There are a growing number of women that are seeking vaginal cosmetic surgery procedures. Some women often live with discomfort, embarrassment and avoidance of certain tight fitting clothing. There are also some women that may feel self-conscious in their relationships because of labial asymmetry, protuberance or excessive labial show. For patients that want to decrease the size of their labia minora or labia majora, a labiaplasty procedure is the most appropriate treatment.
What is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a plastic surgery procedure for altering the labia minora (inner labia) and the labia majora (outer labia), the folds of the skin surrounding the vulva.
This growing surgical procedure is most often cosmetic in nature, but it may also be done for functional reasons. For example, the labia may be causing some problem with hygiene, interfering with sex, sagging or drooping after weight loss or childbirth, or discomfort due to clothing or movement. Discomfort may be experienced when undertaking specific activities such as:
- Walking for prolonged periods
- Jogging
- Cycling
- Horse-back riding
- During sexual intercourse
- Exercising
What Causes Large or Long Labia?
The primary cause is genetics. Some women will naturally have enlarged or elongated labia. Aging can cause muscle loss that may cause the labia to enlarge. Pregnancy and childbirth may also create physical changes to the labia.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Labiaplasty?
Ideal candidates for labiaplasty are women who:
Have large or uneven lips.
Have pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse or exercise.
Are over 18 years of age.
Who Should Not Consider Labiaplasty?
Pregnant women should avoid this surgery until after giving birth
Women who have had complications from an episiotomy
Patients who are not in good health
Smokers – Smoking and poor nutrition are known to delay healing by restricting nutrient-rich blood and oxygen flow to healing flesh
How Do I Arrange for a Labiaplasty?
The first step is to arrange a consultation with our physicians at Coastal Plastic Surgeons. Your physician will examine your vulva and will discuss reasons for wanting the procedure. The physician will also perform a physical and discuss your health background. It is important to discuss your expectations of what your genital area will look like following the surgery.
The physician will give you a full description of the procedure, how it will be performed and what you need to do to prepare for the surgery. You will be shown before and after photos of previous patients who have had similar procedures done; this will give you a much clearer idea of what you can expect if you go ahead with the procedure.
Before Your Labiaplasty
- You will be issued prescriptions for anesthetic creams to be used before the labia surgery, cream to be used after surgery and prescriptions for painkillers and antibiotics.
- You should have the above ready before your procedure.
- If you are a smoker, you will be advised to quit smoking.
Day of Procedure
- Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the location of the procedure.
- You must not eat any food or drink any liquids for at least 8 hours before your procedure.
- You will be given medications to relax, reduce pain and prevent nausea.
- The surgeon will proceed with the procedure as you both have discussed and agreed to it.
- Incisions are created along the length of each labia.
- If there is bleeding, dissolvable sutures will be provided.
- The sutures can be removed 7-10 days following surgery.
After Your Procedure
- You will be able to go home the same day.
- There may be discomfort in the genital area; you will be instructed on how to apply your prescriptions.
- It is advised to refrain from sexual intercourse for three to four weeks.
- It is recommended to avoid any intense physical activity until cleared by the surgeon.
- Medical complications are uncommon.
- Occasional complications – bleeding, infection, labial asymmetry, poor wound-healing, under correction, over correction – do occur and may require revision surgery.
Patient Satisfaction
A clinical study investigating outcomes of labiaplasty, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found:
- An overall satisfaction rate of 97.2% for women undergoing labiaplasty.
- Improvement in sexual satisfaction in 92.8% of the women surveyed.
Coastal Plastic Surgeons is here to help you determine if labiaplasty is right for you!
Coastal Plastic Surgeons is a highly acclaimed Plastic and Reconstructive surgery practice located in Del Mar, California. Dr. Batra and Dr. Camberos have a combined surgical experience of nearly 30 years and are highly regarded for their expertise in cosmetic surgery.
They have received many accolades from their peers in the medical community and have been voted Top Plastic Surgeons by the San Diego County Medical Society. Remember, the most important factor in your outcome is the surgeon you choose. We proudly serve the San Diego and Temecula areas.
Call us to schedule your consultation! Call (858) 365-3558 or connect with us online!