Frequently Asked Questions about

LABIAPLASTY

What is Labiaplasty (Labioplasty)?
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that will reduce the size, and/or reshape the labia minora. The labia minora are the inner labia, or lips of the vagina, and are situated between the outer labia and the vaginal opening. In woman of reproductive age, there are considerable variations in the size of the labia minora. In some instances, women with large labia minora can experience pain during intercourse, or feel discomfort during everyday activities, especially when wearing tight-fitting clothing. Other women may feel unattractive and are embarrassed by their outward appearance. The purpose of labiaplasty is to improve the external appearance of the vagina. After the procedure most women have less discomfort during intercourse, feel more positive about their appearance and show overall improvement in their self esteem.

Who is A Good Candidate for Labiaplasty?

The typical patient who requests Labiaplasty, or who is a good candidate for Labiaplasty, is a patient who has enlargement of the labia that causes discomfort during sexual intercourse, discomfort with tight clothing, or irritation or skin rashes. Many times these patients will report being embarrassed about the size and shape of their labia and they may have been teased or humiliated by friends or sexual partners.

The procedure can correct tears and deformities that occur during childbirth and the procedure may also eliminate stretching that may have occurred during childbearing or physical or sexual activities. In addition, the typical patient requests that the right and left labia be adjusted to become as nearly identical and proportionate as possible and also have a normal ratio between the inner vaginal lips (labia minora) and the outer vaginal lips (labia majora).

Where Is The Procedure Performed?

The procedure can be performed in your doctor’s clinic or an accredited outpatient facility.

How Is The Procedure Performed?

The procedure involves very small incisions that allow excess tissue to be removed, and allows a visually pleasing shape to be created with the labia. There is no pain and virtually no bleeding during the surgery. The incisions are made within natural folds and creases so that, in time, scarring will be almost impossible to detect. The sutures used are dissolvable and therefore will not need to be removed.

Depending on the extent of the procedure, Labiaplasty usually takes one to two hours. The procedure is usually performed under twilight IV sedation.

Can I Go Home After The Procedure?

Yes. Patients are able to return home after the procedure. Your doctor will provide after-care instructions. You can resume normal light activities within 1-2 days and you are able to shower the day after surgery.

Is There Pain During The Recovery For Labiaplasty?
Pain and discomfort should be minimal during recovery and shouldn’t last more than 2 or 3 days after the procedure. Any pain can easily be relieved with mild pain-killers.

How Soon Can I Go Back To Work?
It depends greatly on the procedure, but on average most patients are back to work within 3 to 7 days. If complications arise, additional time away from work may be required.

When Can I Resume Sexual Intercourse?
As with any type of surgical procedure, there is usually a period of time needed for the body to heal. Generally, you should refrain from any type of sexual intercourse (vaginal penetration) for a period of 4-6 weeks.

Sexual feeling after Labiaplasty depends on the degree of labia abnormality to begin with. If excess labia tissue interferes with sexual activity prior to Labiaplasty, then you and your partner may notice improvement after surgery.

How Long Before I Can Expect A Final Result?
This varies with the extent of the operation being performed. It also depends on the individual. Some people bruise easily, while others don’t. Generally there will be swelling and some bruising after surgery. Both will usually disappear over a week or two. The final optimal result can usually be appreciated a few months after surgery.

Probably the most important thing that a patient can expect from the surgery is an extreme increase in confidence and self-esteem. Frequently, patients report that their comfort is significantly improved in regard to sexual relations and in regard to physical activities or wearing of certain clothing styles such as tight pants.

What Are The Risks and Complications?
As with any operation there are certain risks. The most common risks include bleeding, infection and scarring. Although these events are usually infrequent, they sometimes can occur. All potential risks and complications should be discussed with you during your consultation for this procedure.

Does Health Insurance Cover This Procedure?
Labiaplasty is considered an elective procedure and insurance plans don't cover it. But there are exceptions. Some functional surgical procedures may be covered by health insurance, in part or in full, depending upon your health insurance policy and the procedure you are having performed. Check with your health insurance provider before arranging any procedure.

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