What is Labiaplasty

The labiaplasty procedure decreases the size of the labia minora, which are the inner tissues of the female genitalia so that it is flush with the labia majora, which is the outer part of the female genitalia. This procedure uses several different surgical techniques depending on the patient's specific aesthetic goal.

What does labiaplasty

address?

Labiaplasty can improve the appearance and provide better symmetry of the labia while reducing symptoms associated with enlarged labia. Dr. Raffi can also combine it with correcting excessive clitoral hooding or vaginal rejuvenation. Some examples of what labiaplasty can address include:

  • Excessively long or thick labia minora
  • Asymmetry between the labia minora 
  • Visible bulging when wearing tight clothing
  • Discomfort during exercise and physical activities 
  • Rashes from friction and rubbing of the labia
  • Flattened, misshapen, or hanging labia majora
  • Irregularity from prior surgery or excisions on the labia

Are there different types of labiaplasty?

Initially, there was a single procedure for labiaplasty, but several advanced surgical techniques have since evolved. The two most common techniques are the trim procedure and the wedge procedure.

The trim procedure is the original technique, most widely used by plastic surgeons, and is most natural to perform. In this procedure, the excess part of the labia minora is removed and sutured symmetrically with the labia majora.

During the wedge procedure, a partial thickness wedge is removed from the thickest part of the labia minora. The layer of tissue beneath the mucous membrane must be left intact by removing only a partial thickness. Because the wedge procedure preserves the wrinkled edges of the labia, the result appears more natural. Procedures to address the labia majora specifically include:

  • Removing tissue or using liposuction on labia that are longer or fuller than desired
  • Injecting fat to plump labia that aren’t as full as desired

Am I a good candidate for labiaplasty?

Ideal candidates for labiaplasty include women who:

  • Are unhappy with the appearance of their labia 
  • Have discomfort in the genital area when performing regular activities
  • Avoid sexual intimacy due to being embarrassed about their labia
  • Experience pain or irritation from the size or shape of their labia
  • Are restricted in clothing choices because of the size or shape of the labia

Acquired issues occurring later in life may involve labial enlargement, loss of volume, and flattening of the labia majora. Enlargement and protrusion of the labia minora may be genetic or become more pronounced after childbirth, hormonal changes, or aging.

Also known as “butterfly wings,” the labia minora may become thickened or pendulous, or the two sides may be asymmetric. If this concerns you, you could be an ideal candidate for labiaplasty.

The clitoral hood, the tissue overlying the clitoris, may also become enlarged or excessive. For these patients, a clitoral hood reduction can be performed concurrently with labiaplasty to produce a more harmonious appearance and contour to all anatomical parts in the area.

What are the risks associated with labiaplasty?

As with all cosmetic procedures and surgeries, some risks are associated with labiaplasty. Although uncommon, some of these risks include:

  • Decreased vulvar sensitivity
  • Chronic vaginal dryness
  • Numbness
  • Scarring resulting in painful vaginal sex

The ASPS includes bleeding, hematoma, and infection as potential risks associated with labiaplasty.

When undergoing a significant reduction in labial length, if too much skin is removed, it can prevent the labia from protecting the vaginal opening. The result could be increased vaginal infections due to affected pH balance.

One of the best ways to reduce the risks associated with labiaplasty is to work with a licensed and board-certified plastic surgeon. An experienced surgeon will consider your medical history as well as your aesthetic goals to ensure risks are minimized during your procedure.

Raffi Hovsepian, MD

Preparing for labiaplasty

During your initial consultation, Dr. Raffi will conduct a thorough exam to determine whether labiaplasty is the right option for you. You must tell him how your current labia structure impacts your daily life and what you expect from surgery, and use this time to ask any questions you may have about your surgery.

Once you decide that labiaplasty is right for you, begin planning for your procedure and recovery. Plan on taking at least one week off from work. Leading up to your labiaplasty, ensure that you are:

  • Eating healthy
  • Drinking plenty of water
  • Getting lots of quality sleep. Establishing healthy habits before your
  • surgery can support a quicker recovery.

Why choose Dr. Raffi for labia contouring/labiaplasty?

Every person has a unique idea of beauty. Dr. Raffi Hovsepian’s goal is to enhance your natural beauty by providing individualized care, building a trusting relationship, and utilizing proven innovative advancements in aesthetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery. This approach is why you should choose Dr. Raffi for labia contouring/labiaplasty.

While providing excellence in treatment and quality of care in plastic surgery, Dr. Raffi gained extensive experience in body contouring plastic surgery for patients with many different needs and goals. By safely providing natural-looking results, Dr. Hovsepian is committed to helping you achieve your desired appearance through proven and innovative approaches.

Raffi Hovsepian, MD

Recovery from your Labiaplasty in Beverly Hills

Because labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure, you should be able to return home the same day. How long your surgery takes depends on your specific treatment plan and whether you have any additional procedures, such as a vaginal tightening treatment.

After the labia contouring procedure, Dr. Raffi may prescribe medications to help manage pain and discomfort. You will also receive post-surgical instructions regarding incision care; it is essential to follow these instructions to ensure optimal recovery with minimal risk of post-procedure complications.

Recovery time varies, but most women can return to their routine within two weeks. However, you must refrain from sexual intercourse for at least six weeks after your procedure. This is to prevent infection and marred results due to increased friction.

In terms of results, most women see their results take shape over the weeks and months after the procedure, as swelling reduces and scars diminish.

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