If You're Considering Labiaplasty… Many women suffer from oversized or asymmetrical labia minora (the folds of skin or "lips" surrounding the entrance to the vagina). While many women are born with this condition and are affected by it throughout their lives, it can also appear later in life with aging or due to stretching during childbirth. Women who have oversized or asymmetrical labia minora often experience discomfort when wearing certain clothing, or during sexual intercourse and it can be a cause of embarrassment with a sexual partner.
The labiaplasty procedure is relatively pain free. Small incisions are made to remove any excess tissue or to even the edges of the labia minora. After surgery, sensation in the labia minora are normal and occasionally enhanced. The results of labioplasty are symmetrical, aesthetically pleasing labia minora.
What is a labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty (sometimes spelled labioplasty) is a plastic surgery procedure involving the labia, any of four folds of tissue of the vulva (female external genitalia). The procedure can involve creation or reshaping of the labia. Labiaplasty is sometimes performed to revise conditions such as large inner labia, as well as to repair the area following disease or injury, especially from childbirth. The procedure is frequently performed to reduce the size of one or both sets of labia.
Why would I want a labiaplasty?
Many women with enlarged labia feel uncomfortable. This may simply be due to esthetics, often these patients feel embarrassed or self-conscious in front of their partners. Other women feel physical discomfort when wearing tight clothing, having sexual relations, or exercising.
Large, asymmetric or irregular genital labia (lips) can occur naturally or develop with age, childbirth, hormones, or even from sexual intercourse. In most women, the labia minora (inner genital "lips") are seen only when the legs are separated, however in some women, large labia minora are visible even when the legs are not apart, or are barely separated, causing embarrassment, self-consciousness, distancing in relationships, and discomfort. Enlarged labia may also be noticeable in tightly fitting pants, and might cause discomfort during intercourse or bicycle riding. For these reasons, many women with asymmetric or large labia choose to make the labia smaller, more defined, and/or more symmetric through a procedure known as labiaplasty or labia minora reduction.
(The labia minora are the inner genital "lips" while the labia majora are the external genital "lips")
Where are the procedures performed?
Labiaplasty is usually an outpatient procedure performed at our state-of-the-art outpatient facility at Highland Park Plastic Surgery Center, Dallas Texas.
What kind of anesthesia is required?
Labiaplasty is usually performed under local anesthesia. General anesthesia is required for the larger cases.
How long does the surgery take?
Each procedure takes approximately 1-2 hours to perform. An additional hour is spent in our recovery room under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
What are the risks?
The most common risks of surgery may include bleeding, infection, and scarring, however these are unusual.
What can I expect post-surgery?
Most women experience some mild discomfort and swelling, which usually disappears completely after 1-2 weeks. Patients are sent home with pain medication and antibiotics. You will be applying antibiotic ointment to the area to keep it moist for the first week or two. Bleeding should pretty much stop 2-4 days following surgery.
Full healing takes approximately six weeks. All sutures used are absorbable and therefore do not need to be removed. The labial incisions usually heal and are rarely noticeable.
How soon can I return to work?
3 - 5 days.
When can I resume sexual activity?
Six to eight weeks after the procedure.
For more information on Labiaplasty and whether you are a good candidate please contact Dr. Toledo at 214.363.4444