What is labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a vaginal rejuvenation outpatient procedure designed to reshape the labia minora (the inner vaginal lips of the vulva) and/or labia majora (the outer lips) to improve their size, shape, or symmetry. It can address functional issues related to discomfort, irritation, or other health concerns or be performed for cosmetic reasons.
Why would a woman want labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty can be performed for various reasons, including medical, functional, or aesthetic. For example, an oversized labia can be a bothersome concern for many women. It may cause discomfort or not align with one’s ideal vulvar appearance.
Enlarged or elongated labia can cause physical discomfort during activities like walking, cycling, or sexual intercourse. The excess tissue may also rub against clothing, causing irritation. In some cases, protruding labia can interfere with the ability to wipe properly or cause issues with urinary flow or sexual function. An enlarged labia may also make personal hygiene more difficult, increasing the risk of infections.
Some women seek labiaplasty to reduce the size of the labial tissue of the labia minora if they feel it is disproportionately large or asymmetrical, which can lead to self-consciousness or dissatisfaction with their appearance.
Women may be born with large or asymmetric labia, or they may develop these changes over time, particularly after childbirth. Vaginal delivery especially can lead to stretching of the labia, resulting in changes in shape, size, and position, which may prompt some women to seek labiaplasty.
And some women have a vision for what they want their vulva to look like, and that’s okay!
Who is a good candidate for labiaplasty?
The ideal candidate for labiaplasty is a woman in good health with realistic expectations regarding the procedure and desired results. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy soon, then right now is not the right time for a labiaplasty, but come back afterward!
Are there different types of surgical techniques for labiaplasty?
Yes, different techniques are used for labiaplasty, depending on your anatomy (specifically, the size of the labia) and the desired outcome.
The labia minora (inner lips) may be treated with a trim or wedge technique. Trimming creates a symmetrical, more defined shape while wedging maintains a more natural shape and contour.
Reduction of excess skin and fat on the labia majora (outer lips) may be performed. Conversely, if your labia majora appear sunken or deflated, a non-surgical procedure called labial puff may be right.
If there is excess skin around the clitoris, then clitoral hood reduction may be performed at the same time as labiaplasty. If there are adhesions around your clitoris, sexual activity may be painful, or orgasming could be difficult; you may be a candidate for clitoral lysis of adhesions.
Labiaplasty can be performed under local anesthesia in the office or as small outpatient surgeries at a surgery center or hospital. Our choice of setting depends on your wishes, anatomy, and other health issues.
What labiaplasty surgical approach is best?
All surgical decisions are tailored to each patient. During your consultation, we will discuss your specific situation, including your symptoms and desired outcome, and perform a pelvic examination. Then, we can decide which setting and technique best suit you.
Feel free to bring pictures to your consultation! No two vulvas are identical, and it’s impossible to replicate another vulva, but it helps inform our decision-making to understand your vision!
What to expect after labiaplasty surgery
Labiaplasty recovery generally includes some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the first few days.
Pain is generally mild to moderate and can be controlled with prescribed medications or over-the-counter pain relievers. It is important to keep the area clean and dry. A sitz bath or gentle cleansing with water is recommended to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.
We advise you to avoid sexual intercourse, tampon use, and strenuous physical activities (such as exercise or heavy lifting) for about 4-6 weeks to allow proper healing.
Is labiaplasty surgery safe?
Yes, labiaplasty is generally considered a very safe procedure. But, as with any surgery, there are risks. These include:
Infection of the surgical area
Proper aftercare and hygiene are critical to preventing infections.
Scarring
We make every effort to minimize scarring, but everybody heals differently. You may experience noticeable scarring, but fortunately, these are often well-hidden within the natural folds of the labia.
Asymmetry
Asymmetry is possible after labiaplasty, but can be corrected with a small revision procedure.
Nerve changes
Though rare, labiaplasty can cause changes in sensation or sexual function. Some women may experience an increase or decrease in sensation after surgery, though most report no change or an improvement in sexual comfort.
Does Insurance cover labiaplasty surgery?
Labiaplasty is typically not covered by insurance as it is generally considered a cosmetic surgery. However, a small percentage of labiaplasty procedures receive insurance coverage due to medical necessity.
Common medical issues that may cause labiaplasty to be covered by insurance include:
- Physical discomfort
- Chronic pain
- Bacterial infections
- Recurring UTIs
- Chafing and swelling
How much does labiaplasty surgery cost?
Labiaplasty cost can vary significantly based on your location, surgeon’s experience, and other factors, including:
- Anesthesia fees and the type of anesthesia used
- Surgery center charges
- Follow-up visits
- Complexity of the procedure
What is the satisfaction rate after labiaplasty?
After labiaplasty, most women are highly satisfied with the aesthetic outcome, reporting improved self-esteem, confidence, and a more youthful appearance. Many consider it life-changing, which is wonderful for us to hear.
If your labia is causing discomfort, pain, irritation, or functional issues before the procedure, you can expect significant improvement in these symptoms after the procedure.
While the results of a labiaplasty are permanent at the time of surgery, aging, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations may cause the labia’s appearance to change over time.
Why choose board-certified Dr. Kuhlmann and Tower Urology for labiaplasty surgery in Los Angeles?
The urologists at Tower Urology are leading specialists in women’s sexual health in Los Angeles, CA. We offer expert diagnosis and treatment for many women’s health issues. With our compassionate approach and extensive experience, we are dedicated to helping women overcome this condition and enjoy a fulfilling sexual life.
Tower Urology is a proud affiliate of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, ranked #1 in California and #2 nationwide by U.S. News & World Report. This partnership reflects our dedication to delivering the highest standard of urologic care alongside the best urologists in Los Angeles. Our years of experience and access to Cedars-Sinai’s world-class facilities ensure that our exceptional and innovative urological care positions Tower Urology as a leader in Southern California.
We invite you to establish a care plan with Tower Urology.
Tower Urology’s health care professionals are conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area, including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, and Downtown Los Angeles.
Our women’s heath services include treatment for clitoral adhesions/clitoral pain, vaginal dryness, painful sex, and low libido in women.
Labiaplasty FAQs
You can typically return to work within 5-7 days after labiaplasty surgery. However, the timeline depends on how physically demanding your job is. You may need two to four weeks to recover for more physically demanding jobs. Dr. Kuhlmann will discuss this during your consultation and explain everything you need to know about the recovery process.
We prefer local anesthesia versus general anesthesia because it provides adequate comfort while minimizing risks and recovery time. However, the final choice depends on the complexity of your procedure, your preferences, and our surgeon’s recommendation.
Sources
What to expect at every stage of your labiaplasty
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-to-expect-at-every-stage-of-your-labiaplasty
Stats show labiaplasty is becoming more popular | ASPS
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/stats-show-labiaplasty-is-becoming-more-popular
Labiaplasty | Aesthetic Genital Plastic Surgery | ASPS
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/aesthetic-genital-plastic-surgery/labiaplasty
