After childbirth and possibly aging, some women may have an oversized labia minora or majora that they want to change for aesthetic or functional reasons. It’s estimated there was a 40% increase in labiaplasties in 2016, and more are being done every year.

While labia size and color vary tremendously, there reaches a point where an elongated labia can be uncomfortable or cause functional and hygienic issues.

For example, a runner whose labia is too long could have the tissue stick to her leg during a run. Or labia tissue that protrudes may make sitting on a horse or bike uncomfortable.

Some women also may want Houston labiaplasty for personal reasons. For example, they may feel a lack of self-confidence in the bedroom because of how their genitalia looks.

Whatever the reason, it’s essential to have as much information as possible about labiaplasty before having the procedure.

You also may want to think about other procedures at the same time, such as breast augmentation or a tummy tuck.

Labiaplasty Procedure Overview

To perform a labiaplasty, the surgeon usually trims the extra tissue away, so the lips of the labia minora are tucked inside the labia majora, also known as the outer lips of the vulva. It’s usually done under IV sedation, and most women only need a week off work.

There also is a ‘wedge’ labiaplasty procedure that involves taking out only a piece of the elongated labia, so the more natural, wrinkled edges of the labia are preserved. Again, your surgeon will talk to you about which procedure may be best for your situation.

Most patients only need pain medication for a few days, but you should wear loose-fitting clothing during your recovery. It’s also recommended not to use tampons for a month, and you can return to regular activities after that.

You should click here to see if you are a good candidate for labiaplasty.

Why Do More Women Want Labiaplasty?

Plastic surgery patients have always wanted this procedure to enhance their comfort, physical appearance, and self-confidence. Many surgeons think the greater interest in labiaplasty is more people have access to information that explains the benefits and how the procedure is done.

There’s little doubt that more Americans learn more about relatively obscure topics on social media and the Internet. Years ago, the only way a woman would have known about labiaplasty was if she had an issue with her genitalia and her doctor told her about the procedure.

Back then, even many doctors didn’t know a lot about labiaplasty, but the information explosion online has informed people in all walks of life.

Also, the number of skilled plastic surgeons who know how to do labiaplasty has risen significantly. It’s estimated that 36% of plastic surgeons in the country can do the procedure. So, more patients can have the procedure and don’t need to travel hours for it.

Last, there are more financing options these days, so labiaplasty is more in financial reach than ever for more patients. Most insurance policies don’t cover labiaplasty, but patients can often pay in installments, making it easier to afford.

Is The Labiaplasty Movement Influenced By Porn?

Most experts don’t think so. Some women who want labiaplasty are younger who have a difficult time engaging in sports comfortably. Labia tissue can get stuck to the legs, which can tear and cause pain.

Others simply want to look and feel more comfortable in a swimsuit or yoga pants. They also want to feel more at ease in intimate situations with their partner or in the locker room in form-fitting workout clothes.

More Benefits Of Labiaplasty

Some of the other benefits of this procedure include:

More Confidence

One of the biggest benefits is that labiaplasty can give women more self-confidence. Wearing tight clothing, a bikini or being intimate with a spouse or partner can be stressful with an elongated labia.

Having the procedure can boost one’s self-confidence and let you feel better about how you look.

More Comfort In Clothing

Have you been dreading wearing a bikini, tight leggings, or snug jeans because of an elongated labia?

Wearing these items may be uncomfortable or you may be afraid that someone will look at you. Whatever the reason, labiaplasty can make you more mentally and physically comfortable in clothing you want to wear.

More Sexual Satisfaction

Embarrassment in how you look ‘down there’ can affect your sexual satisfaction. You may feel self-conscious and this prevents you from enjoying sex as much as you otherwise would.

Plus, women with a large labia may be uncomfortable during sex because the tissue gets pulled or caught.

Correcting the problem will improve sexual satisfaction and make your intimate relationships more enjoyable.

Lessens Discomfort

The inner labia is very delicate. If it is pulled or tugged it can get irritated and uncomfortable. Exercising, such as running or riding a bike can be difficult when this tissue is twisted or pinched.

Labiaplasty removes the excess tissue and makes physical activity enjoyable again.

Better Hygiene

Extra labial tissue can contain bacteria that makes infections more common. Women with a large labia may have more UTIs, which can become chronic and dangerous. But labiaplasty can eliminate these issues.

Labiaplasty can make a big difference in your physical comfort and provide more self-confidence. Speak to your surgeon today to find out if labiaplasty can help you.

Request a Houston Labiaplasty Consultation

Interested in a labiaplasty in Houston? Please set up a consultation with Dr. Ashley Steinberg today. She’ll talk to you about the benefits and risks of this procedure.

References

Stats Show Labiaplasty Becoming More Popular. (2020). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/stats-show-labiaplasty-is-becoming-more-popular

Why Would A Woman Get A Labiaplasty? (2020). Accessed at https://www.verywellhealth.com/why-would-a-woman-get-a-labiaplasty-2709970