Labiaplasty

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Childbirth and aging can affect the appearance and function of the female genital area, as can congenital irregularities. With the rise in Brazilian waxing, women are becoming more conscious of these changes and differences. Fortunately, Dr. Lee can address these concerns through the cosmetic genital procedure labiaplasty.

Labiaplasty, also known as labial reduction or labia minora reduction, is surgery on the labia (the “lips” surrounding the vagina). In some women, the labia are enlarged or elongated, causing discomfort when wearing certain clothes or engaging in exercise, hygiene issues, and self-consciousness. Labiaplasty might include the labia major (the larger, outer vaginal lips), the labia minor (the smaller, inner vaginal lips), or both. Labiaplasty changes the size and/or shape of the labia to correct an asymmetry or make them smaller.

Introduction to Female Genital Surgery

Female genital surgery has become an increasingly sought-after option for women who wish to address both aesthetic and functional concerns related to their intimate areas. Among these procedures, labia minora reduction — commonly known as labiaplasty — stands out as the most frequently performed. This surgical procedure focuses on reducing the size of the labia minora, the inner vaginal lips, to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Many women consider labiaplasty when they experience physical discomfort, irritation, or self-consciousness due to enlarged or asymmetrical labia. These issues can arise from genetics, childbirth, aging, or simply natural variation, and may lead to discomfort during sexual intercourse, exercise, or when wearing tight clothing.

Labiaplasty techniques are tailored to each patient’s unique needs and aesthetic goals. The most common methods include the trim procedure, which removes excess tissue along the edge of the labia minora, and the wedge procedure, which involves excising a pie-shaped piece of tissue to reduce size while preserving the natural contour of the labia. Both approaches aim to achieve a harmonious, natural look and minimize the risk of functional impairment. In many cases, local anesthesia is used to ensure patient comfort during the surgical procedure, and absorbable sutures are placed to close the surgical wound, promoting a smooth recovery. With advancements in technology, laser labiaplasty has also emerged as a precise and less invasive alternative to traditional methods.

Ultimately, labiaplasty and other vaginal rejuvenation procedures can offer significant benefits, including relief from physical discomfort, enhanced confidence, and a renewed sense of well-being. By understanding the available labiaplasty techniques, potential risks, and the importance of a skilled surgical team, women can make informed decisions about their bodies and achieve the aesthetic outcome they desire.

Am I a Good Candidate for Labiaplasty?

Patients seeking labiaplasty should be thoroughly evaluated to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure. Choosing to undergo labiaplasty or any female genital surgery is a deeply personal decision. Patients commonly consider labiaplasty surgery due to any of the following:

• Desire for aesthetic labia minora or labia majora
• Heightened pleasure and improvement of the clitoris
• Discomfort in the shape or appearance of the vagina
• Discomfort in clothing, particularly in bathing suits

It is essential for patients to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon who understands the nuances of genital aesthetics and can help set realistic expectations. Plastic surgeons and their surgical teams play a vital role in guiding patients through the process, from initial consultation to post-operative care, ensuring safety and satisfaction at every step. While most patients report high levels of satisfaction and improved self-esteem after minora reduction, it is important to address any underlying mental health concerns, such as body dysmorphic disorder, before pursuing vaginal rejuvenation surgery.

Before Your Procedure 

Knowing what to do and what to expect before your surgery will make for the best possible outcome. Those who are pursuing surgery will need to keep several things in mind leading to their vaginal rejuvenation procedure.

If you’re a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well before surgery. You may need to get lab testing or a medical evaluation to take certain medications or adjust your current medications. You will need to avoid aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs before surgery because they can cause increased bleeding.

Dr. Lee will provide additional preoperative instructions as needed on a case-by-case basis. Your vaginal rejuvenation procedure may vary depending on your specific needs.

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During Your Labiaplasty Procedure

Your surgery will be performed at the fully accredited Southwest Surgical Suites. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you at least the first night following surgery. Throughout the process, your healthcare team—including surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists—will support you before, during, and after the procedure to ensure your safety and optimal results.

Typically, general anesthesia is used for vaginoplasty, though local anesthesia and intravenous sedation may be an option for labiaplasty. Dr. Lee will recommend the type of anesthesia best for you. There are two primary methods that are commonly used in labiaplasty surgery.

Trim Labiaplasty

Performed by removing extra skin through the outer edge of the labia minora, the trim or edge resection surgery has the ability to reduce the visibility of scarring. As a result, the trim procedure can significantly reduce asymmetry. Occasionally, the scar may heal as a ridge, but this is usually hidden in the interior of the labial folds. The results of the trim method can reduce the natural color variations or wrinkles of the labia minora.

Wedge Labiaplasty

Using the wedge technique, a V-shaped section of tissue is removed from the the labia majora, after which the two edges are stitched together. This allows for the outer edges to remain intact and for the labia majora to protrude less. Most patients seeking natural-looking results would be best suited for a wedge procedure.

Additional Surgeries

Some patients may be able to combine their vaginal rejuvenation procedure with another similar treatment, such as clitoral hood reduction, to improve the overall appearance of the labia. Aesthetic vaginal labioplasty surgery can vary depending on the patients’ needs, goals, and comfort level. Excess skin, tissue, extra folds, and other specific vaginal rejuvenation requests can be addressed on an individual basis with your plastic surgeon.

After Your Procedure 

When your labiaplasty surgery is complete, you’ll be taken into a recovery area, where you will be closely monitored. You’ll receive detailed instructions for your post-surgical care. In most cases, you’ll go home in just a few hours. You will need a caregiver to drive you home and to stay with you for the first 24 hours to watch for signs of complications.

You will experience discomfort at the surgical site for the first few days after your vaginal cosmetic surgery, but you will receive prescriptions for pain medications and possibly antibiotics. Pain control is a crucial aspect of your recovery, helping to ensure your comfort and reduce the risk of complications. You likely will be able to return to work after a week. Most patients can resume activities such as tampon use and intercourse after four to six weeks, depending on healing. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions as to your individual care.

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or an unusual heart rhythm during this time, seek medical attention immediately. It’s extremely important to follow your post-operative instructions. Patient satisfaction is closely linked to effective recovery, pain management, and clear post-operative instructions.

Understanding the Risks 

Every year, thousands of women undergo successful cosmetic genital surgery, and Dr. Lee is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience. However, every plastic surgery procedure has risks. Choosing qualified surgeons, especially board-certified plastic surgeons, is essential to minimize these risks and ensure optimal outcomes.

Dr. Lee will review your personal history to identify any areas of concern. Some potential complications include reactions to anesthesia, blood accumulation that may need to be drained surgically, and infection.

Risks of labiaplasty include:

• Infection
• Permanent changes in sensation
• Scarring
• Poor healing of incisions
• Fluid accumulation
• Blood clots
• Pain, which may persist
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Possibility of revisional surgery
• Removal of too much tissue, which can lead to severe complications such as asymmetry, overresection, or functional issues

If complications or unsatisfactory results occur, revision surgery may be necessary to address issues such as asymmetry, overresection, or persistent pigmentation.

Dr. Lee will discuss these risks with you during your consultation. Please be sure to ask him any questions or concerns you might have.

Results of Your Procedure 

Labiaplasty can have many benefits, depending on the individual. Many women pursue labiaplasty for aesthetic reasons, such as improving the appearance of the labia minora and majora. The various vaginal rejuvenation procedures can relieve discomfort and irritation, improve genital hygiene, help you feel better about yourself and your partner, enhance sexual self-esteem and confidence, and make you more comfortable with your intimate life. Additionally, many patients seeking plastic surgery find themselves more comfortable in their clothing, especially in bathing suits.

Labiaplasty surgery is a specialized procedure aimed at enhancing the appearance of the labia minora and labia majora. Achieving an aesthetic labial reduction or clitoral hood reduction is important for a natural and pleasing result, but the aesthetics are not the only thing that matters. Comprehensive results also depend on the careful management of labial tissue and consideration of the labia minor and labia majora to ensure optimal outcomes.

The key to a truly successful cosmetic genital surgery is maintaining an open line of communication with board-certified plastic surgeons, like Dr. Lee, and adhering to their recommendations. Dr. Lee and his team are eager to respond to your questions and concerns and can help provide skin care to maintain and enhance your results. Please be sure to ask him any questions or concerns you might have.

Frequently Asked Questions about Labiaplasty

Request a Labiaplasty Consultation in Fort Wayne Today

The first step is to schedule a consultation at Aspire’s Fort Wayne location. When a patient presents for consultation, Dr. Lee assesses their anatomy and discusses their goals to determine the best approach. During your consultation, Dr. Lee will spend some time getting to know you. He will ask about the motivation behind your decision, examine the vaginal area, and take photos for your records.

Be prepared to discuss your medical history, including any medical conditions, drug allergies, previous surgeries or medical treatments, and current medications. Dr. Lee has performed procedures for patients in the Angola, Warsaw, Huntington, and Roanoke areas. With Dr. Lee’s experience, you can be assured of a safe and successful procedure.