Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Cynthia Diehl often performs labiaplasty for patients experiencing physical discomfort or other concerns. Labiaplasty surgery is an outpatient procedure performed with local anesthesia most of the time. It involves reshaping the labia minora (or, less often, the labia majora) to address various issues. While often thought of as a cosmetic procedure, there are medical reasons for labiaplasty that go beyond aesthetics.
Many women experience issues related to the size or shape of their labia that lead them to consider labiaplasty. Medical reasons for labiaplasty can include physical discomfort during activities like exercise or sexual intercourse, chronic irritation, or recurrent bacterial infections.
Enlarged labia may also cause urinary tract infections or discomfort in clothing, making daily life more challenging. These medical reasons can overlap with a desire for improved aesthetics, but the primary goal is often to reduce discomfort and enhance quality of life.
Medical Reasons for Labiaplasty
Chronic irritation and discomfort
Enlarged labia can lead to constant rubbing and irritation, especially during activities like walking or cycling. Tight clothing, such as leggings, may exacerbate this discomfort. This irritation can cause redness, swelling, and even skin breakdown, making labiaplasty for medical reasons a practical solution.
Pain during sexual intercourse
Some women with enlarged or uneven labia experience pain during sexual intercourse. This discomfort can result from excess tissue being tugged or pinched. By reducing the size of the labia, labiaplasty surgery can help alleviate this pain and make intimacy more comfortable.
Recurrent infections
Recurrent bacterial infections or urinary tract infections can result from trapped moisture or friction caused by enlarged labia. The folds of excess tissue may harbor bacteria, increasing the risk of infections. Labiaplasty can minimize this risk by removing the excess tissue.
Difficulties with hygiene
Excess tissue can make maintaining proper hygiene challenging, particularly during menstruation. Trapped moisture or irritation may lead to odor or infection. By addressing these challenges, labiaplasty can improve hygiene and reduce related health concerns.
Athletic discomfort
For women who are physically active, enlarged labia can cause pain or discomfort during exercise. Activities like running, biking, or yoga may become uncomfortable due to rubbing or pinching. Labiaplasty can ease these issues and make exercising more enjoyable.
Tissue changes after childbirth
Childbirth can stretch or alter the size and shape of the labia, leading to sagging skin or excess tissue. For women who experience these changes, labiaplasty can help restore comfort and address functional concerns.
Other Reasons for Labiaplasty
Cosmetic preferences
While medical reasons often drive the decision to undergo labiaplasty, some women seek this surgical procedure for aesthetic reasons. They may wish to reduce the size of the labia or create a labia with a more symmetrical appearance. While these preferences are personal, they can also boost confidence.
Psychological impact
Some women feel self-conscious about the appearance of their labia, especially in intimate settings. This self-consciousness can lead to emotional distress or impact relationships. Addressing these concerns through labiaplasty can help women feel more confident in their bodies.
Post-surgical reconstruction
In some cases, labiaplasty may be performed as a form of reconstructive surgery. For example, women who have experienced trauma or previous botched labiaplasty procedures may undergo labiaplasty to correct the damage. This type of surgery focuses on restoring both function and appearance.
FAQ: Labiaplasty
Does insurance cover labiaplasty?
In most cases, insurance companies consider labiaplasty an elective procedure and do not provide coverage, even when medical reasons are present. However, health insurance policies vary, and it’s worth checking with your provider to see if your circumstances qualify. If labiaplasty is being performed as reconstructive surgery due to trauma, there may be exceptions.
Can labiaplasty help with urinary tract infections?
Yes, labiaplasty may help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections caused by trapped moisture or bacteria in the folds of the labia. By addressing excess tissue, hygiene becomes easier, which can decrease the likelihood of infection.
What is the recovery period like after labiaplasty?
The recovery period typically lasts a few weeks, with some light labiaplasty swelling and tenderness subsiding over time. Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions is crucial for a smooth labiaplasty recovery. Avoid strenuous activities and wear loose clothing to promote healing.
Can labiaplasty revision correct a botched labiaplasty?
Yes, a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Cynthia Diehl can perform revision surgery to address complications from a botched labiaplasty. This reconstructive surgery will utilize the existing genital tissue at the vaginal opening to adjust and improve both function and appearance, helping patients achieve their desired outcome.
Will insurance cover a labiaplasty for medical reasons?
In most cases, insurance does not cover labiaplasty for medical reasons, as it is often categorized as cosmetic surgery. However, you can check with your insurance provider to confirm your specific policy details.
Get in Touch to Book a Consultation
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Cynthia Diehl specializes in surgeries like labiaplasty, breast augmentation, breast lifts, and more. She performs each and every plastic surgery with care and a close attention to detail. Her expertise, experience, and track record speak for themselves.
Contact us today to book your first consultation appointment with Dr. Diehl. While there is no such thing as “normal labia”, we would love to help you achieve a comfortable look and feel you are happy with.
