Women seek labiaplasty for many reasons — from incontinence and vaginal dryness to lack of self-confidence and a desire to be more comfortable in intimate settings. The goal of the labiaplasty procedure is to make the inner vaginal lips (the labia minora) more flush with the outer skin folds (the labia majora).
Many women find this appearance of the labia minora more pleasing and comfortable. It’s not uncommon for women to have enlarged inner labia because of aging or as a result of past pregnancies and childbirth. Some women simply have a genetic propensity for this physical feature.
Regardless of why you are interested in a labiaplasty procedure, before moving ahead, it’s important to have a complete picture of the surgical process and what to expect before and after labiaplasty. Once you understand the labiaplasty surgery and are cleared as a patient, labiaplasty can provide numerous benefits.
In this article, we’ll go over what you can generally expect from labiaplasty before and after the labiaplasty surgery.
What Is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a type of vaginal rejuvenation plastic surgery focusing on the removal of excess tissue from the labia minora. It is designed for the patient who feels they have excess labia minora tissue.
Essentially, the labiaplasty procedure decreases the size of the labia minora tissue so that the labia minora are flush with the outer labia majora. Concerns about the size of the labia minora are not only aesthetic.
Many women who have excess tissue in their labia minora report having physical problems as well as aesthetic dissatisfaction. If the labia minora is enlarged sometimes women have a hard time riding a bike or exercising. An enlarged labia minora can also lead to painful sexual intercourse in some cases.
All patients have a unique anatomy with unique concerns about their labia minora, which requires a specific surgical approach. Prior to your labiaplasty surgery, Dr. Smita will evaluate you with a physical exam, look over your medical history, and discuss your goals with you.
Each patient is taken on a case by case basis, and depending on your unique situation, a surgery will be designed to cater to your needs and give you the outcome you desire.
Labiaplasty Before and After
Before Labiaplasty
If you want to undergo labiaplasty, your first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Smita. This appointment will be equal parts learning about the surgery and being interviewed by Dr. Smita (regarding your goals and medical history). You will also be able to see labiaplasty before and after pictures to give you a better idea of what a labiaplasty procedure can realistically accomplish.
Dr. Smita will evaluate your medical history and examine your labia minora and labia majora before clearing you for surgery. In some cases, patients will need to undergo further blood labs or other medical tests before they can move forward with the procedure.
If you are considered a good candidate, you will be given a clear picture of what you can expect from the surgical procedure. Then, you can decide if it’s right for you. If you choose to move forward, your surgery date will be scheduled.
After Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure, so patients won’t need to stay in a hospital overnight. Instead, you’ll be able to go home right after the surgical procedure. The majority of patients should expect to take about one week off from work.
Once at home, it is critical that you follow Dr. Smita’s aftercare instructions. You can expect swelling, some light bruising, and soreness around the treatment area. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Smita’s staff right away.
Avoid After Labiaplasty
During your healing time after labiaplasty (or any invasive plastic surgery), be sure to avoid strenuous activities. This means you’ll need to put your workout regimen on hold for at least one month. Once you get the go-ahead from Dr. Smita, you can slowly resume exercise.
You must also refrain from intercourse and tampon use for at least four to six weeks after surgery. Again, Dr. Smita will tell you when you can have intercourse and use tampons again.
Finally, avoid alcohol and smoking after any type of surgery, including labiaplasty. Alcohol is a blood thinner and may complicate your recovery. Likewise, smoking reduces your blood oxygen levels, augments your blood pressure, and puts stress on your heart — all of which may put your health at risk as you recover.
Recovery Tips
To reduce pain after a labiaplasty procedure, use cold compresses. The best way to do this is to put a cold pack on the treatment area (over your underwear) for twenty minutes, then take it off for another twenty minutes. You can repeat this sequence several times for pain relief.
In addition, Dr. Smita may prescribe medications, including a pain reliever to help with discomfort. Take your medications as directed.
Finally, remember to eat a healthy diet throughout your recovery from labiaplasty. Focus on protein as this will help your body stay strong as you heal. Lean protein sources like poultry, fish, beef, eggs, and dairy products like cottage cheese and Greek yogurt are excellent. Also, be sure to include lots of vegetables and fruits, and drink plenty of water.
Questions and Answers
What are the disadvantages of labiaplasty?
Post-labiaplasty, you will encounter few labiaplasty risks, but expect typical side effects like soreness, bruising, and swelling for 2 weeks. Discomfort while peeing or sitting is normal; painkillers will be provided.
Can a labiaplasty make you tighter?
Unlike a procedure that targets vaginal tightening, labiaplasty is a cosmetic enhancement of the labia. It addresses the labia major (outer, larger lips) or labia minor (inner, smaller lips).
How long do labiaplasty results last?
Among the numerous inquiries, a common question concerns the durability of labiaplasty outcomes. In nearly all instances, the results are enduring and permanent.
Is labiaplasty covered by insurance?
Is labiaplasty covered by insurance? This is a commonly asked question. Typically viewed as a cosmetic procedure, labiaplasty is usually not covered by insurance. Patients generally bear the cost themselves. Some plans may cover it if deemed medically necessary, though this is uncommon.
Is a clitoral hood reduction different than labiaplasty?
Yes, a clitoral hood reduction is different than labiaplasty although often a clitoral hood reduction is performed alongside a labiaplasty. A clitoral hood reduction involves the removal of excess tissue from the skin folds that envelop and safeguard the clitoris. These folds are commonly known as the clitoral hood. This targets a slightly different area than the labia minora targeted in a labiaplasty. A clitoral hood reduction falls under the category of plastic or cosmetic surgery, which pertains to surgical interventions aimed at reconstructing specific parts of the body.
Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Smita
Female board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Smita Ramanadham has helped many women improve their comfort and confidence after labiaplasty. We invite patients who have been considering this procedure or any plastic surgery to call today to book an appointment with Dr. Ramanadham.
At your appointment, we will be happy to answer your questions and concerns. You will be able to request to see photos before and after labiaplasty performed by Dr. Smita as well. Because of the sensitive and intimate nature of this type of plastic surgery, we do not keep images on our website, but a gallery is made available for an in-person visit.
Contact Dr. Ramanadham’s office today to schedule your plastic surgery consultation appointment.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-to-expect-at-every-stage-of-your-labiaplasty