits and risks of this popular procedure.
References
- Not All Labia Are Created Equal. (2021). Accessed at https://www.healthcaredive.com/press-release/20190527-not-all-labia-are-created-equal-how-labiaplasty-can-change-your-life/
- Labiaplasty Overview. (2021). Accessed at https://www.healthline.com/health/labiaplasty
- About Labiaplasty. (n.d.). Accessed at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21953-labiaplasty
- Aesthetic Genital Plastic Surgery. Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/aesthetic-genital-plastic-surgery/labiaplasty
