Labiaplasty Surgery in San Diego, CA

Q: Why should I choose Coastal Plastic Surgeons?

Dr. Batra is an expert at listening to your concerns, evaluating your vaginal surgery needs, and recommending a customized treatment plan that corrects a variety of aesthetic and functional irregularities. He understands the sensitive, confidential nature of vaginal surgery and has extensive experience in the field. Contact us today to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Batra and learn more about the benefits of having a labiaplasty performed by a certified plastic surgeon in San Diego, California.

Many women may see their inner or outer labia become unusually large or develop excess labial tissue due to factors such as childbirth, aging, trauma, and genetics.

Aesthetic vaginal surgery, also known as labiaplasty, can significantly improve the aesthetic appearance of your labia region and alleviate discomfort and feelings of extreme self-consciousness. At Coastal Plastic Surgeons, we can help you reclaim your comfort and confidence.

What Can Vaginal Surgery Improve?

UnfavorableAesthetics

When the labia stretches and hangs down, it can create a displeasing aesthetic appearance. Surgical labial reduction reduces the protrusion of the labia and corrects asymmetry, making the labia more aesthetically pleasing.

Chafingand Discomfort

Many women experience chafing and physical discomfort when wearing tight clothing or when performing strenuous activity. Most women undergo labia reduction surgery to eliminate the physical pain stemming from an enlarged labia.

ComfortDuring Sex

Women with excessively large labia may experience vaginal dryness, which causes pain during intercourse due to friction and pulling of the skin. Labiaplasty tightens the inner and outer labia, allowing for more physical comfort and confidence during sex.

What Are Your Labiaplasty Options?

Trim Method

The trim method (edge resection) involves creating an incision where extra tissue is removed along the length of the labia and sewn up directly, making the inner labia even with the outer labia or slightly receded. This is the most common type of labiaplasty.

Wedge Method

For the wedge technique, your plastic surgeon cuts and removes a wedge of tissue from the thickest portion of the labia minora, and then stitches the remaining edges together.

Combination Procedures

Labiaplasty can be combined with other procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, or tummy tuck surgery as part of a Mommy Makeover. The best way to determine the most appropriate surgical approach is to communicate your goals with your plastic surgeon.

How Do I Prepare for Labiaplasty Surgery?

Once you've scheduled your labiaplasty surgery, your surgeon will give you instructions on how to prepare. Typical preparations include stopping smoking at least two weeks before and two weeks after your labiaplasty surgery. You will also need to discontinue the use of blood thinning medications, including NSAIDs, over-the-counter medications, prescriptions (under supervision by your doctor), and some herbal supplements.

You will also want to ensure you have the right supplies at home to make your recovery as comfortable as possible. Cold compresses, a peri bottle for cleaning yourself after using the bathroom, and any pain medication will all help minimize discomfort as you heal. You should also make sure you have plenty of loose, comfortable clothing and soft cotton underwear to wear while you recover.

It is also essential to mentally prepare for your labiaplasty surgery. Make sure you're going into the procedure with reasonable expectations for your results and are prepared to follow your surgeon's requirements for recovery. This includes avoiding intercourse and strenuous exercise and activities for at least four to six weeks after your surgery. Finally, ensure that you're undergoing labiaplasty for yourself only, and not because someone else suggested it or made you feel like you should.

What Is Recovery Like After Labiaplasty Surgery?

Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure. It is usually performed under local anesthesia and mild sedation, and patients can return home soon after the procedure is complete. All of our labiaplasty patients are prescribed pain medication and antibiotics for pain management and comfort. Cold compresses also help with swelling and pain.

Patients are advised to take it easy, wear loose clothing, and use pads rather than tampons during their periods. You will be provided with detailed instructions concerning the care of your sutures and wounds. Itching and swelling after labiaplasty are common while everything is healing but usually subside after the first week.

Most patients feel good enough to return to work two to four days after labiaplasty surgery. You should restrain from exercise and strenuous activity for two to six weeks, and most women can resume intercourse after four to six weeks.

Scarring from labiaplasty tends to be minimal since the incisions are small. The scars typically blend into the labia minora tissue, which naturally has wrinkles, folds, and various colorations. Even in the event of excessive scarring, it is likely that the scar will fade within three to six months with proper care.

How Much Does Labiaplasty Cost in San Diego?

Everyone's procedure is unique, and the cost of your labiaplasty will vary depending on several factors. These include the technique, surgeon's fee, surgical facility fee, all pre- and post-operative appointments, and cosmetic goals. It is best to schedule a consultation to get a price quote for the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age requirement for labiaplasty?

There are no age limits for labiaplasty. Candidates are healthy adult women who experience dissatisfaction with the appearance and laxity of their labia. Women who are considering getting pregnant may wish to postpone their aesthetic vaginal surgery until they are finished having children.

How do I know which labiaplasty method is best for me?

When you come in for your consultation, Dr. Batra will examine you and determine which technique he will use for your labiaplasty: the trim method or the wedge method. The technique used is determined according to your needs and desired results, as well as your individual anatomy. Your concerns, including scarring and cosmetic appearance, will also be considered.

Will I need someone to drive me home after labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure performed using local anesthesia with mild sedation, so you will need someone to drive you home after your surgery. While mild sedation typically doesn't make you as groggy as general anesthesia, you never know how you might react to the sedation, so it's better to err on the side of caution. Additionally, you will still have some numbness after your surgery that could interfere with your driving ability.

What are the risks associated with aesthetic vaginal surgery?

Though significant complications are rare, labiaplasty does carry with it some risk, just like any surgical procedure. The common risks include:

Infection
Bleeding
Scarring
Over-resection

It is imperative to have the procedure performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon who is trained in the technique.

Will my labiaplasty results be permanent?

In most cases, the results of labiaplasty are long lasting, if not permanent. Patients enjoy an enhanced vagina and labia appearance, increased comfort during physical activity, and feel less self-conscious during sex.

Can I have children after aesthetic vaginal surgery?

Labiaplasty will not affect a woman's ability to get pregnant or experience natural childbirth. However, since the surgery targets regions affected by childbirth, any additional pregnancies may negate the results of the surgery.

Is labiaplasty covered by insurance?

Labiaplasty is typically not covered by insurance, as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, similar to breast reduction surgery, there are exceptions to the rule. Some of the reasons labiaplasty might be covered by insurance include:

Chronic chafing or skin irritation
Congenital conditions
Urinary problems, including difficulty urinating, chronic UTIs, or kidney infections
Chronic pain when engaging in everyday activities like walking, sitting, exercising, or engaging in intercourse.

The best way to find out if your labiaplasty is covered by insurance is to contact your provider to find out the guidelines and requirements for coverage.

Why should I choose Coastal Plastic Surgeons?

Dr. Batra is an expert at listening to your concerns, carefully evaluating your vaginal surgery needs, and recommending a customized treatment plan designed to correct a variety of aesthetic and functional irregularities. He understands the sensitive, confidential nature of vaginal surgery and has extensive experience in the field.

Contact us today to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Batra and learn more about the benefits of having your labiaplasty performed by a certified plastic surgeon in San Diego, California.