LABIAPLASTY

There are many reasons why people decide to have this surgery, including anything from improving functionality to altering the labia’s appearance. Labiaplasty offers several significant benefits, both physically and emotionally. One of the primary advantages is improved comfort and sexual wellness. By removing excess skin from the labia, the procedure can reduce irritation or discomfort that may occur during exercise, sexual activity, or while wearing tight clothing.

Another key benefit is the restoration of a more youthful aesthetic. Over time, factors such as aging or childbirth can alter the appearance of the labia, and labiaplasty helps to rejuvenate the area, making it look more like it did before these changes occurred.

The procedure also helps reduce asymmetry. If one side of the labia is noticeably longer or shaped differently than the other, labiaplasty can reshape the tissue to create a more balanced, symmetrical appearance.

Finally, many individuals experience a boost in confidence following the surgery. Feeling more comfortable with the look and feel of your genitalia can have a positive impact on your self- esteem and overall quality of life.

You may be wondering, “What qualifies you for a labiaplasty?” “Is labiaplasty right for me?” or “Who is a good candidate for labiaplasty surgery?” Not every woman will be a good candidate. Labiaplasty may be a suitable option if you're experiencing cosmetic or functional issues related to elongated or sagging labial skin. The ideal candidate is someone in good overall health, a non- smoker, and someone who may struggle with daily activities or feel self-conscious or insecure about the appearance or size of their labia.

You might also want to know, “What is the average age for labiaplasty?” The majority of people who have this surgery are between the ages of eighteen and fifty, but you might want to wait until you have finished having children to have a labiaplasty, as pregnancy and childbirth could cause the labia to stretch again and undo the results. It is safe to have a baby after a labiaplasty, but childbirth could stretch the labial tissues and change their appearance. For this reason, we recommend that patients wait to have the surgery until they are done having children.

Before we explore the labiaplasty procedure, you may be wondering what causes enlarged labia and whether it’s normal to have this condition. Excess labial skin might not only be aesthetically displeasing to some, but can also interfere with function and cause physical discomfort when you wear specific types of clothing or engage in certain physical activities.

There really is no such thing as a “normal standard” when it comes to the shape and size of the labia. Every person’s vaginal lips are different to some degree—but some women may feel like the outward appearance of the skin of their inner labia causes them to feel self-conscious. The following factors can cause the labia to become enlarged or change shape.

• Aging:
  As a person ages, the skin loses elasticity and firmness, which can cause the labia to stretch or change shape over time.
• Menopause and Hormonal Changes:
  Decreased estrogen levels during menopause or other hormonal shifts can lead to thinning, drying, and changes in the appearance and size of the labia.
• Childbirth:
  Vaginal delivery can stretch or tear the labial tissues, leading to enlargement or asymmetry of the labia.
• Weight Fluctuations:
  Significant weight gain or loss can affect the fatty tissue in the genital area, causing changes in the size and shape of the labia.
• Sexual Activity:
  Although not a primary cause, frequent or vigorous sexual activity may contribute to minor stretching or irritation of the labial tissue over time.
• Genetics:
  Some individuals are born with naturally enlarged or asymmetrical labia due to inherited anatomical traits.

For some patients, the natural aging process causes their labia to elongate, become asymmetrical, or appear misshapen. For others, irregularities are congenital and appear during puberty. Regardless of the cause, irregular labia may be either cosmetically undesirable or functionally disruptive, interfering with hygiene or causing discomfort during sexual intercourse or when wearing certain clothing.

The factors that you consider before a labiaplasty can often be more complex and nuanced in comparison to other types of surgeries. Patients will need to be fully aware of the potential results and risks involved, so it’s important to begin with an in-person meeting.

Are you unsure of what to expect at a labiaplasty consultation? At your initial consultation for a labiaplasty, we will conduct a thorough exam and help you decide whether this surgery is the most suitable option for you. This also provides the perfect opportunity to discuss any ways in which your labia structure is negatively impacting your quality of life, what you hope to achieve from the surgery, and ask us any questions you have. We will ask about what you hope to accomplish from the surgery and tailor our plan for your labia reduction surgery accordingly.

After you have decided that labiaplasty surgery is the best choice for you, there are other parts of the process to consider, such as planning and recovery.

“What do I need to know before labiaplasty?” is a frequent question heard at West County Plastic Surgeons, as is “How do I prepare for labiaplasty surgery?”

Patients will have to avoid taking blood thinning medications for two weeks prior to the surgery. You will also need to avoid smoking for four weeks before and after labiaplasty. Prior to the surgery, it’s also recommended that you eat healthy, drink lots of water, and get enough sleep. Establishing healthy habits before the surgery can also help you to recover at a faster pace.

In preparation for this surgery, you will need to arrange with friends and family to get help around the house while you’re recovering, and stock up on food, prescriptions, and any other items you will need.

Curious about what happens during the actual labia reduction procedure? During the reduction surgery, excess tissue is removed via carefully placed incisions to contour and improve symmetry of the labia minora or, less commonly, the labia majora. The incisions are then stitched closed. Following surgery, the labia are typically smaller in appearance, more comfortable, and more symmetrical. Fat transfer or fat grafting can be used in the labia majora to simulate a more youthful appearance as well.

Your next question might be, “How long does it take to recover after a labiaplasty?” Labiaplasty shortens the labia, and people have often called it a life-changing surgery. You’re likely to experience swelling that may persist for three to six months, but once the swelling goes down and you’ve fully healed, you will be able to see the full results. You will also experience some soreness when you’re recovering.

Importantly, your body will need time to rest and heal after labiaplasty.

To learn how to prepare for the procedure and what to expect afterwards click here to download our patient instructions.

You probably have lots of concerns, such as, “How do you clean yourself after labiaplasty?” or “What do you wear after labiaplasty?” The genital region is very sensitive and generally requires special care following a surgical procedure.

When you’re in recovery after labiaplasty surgery, it’s best to wear loose clothing; take salt or sitz baths to reduce soreness; avoid exercise, riding bikes, running, or other strenuous activities; and not use tampons or have vaginal intercourse for four to six weeks. If you get back to normal life too quickly, the activity can cause too much pressure to be exerted on the wound and delay your healing process. Tight clothes or undergarments can cause too much friction against the wound.

There will be no need to adjust your lifestyle and activities after you have fully recovered from labiaplasty.

Most patients notice results from this procedure right away, although the results will continue to evolve in the following weeks to months. Once all of the swelling has resolved, you’ll see your final results.

Keep in mind that while the changes are visible and long-lasting, the appearance of the area can be affected by natural aging, as well as future pregnancies and childbirth. Once the excess tissue has been removed, it does not grow back, so you can potentially enjoy your new appearance for a lifetime.

Labiaplasty is often combined with other cosmetic procedures to enhance overall results and achieve a more comprehensive transformation. These include procedures for the breasts and body, which can also experience changes due to aging, pregnancy, and childbirth.

Breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) is a popular cosmetic procedure for individuals who desire fuller breasts or a more rounded shape in the upper portion of the breast. Whether the goal is to enhance natural proportions or restore volume lost due to aging, weight loss, or pregnancy, breast augmentation can help patients achieve their desired silhouette.

A breast lift (mastopexy) is ideal for those experiencing sagging or a downward shift in breast position, often caused by pregnancy, aging, or significant weight changes. This procedure raises and reshapes the breasts, restoring a perkier, more youthful, and feminine appearance without necessarily increasing breast size.

The tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is often considered by patients looking to improve the contour and firmness of the abdomen. While some may debate between a tummy tuck and liposuction, the right choice depends on individual goals and anatomy. Abdominoplasty is typically best for those with loose or excess skin, weakened abdominal muscles, or significant changes following weight loss or pregnancy. It is also a key component of a "mommy makeover" for women seeking to reclaim their pre-pregnancy shape.

There are also options for enhancing other areas of the body, such as an arm lift, total body lift, or lower body lift. Combining several of these procedures to address pregnancy - and birth-related changes is commonly referred to as a Mommy Makeover.