Labiaplasty
While many people have probably heard of vaginal rejuvenation surgery, the term “labiaplasty” is less common, although it falls under the same category. Vaginal rejuvenation is an umbrella term that encompasses many different procedures, labiaplasty being one of them. That being said, labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that is designed to decrease the size of the labia minora (the inner tissues of the female genitalia) so that it is relatively the same size as the labia majora (the outer tissues). As with most procedures, there are a number of reasons why someone may choose to have this surgery. However, some of the most common reasons an individual may feel compelled to have this procedure done include childbirth, aging, sexual activity, and more. If you are interested in a labiaplasty procedure, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Vu Center in Portland to request a consultation with our board-certified surgeons. In the meantime, continue reading below to learn more about this cosmetic procedure.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
As mentioned above, a labiaplasty procedure is used to decrease the size of the labia minora. That being said, the procedure can also be performed on the labia majora should that procedure help the patient achieve their desired results.
Typically, patients may request this surgery if they are unhappy with the appearance of their labia after childbirth, aging, or even as a result of their genetics. In fact, an enlarged labia may result in difficulties or feelings of discomfort during exercise or sexual activity, and it could also result in poor hygiene or urinary tract infections. Those with an enlarged labia may also feel self-conscious about the way they look in certain items of clothing, such as yoga pants.
If you are considering this surgery, we typically look for candidates who:
- Have physical discomfort while sitting, exercising, or having sex
- Are self-conscious due to the appearance or size of their labia
- Have labial tears from childbirth
We also feel that it is important for the patient to have realistic expectations for the results of their procedure, as not all results will look the same. If you feel that you are a good candidate for a labiaplasty procedure, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Vu Center today!
Before Surgery
Schedule A Consultation
Before you can schedule your procedure, all patients are required to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified surgeons. During the consultation, the surgeon will go over the entire procedure with you from start to finish, as well as give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding your procedure. We work hard to ensure that all of our patients feel completely comfortable with their desired procedure before they schedule a day for surgery.
Discuss Options & Results
In addition to discussing the details of your labiaplasty procedure, your surgeon will also discuss your desired results, as well as any options you may have to achieve those results. It’s important to note that a labiaplasty can be either a plastic or a cosmetic procedure — the surgery will either improve the function of your labia or it will improve the appearance. Your surgeon will discuss the difference and your options during the consultation.
Schedule Your Surgery
Once the consultation is complete, you will schedule a date for your surgery, and your surgeon or a nurse will discuss pre- and post-op instructions. Prior to your surgery, you may be required to bathe with a special soap, receive a medical exam, or stop taking any medications that may interfere with the anesthetic.
The Labiaplasty Procedure
Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure, meaning you will be able to go home the same day. For this reason, we require that you have someone to drive you to and from your appointment, as well as be there to take care of you for the first 24 hours.
Your surgeon will start by using either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia to sedate you during the procedure. From there, they will either use the trim or the wedge technique to improve your labia.
- Trim – The surgeon will remove excess skin around the outer edge of the labia. This is the most common and most natural technique used during a labiaplasty procedure.
- Wedge – For this technique, the surgeon will remove a “V” shaped section from your labia and stitch the edges together. This technique produces very natural results and preserves the wrinkled edges of the labia.
Recovery
Because the genital region is very sensitive, proper postoperative care is essential. Before you go home, your surgeon will provide you with post-op instructions. We want to ensure that you feel comfortable with the instructions before you go home, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or give us a call if questions arise once you’re home.
In addition to taking medications prescribed by your surgeon to reduce pain and inflammation, you may be instructed to avoid long showers and some physical activity until your doctor says it’s okay.
Contact The Vu Center Today
If you are interested in a labiaplasty procedure or you would like to learn more about your options, contact The Vu Center in Portland. We offer a variety of plastic and cosmetic surgical procedures that are designed to help you feel more confident and comfortable in your own body, and we would love to work with you to determine what will provide you with the best results. Reach out to our team of board-certified plastic surgeons to request a consultation today.