Labiaplasty
LABIAPLASTY PROCEDURE
The appearance of the female genitals can vary greatly from woman to woman. While there is no single “correct” genital shape, many women turn to plastic surgery to correct asymmetry or reduce the size of their labia (the “lips” surrounding the vagina). Labiaplasty (labial reduction) is a surgical cosmetic procedure that can improve the look and function of the labia.
There are two parts of the labia: the labia majora and the labia minora. The labia majora (the outer vaginal lips) is the portion of the labia that is on the outside of the body, usually covered with pubic hair. The labia minora (the smaller, inner vaginal lips) is the portion of the labia that covers the clitoris and vagina. Sexual activity, childbirth, hormones, or age can sometimes cause the labia to be stretched or become loose. An oversized labia can cause discomfort with clothes, sexual intercourse, and exercise. In addition, it can cause hygiene problems and cause a woman to feel self-consciousness due to her labia’s appearance. A labiaplasty is used to remove extra skin and reshape the labia to give it a cosmetically prettier appearance. Labiaplasty can be performed alone or with a vaginoplasty, which tightens loose or stretched vaginal tissue.
Candidates for this procedure usually are unhappy with the size or shape of their labia for either functional or cosmetic reasons. The ideal candidate is not pregnant, does not smoke, has not had complications from an episiotomy, and is in good physical health. Although there is no age requirement to undergo a labiaplasty, it is best for the candidate to wait until after she has had children because childbirth can cause the labia to stretch.
Labiaplasty is performed with general anesthetic. The excess skin is measured and marked for symmetry, and is then removed. Bleeding is controlled and absorbable sutures are used to close the incisions. The procedure takes one to two hours to complete.
LABIAPLASTY PAIN AND RECOVERY
Dr. Filiberto will give you oral medication that will help alleviate pain in the days following the procedure. Pain should lessen each day, and should subside after about ten days. This is the ideal amount of time you should request off from work, depending on your occupation. Expect some swelling after surgery. There will also be scarring with labiaplasty; however, the scars will not be very noticeable and will fade with time. Regular exercise and sexual activity can resume after six weeks.
You will return to the office twenty four hours after surgery for your first post-operative appointment. Ten days after the surgery you will return again to our office to check on the progress of your healing and have your sutures removed. Under normal circumstances, you will have your two to three more post-operative checkups in the next several months to confirm that all is well and to evaluate the early results of your transformation. Dr. Filiberto will see you more frequently during the healing period should you or he deem it necessary. Surgical wounds mature during the twelve months following the procedure, so expect your new look to refine itself over time.
Dr. Filiberto offers a variety of payment options. Call and make your complimentary consultation today 321-676-3101.