Trouvaille Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery
6750 W Loop South, Ste 1060
Bellaire, TX 77401
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Labiaplasty, also known as Vaginal Rejuvenation or Vaginoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that can have both aesthetic and medical benefits. Also referred to as labia reduction surgery, the procedure aims to reduce the overall size of the labia minora — the inner lips of the vulva — so that they do not extend far out (or out at all) from the labia majora.
If you have pain or discomfort associated with the size of your labia minora, or if you are unhappy with your labia’s appearance, labiaplasty may be for you.
What is a Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is the most common type of vaginal rejuvenation surgery. The goal of the procedure is to reduce the size of the inner lips (labia minora) by removing excess skin and tissue. The surgery can also amend uneven lips to make the inner labia more symmetrical.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Labiaplasty?
There are essentially two types of people who may be interested in vaginoplasty.
The first type includes people who have a functional issue with their labia minora. Perhaps their excessive length is causing pain during intercourse. Alternatively, it may be interfering with a patient’s ability to do physical activities such as riding a bike, running, or even walking. For these candidates, general discomfort and chafing are common problems.
For the second type of candidate, aesthetics is the issue. These individuals may feel self-conscious about the length of their labia minora, and they’d like the overall size reduced. For these candidates, a related issue may be feeling self-conscious while wearing bathing suits or tight pants.
Some aesthetically-motivated candidates may struggle with one side of their labia being longer than the other and will also be interested in using labiaplasty procedure to fix this problem.
Having enlarged or excessively long labia is called labial hypertrophy.
What Are My Options for Labiaplasty?
Depending on the goals you have for your labia, the vaginal rejuvenation, or labiaplasty, procedure may differ. For example, while most vaginoplasty surgeries focus on reducing the size of the labia minora, the size of the labia majora can also be altered.
In general, however, the majority of labiaplasty surgeries involve what is called the trim procedure. Simply put, the excess skin and tissue of the labia minora will be removed, and the surgical sites will be sewn up with sutures. These are absorbable, so you will not need to return to have them removed.
There is also a procedure called the wedge technique, which means that a wedge, V-shaped piece of the labia is cut out, and the remaining edges are sewn up with the same sutures.
In some vaginoplasty surgeries, patients would like the clitoral hood to be reduced in size as well. This part of the procedure can be done at the same time as the labial reduction, but it is, of course, optional.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
At your labiaplasty consultation appointment, you will meet directly with Dr. Steinberg to discuss your goals for the procedure. Be prepared by doing some research on labia and coming with any questions you may have.
Keep in mind that during your consultation appointment, Dr. Steinberg will want to perform a physical examination to see if you are a good candidate for this type of surgery. She will also ask you about your medical history, so be ready with any medications or supplements you are taking, and be prepared to talk about any medical conditions you are experiencing or treatments you are undergoing. Again, this is a good time to ask questions, so come prepared!
What to Expect During Labiaplasty Surgery?
On the day of your surgery, you will arrive at your accredited surgical facility and be welcomed by our staff. After being taken to a pre-surgery room, you will meet with Dr. Steinberg and be prepared for surgery. She will make some markings on your body that will guide her during your procedure. Be sure to ask any additional questions that you have before you are taken to the operating room.
This procedure can be done under local or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is often a preference because it avoids intubation and the risks associated with general anethesia. Like many cosmetic procedures, vaginoplasty is an outpatient surgery. This means you will be able to go home on the same day. After you wake up from the anesthesia, you will meet with Dr. Steinberg once more, then be discharged to return home.
SEE ALSO:4 Problems That Labiaplasty Solves
What to Expect During Recovery
At home, expect to have some pain and discomfort near the surgical site. Dr. Steinberg will give you an abundance of information about caring for the area during the recovery period. Make sure that you follow these directions closely and keep the area clean and well-cared for. Properly icing the area and taking appropriate pain medications can help to reduce discomfort and swelling.
During your recovery period, you should expect to take about a week off from work or school. The trim procedure version generally takes less time to recover from. In most cases, you should be able to return to regular activities at about the four- to six-week mark. Keep in mind, however, that it may take several months for all swelling and discomfort to disappear. You will meet with Dr. Steinberg regularly during this time so that she can access your recovery progress.
Labiaplasty can help you feel comfortable and confident about your body.
SEE ALSO: How Long is Labiaplasty Recovery?
What Are the Possible Risks and Complications of Labiaplasty?
As is the case with any major surgery, vaginoplasty comes with some risks and possible complications. These include but are not limited to:
- Infection
- Hematoma
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Problems with healing
- Vaginal dryness
- Decreased sensation
Labiaplasty Houston: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Houston TX cost of labiaplasty?
Compared to many cosmetic procedures, labiaplasty costs is an affordable procedure. Each surgery will vary where price is concerned, depending on a range of individual factors. However, in general, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $6,000 for most labiaplasty surgeries in Houston.
How do I know if my labia are excessively large?
All labia are different. There are varied sizes, shapes, and lengths. Still, with certain hereditary characteristics and with time, the labia minora may end up being longer than average. When this happens, discomfort and even pain may become present — not to mention a certain level of self-consciousness in some individuals.
Generally speaking, when labia minora are longer than four to five centimeters (about two inches), they are longer than average. In this case, you would be a good candidate for labiaplasty
Will I have a scar from labiaplasty?
There will be some minor scarring with labiaplasty where the incisions are made; however, these scars will heal well and will not likely be noticeable.
Do you have sutures with labiaplasty?
Yes, sutures will be necessary for labiaplasty in order to close up the incisions. However, the sutures will be absorbable. Therefore, there will be no need to have them removed at a secondary appointment. They will simply be absorbed or dissolve.
Schedule Your Consultation With Dr. Steinberg Today
Dr. Steinberg can help improve the appearance and comfort of your labia through surgery.
Have questions? Want to learn more about the procedure? When you’re ready to see what vaginoplasty can do for you, schedule your labiaplasty consultation appointment with Dr. Ashley Steinberg today!