What is Labiaplasty? Labiaplasty is a plastic surgery procedure modifying the outside appearance of female genitaila or Vulva (may refer to our labiaplasty page for the anatomy of the vulva). Women who get this procedure done are unsatisfied with the appearance of their external genitals. Most common labiaplasty proceduer is perfomed to change the appearance of the inner labia or labia minora. Majority of time the appearance of clitoral hood is changed at the same time as labia minora. The procedure can also involve changing the shape or folds surrounding the vulva (Ouer labia or labia majora).
Congenital (born with it) causes as well as pregnancy, giving birth, trauma play a factor when it comes to the appearance of labia or female external genitalia. Genes are responsible for what we inherit with regard to the appearance of the labia. Giving birth, may stretch or tear the labia which could ruin the look and shape of the labia.
The goal of the procedure is to reduce the redundancy of skin of the labia minora or majora and clitral hood. Labiaplasty can also reduce the size if one labia is larger than the other. This will resolve tugging, twisting, or falling out if wearing a bikini. This procedure involves trimming extra tissue and extra folds of the labia or the clitoral hood. The closure is usually done with sutures that are absorbable under anesthesia. We prefer to use general anesthesia for patients comfort if there are no contraindication for general anesthesia.
Recovery time from a labiaplasty can be up to 8 weeks. Most patients will take a week to recover to help reduce swelling and pain. Putting an ice pack between the patients underpants every 1/2 hour is recommended for the first 48-72 hours . If patient is on her time of the month, the patient will have to wait at least 4 to 6 weeks to use a tampon. Also after 6-8 weeks, patient may resume having intercourse. The swelling may go away after 6 weeks but if there is residual swelling it may take up to 6 months.
The result of undergoing a labiaplasty is to minimize discomfort and to improve the appearance of the labia. How do you know if you are a good candidate?
- Woman who want to achieve a youthful vulva or is unhappy about appearance of her labia or clitral hood.
- Minimize extra tissue of the labia minora or majora
- Feeling discomfort from labia folds
- Feeling Self -conscious about the appearance of the labia.
Dr. Kalantarian (Dr K) plastic surgery in Orange County (OC Dr K) goes over all the information about labiaplasty in great detail during your consultation. There will be a formal examination to determine the type of procedure that needs to take place. If you feel that you are a great candidate to do the labiaplasty procedure, call today to schedule a free consultation.
Call (714) 444-4495 for inquiries or scheduling a free consultation. For other inquires, please email us at ocdrkplasticsurgery@gmail.com
B. Kalantarian, M.D., FACS
