Labiaplasty is a procedure in which the labia minora are trimmed to make them smaller or more symmetric. Long labia can interfere with sexual intercourse, cause uncomfortable chafing during exercise, or even be visible in form-fitting clothing. Labiaplasty decreases these symptoms, and may offer a confidence boost as well for women who feel self-conscious.
What is Labiaplasty?
The labia minora are part of the vulva, which is the external genitalia in women. The vulva has “outer lips”, the labia majora, and “inner lips”, the labia minora. The labia minora may be tucked inside the labia majora, or they may extend past the labia majora on one or both sides. Both variations are completely normal, and asymmetry is normal as well. The labia minora may change throughout life as well; they can become longer with childbirth or as part of the normal aging process. Labiaplasty most frequently decreases the size of the labia minora, but surgery can be done on the labia majora as well.
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Labiaplasty is a procedure in which the labia minora are trimmed to make them smaller or more symmetric. Long labia can interfere with sexual intercourse, cause uncomfortable chafing during exercise, or even be visible in form-fitting clothing. Labiaplasty decreases these symptoms, and may offer a confidence boost as well for women who feel self-conscious.
@greerplastics Reply to @user138027455 #labiaplasty #plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon ♬ Steven Universe - L.Dre
What is Labiaplasty?
The labia minora are part of the vulva, which is the external genitalia in women. The vulva has “outer lips”, the labia majora, and “inner lips”, the labia minora. The labia minora may be tucked inside the labia majora, or they may extend past the labia majora on one or both sides. Both variations are completely normal, and asymmetry is normal as well. The labia minora may change throughout life as well; they can become longer with childbirth or as part of the normal aging process. Labiaplasty most frequently decreases the size of the labia minora, but surgery can be done on the labia majora as well.
Why Get a Labiaplasty?
The labia are there to protect the vaginal opening. But when the labia are elongated they may become irritated or painful with exercise. Patients with long labia may complain of tugging and pulling while working out, and the labia can even get pulled into the vaginal opening during sex. Longer labia may also be visible when wearing form-fitting clothing such as yoga pants. Labiaplasty alleviates these symptoms.
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How Common is Labiaplasty?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 11,218 women had labiaplasty performed in 2019. This is up from around 10,000 women in 2018. And it’s more than the number of people who had a thigh lift performed each year. So labiaplasty is more common than you might think.
When Should you Consider Labiaplasty?
If you have discomfort with exercise, feel tugging or pulling during sexual intercourse, or feel self-conscious about the appearance of your labia, labiaplasty may improve these symptoms. You can learn whether you are a good candidate for labiaplasty by setting up a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
What Happens During Surgery?
Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day. The procedure itself is only about an hour long. And this might surprise you, but you can actually be awake during labiaplasty. Dr. Greer applies topical numbing cream to the labia before injecting any numbing medication. The topical cream absorbs very well into the mucosa of the labia, so that you don’t even feel the injection. You’ll feel some tugging and pulling during the procedure itself, but no actual pain.
Once everything is numbed up, the area is cleaned off with betadine, an antiseptic. Sterile towels are used to cover the surrounding skin and keep the surgical area sterile. Then the edges of the labia minora are trimmed to make them smaller and more symmetric. Finally, the incision is closed with sutures that dissolve.
What is Recovery Like after Labiaplasty?
Like many surgical procedures, the first day or two are usually the most difficult part of the recovery. You will be sore, and it’s common to have swelling and bruising as well. Using an ice pack can help relieve discomfort and reduce swelling. If you experience any burning when you urinate, trying rinsing the area with water as you go. Peri-bottles (commonly used after childbirth) are made for just this purpose, and you can buy them on Amazon. Even if you don’t experience any burning, you should rinse the area with water and pat dry gently after using the bathroom.
After labiaplasty you’ll need to take it easy and give your body time to rest. Avoid any activities that put pressure on the vulva, such as horseback riding, riding a bike, and sexual intercourse, for at least four weeks after surgery. You’ll also want to avoid any vigorous exercise like running or lifting weights, as this can increase swelling.
What are the Risks of Labiaplasty?
Bleeding after surgery is a risk of labiaplasty, which is why you’ll need to take it easy. Infection is also a risk of surgery. If you are prone to recurrent yeast infections be sure to let your doctor know, as this can affect healing. The scars generally fade very well after labiaplasty, but sometimes the edges of the labia don’t heal perfectly smoothly, and there may be a little indentation visible. Labiaplasty generally does not affect sensation during sexual intercourse.
How Much does Labiaplasty Cost?
Labiaplasty costs an average of $3000-$5000. This cost includes the surgeon’s fee, the facility fee, and the fee for anesthesia (if applicable). It also includes all of your postoperative care.
CONCLUSION
Labiaplasty is done to decrease the size of the labia minora, the “inner lips” of the vulva. Women have labiaplasty done to alleviate discomfort, tugging, and pulling, as well as to improve the appearance of the labia and make them less visible in form-fitting clothing. Labiaplasty is a short procedure which can be done awake, and has a low complication rate. If you are considering labiaplasty and would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Greer, call us at (440) 336-8373 or email info@greerplastics.com
Dr. Greer and her wonderful staff are not the norm. They all go above and beyond to make sure you are comfortable. From my very first phone call, to now 2 weeks post op from my tummy tuck and breast lift surgery, I have felt at ease, and confident in Dr. Greer’s care. I HIGHLY recommend her. My after care was suburb, every visit I feel like she listens to me, not to mention how great my results are. Extremely knowledgeable and caring doctor.
From my first visit to consecutive, the staff has always been kind, efficient and thorough with all my questions. Most importantly, honest. Something I felt fell short in previous practices I had visited regarding what I wanted, opposed to what I really needed and would benefit from. Dr. Greer is very personable and down to earth. I am so happy to have been referred to Dr. Greer’s practice.
Dr. Greer and her wonderful staff are not the norm. They all go above and beyond to make sure you are comfortable. From my very first phone call, to now 2 weeks post op from my tummy tuck and breast lift surgery, I have felt at ease, and confident in Dr. Greer’s care. I HIGHLY recommend her. My after care was suburb, every visit I feel like she listens to me, not to mention how great my results are. Extremely knowledgeable and caring doctor.
From my first visit to consecutive, the staff has always been kind, efficient and thorough with all my questions. Most importantly, honest. Something I felt fell short in previous practices I had visited regarding what I wanted, opposed to what I really needed and would benefit from. Dr. Greer is very personable and down to earth. I am so happy to have been referred to Dr. Greer’s practice.
