Labiaplasty
What is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty, also referred to as labia reduction, is a procedure available from our plastic surgeons that can tighten, tone, and enhance the symmetry of labial tissues. It is very common for the inner folds of the labia in female genital areas to become enlarged over time due to childbirth, menopause, or the natural aging process. In some cases, enlarged labial tissue has been present since birth. This condition can ultimately cause both physical discomfort and self-consciousness about one’s appearance. Labiaplasty is a surgical treatment designed to reduce and/or recontour excess labial tissue to enhance appearance, comfort, and function in the labial area. This procedure should not decrease or interfere with sexual function.
What are the Benefits of Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty offers numerous benefits for women who are suffering from enlarged or elongated labial tissue. Depending on your unique needs and goals, the advantages of this procedure can include:
- Reduction of excess, asymmetrical labia minora tissue
- Recontouring of the vulva for an improved appearance
- Enhanced comfort in certain types of clothing and swimwear
- Less discomfort while exercising and walking
- Reduction of irritation and hygiene concerns in the labial area
- Enhanced confidence and sexual satisfaction during intimacy
While many women find it somewhat embarrassing or difficult to talk about what they are going through when it comes to these types of concerns, it’s important to remember that conditions involving the labia are extremely common. Procedures like labiaplasty can be very effective at resolving these conditions, helping you to improve your self-confidence and minimize physical discomfort that may be having a pronounced effect on your day-to-day life.
Who is a Candidate for Labiaplasty?
Women who desire improvement in the size, symmetry, and/or shape of their labia minora for either psychosocial or functional reasons are typically good candidates for this procedure. Prior to your consultation and surgery, you should discuss with our doctors the look you desire and any specific changes you hope to achieve surgically. Labiaplasty can be a beneficial procedure for women who are suffering from a variety of conditions due to enlarged labial tissue, including chronic irritation, challenges with personal hygiene, discomfort during sexual intimacy, noticeable bulges while wearing swimwear or form-fitting clothing, discomfort during exercise or other physical activity, and self-consciousness about their appearance.
During the initial consultation, our plastic surgeon will evaluate your concerns and answer all of your questions. If you are a good candidate for labiaplasty, our surgeon will develop a customized treatment plan designed to meet your needs and goals.
How is the Labiaplasty Procedure Performed?
Labial reduction surgery is performed in an outpatient setting by one of our plastic surgeons and involves a conservative reduction of the labia minora. There are a number of advanced techniques that can be utilized in this procedure. Once you have met with our plastic surgeon, he will talk with you about the best technique for your specific needs. Generally speaking, labiaplasty involves careful excision of the excess labial tissue and meticulous recontouring of the remaining tissue to improve symmetry. The procedure is performed under either general or local anesthesia. All of the stitches to close the incisions are self-dissolving, so there should be no need for suture removal at a later date.
What is Recovery from Labiaplasty Like?
Since labiaplasty is typically performed on an outpatient basis, you should be able to return home the same day. There will likely be some level of bruising, swelling, and discomfort in the treatment area in the days following the procedure; however, medication can be prescribed to manage post-operative pain. Many patients are able to resume work and other normal daily activities within a few days, but individuals are instructed to avoid exercise and sexual intercourse for at least four weeks after surgery.
Are There Any Labiaplasty Risks?
All surgical procedures carry a certain degree of risk. With that in mind, our doctors utilize advanced techniques and take many precautions to minimize those risks. In general, some of the risks associated with labiaplasty surgery include excessive bleeding, infection, a reaction to anesthesia, blood clots, and asymmetry of the tissues. Our surgeon will go over all risks of this procedure during the initial consultation and talk with you about the many ways in which we work to reduce the potential for complications.
How Much Does Labiaplasty Cost?
The ultimate cost of labiaplasty will depend on the particulars of your individual treatment plan. Since this procedure is customized and involves techniques that are specific to each patient’s unique concerns, the price of labiaplasty varies. With that in mind, here at Florida Plastic Surgery Group the average overall cost for labiaplasty is typically between $4,499 and $5,499. Once your treatment plan is created during the initial consultation, a member of our staff will produce an estimate that factors in all associated costs of the procedure and go over it with you. We will also talk with you about the variety of payment methods we accept at our practice, including plastic surgery financing options that can help qualified applicants pay for the procedure on a monthly basis. Together, we can come up with the best solution for your needs and budget.
If you would like to learn more about labiaplasty or other procedures, please contact our plastic surgeons today. One of our doctors will be happy to meet with you in a confidential consultation to discuss your goals.