Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of the labia minoran and the inner skin folds around the urethra. The procedure can help remove skin that causes pain or irritation during intercourse or exercise. Labiaplasty is as much a cosmetic as functional operation due to its benefits.
Treatment Time
2-3 hours; most patients elect to have the procedure completed under local anesthetic with a small amount of sedation however the procedure can also be completed under a general anesthetic.
Incisions
Incisions are customized to your own tissue but follow excess skin contours of the labia minora. Each patient is different so the amount of skin removed varies by patient.
Benefits
Labiaplasty not only allows patients to feel more comfortable in their skin but also improves comfort with exercise, sexual intercourse, or other physical activities. Labiaplasty is a high satisfaction operation and does not have a prolonged recovery.
Technique
Incisions follow the natural contours of the labia minora and local anesthetic is used to minimize bleeding. Excess skin is discarded and absorbable sutures are used to minimize discomfort postoperatively.
Recovery
The incisions are well healed within 2 weeks and most bruising and swelling is gone by 3 weeks. Patients can expect to be fully recovered after 4 weeks and can then resume normal activities.
Risks
Risks of the procedure include bleeding, infection, wound healing issues, over or under resection, and patient dissatisfaction. Labiaplasty does not have an effect on urination as the urethra is not manipulated.
Who are the best candidates?
Patients who are otherwise healthy, non-smokers, have excess skin along their labia minora, are not currently pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant shortly, and have realistic expectations as to what a labiaplasty can accomplish.
Adjunct Procedures
Labiaplasty is commonly performed on its own, however other breast and body procedures such as breast augmentation or abdominoplasty can be completed concurrently.