The labia is a common area of concern for many women, with issues such as asymmetry or excessive length, often caused by factors like childbirth or genetics. As a result, labiaplasty has become the most popular form of vaginal rejuvenation, addressing these concerns and helping women achieve their desired aesthetic outcomes.
This vaginal procedure is designed to reshape and decrease the length of the labia minora to help it appear more in proportion to the labia majora. Dr. Smita R. Ramanadham is double board-certified Female New Jersey plastic surgeon, making her an expert in numerous surgical procedures, including labiaplasty after childbirth.
Women throughout New Jersey of almost all age groups have put their trust in her to correct their labia into something that is more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable.
WHAT IS A LABIAPLASTY?
A labiaplasty is a surgical procedure meant to reduce the length of the labia in an effort to give it a tighter, sleeker appearance. It is one of several vaginal procedures available. In addition, this surgical procedure can also alleviate symptoms some women may be experiencing from overlong labia, aesthetic issues such as twisting or tugging of the labia when sitting.
There are three possible surgical techniques, when it comes to New Jersey labiaplasty procedure, each with its own unique set of goals. They are as follows:
- Trim Technique: In this method, the outer edge of the labia minora excess skin is trimmed away until it is perfectly lined up with the labia majora. We opt to use this technique when only slight adjustments need to be made. Additionally, it is the least invasive method, granting many of our patients a shorter recovery time.
- Wedge Technique: As its name implies, the wedge technique removes a pie-shaped slice of labial tissue. The remaining labia minora is then stitched back together using absorbable sutures in order to create a natural shape. This method not only removes a greater portion of the inner vaginal lips, but it also maintains its authentic lining and color.
- Clitoral Hood Reduction: Some women can naturally have excess tissue surrounding the clitoris, which can make it challenging for women to achieve orgasm– or even receive satisfactory stimulation – during sexual intercourse. By excising this excess tissue, we can uncover more of the clitoris, making it easier for patients to enjoy sexual intercourse.
SHOULD I GET A LABIAPLASTY PROCEDURES?
Twisting, tugging, itching, irritation, and self-consciousness are just a few of the reasons why women choose to undergo a labiaplasty. However, if you’re unhappy with the appearance or feeling of your labia in any way, it could be beneficial to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ramanadham in our New Jersey practice to discuss your issues in depth.
Labial asymmetry is a common problem for many women that we are easily able to correct. Additionally, many women simply want the length of both labia reduced for increased comfort and aesthetics. These changes in female anatomy can occur naturally and with age, but many women find them to be especially prevalent after childbirth.
WILL LABIAPLASTY AFFECT FUTURE CHILDBIRTH?
Traditionally, potential patients exploring labiaplasty procedures should not intend to have any more children in the future when considering vaginal rejuvenation treatment. However, the labia are not under a considerable amount of pressure during the birthing process (in a vaginal delivery), which makes it possible to undergo a labiaplasty even if you might still have plans to have additional children. Still, there is a chance that childbirth after labiaplasty can have a negative impact on your prior labiaplasty.
If childbirth does, in fact, affect the length of the labia, patients can simply undergo another labiaplasty (or similar vaginal rejuvenation) in order to correct the problem. It should be noted, however, that this surgical procedure can only be performed a finite number of times before there is not enough tissue left to safely remove.
For this reason, we do usually recommend that patients wait until after they’ve finished building their family, though it is not a requirement.
INTIMATE CONFIDENCE
A labiaplasty surgery is an incredible way to restore much of the appearance and comfort of your vagina. Our team is highly trained in performing this surgical procedure in order to ensure the utmost safety and greatest results for our patients. You may also be interested in vaginal tightening.
Questions and Answers
Does having a baby affect labiaplasty?
The vaginal lips, after undergoing labiaplasty to achieve a refined appearance, may experience stretching and elongation due to factors such as external tissue such as excess weight, normal wear, or the act of giving birth. Some women experience significant labial growth for these reasons. In such cases, any subsequent labiaplasty treatments would require additional excess tissue removal (and perhaps further treatment) to maintain the desired aesthetic outcome.
How painful is labiaplasty recovery?
If you have concerns about the pain associated with labiaplasty recovery, you can find relief in knowing that while the recovery period lasts approximately six weeks, the majority of physical discomfort experienced during labiaplasty recovery is due to soreness as your body undergoes during labiaplasty healing time. Dr. Smita prescribes plastic surgery pain medication for women who report discomfort.
How do I know if I need a labiaplasty?
If you find yourself growing dissatisfied with the appearance of your labia or experiencing daily discomfort or pain, it could be worthwhile to have a conversation with your GP or gynecologist to address aesthetic plastic surgery such as a labiaplasty procedure. This cosmetic surgery is generally regarded as the only surgical treatment that can correct labia hypertrophy.
Will insurance cover labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is generally viewed as a cosmetic procedure, usually not covered by insurance. Patients typically bear the out-of-pocket costs, though rare cases of coverage exist for medically necessary instances.
Is it better to get a labiaplasty before or after birth?
Allow your body to heal post-birth before considering labiaplasty, as recovery times vary (3-6 months). Consult Dr. Smita to decide the optimal timing for your unique situation, whether before or after pregnancy.
Do Vaginas go back to normal after birth?
Most changes to your vagina following childbirth are temporary and typically resolve during the postpartum recovery period. Over time, your vagina will usually return to its pre-birth size and shape.
Does your labia change after birth?
Yes, vaginal delivery significantly impacts your body, particularly the vaginal opening. Initially, your vagina may appear and feel different, but it typically regains its usual size and shape within a few weeks after delivery.
Book Your Consultation to see if Labiaplasty after childbirth is an issue?
Have enlarged labia and want to learn more about this surgical treatment? Schedule a consultation to discuss this cosmetic surgery procedure with Dr. Smita R. Ramanadham, a board certified plastic surgeon.
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