What is labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of the labia minora for improved comfort, aesthetics, and confidence.
Why do women choose labiaplasty?
Common reasons include discomfort in clothing, pain during exercise or intimacy, and a desire for improved appearance.
What Is Recovery Like After Labiaplasty?
After surgery, you can expect to have mild discomfort and swelling. In most cases, these temporary symptoms will subside in 1-2 weeks. In the days following your labiaplasty, you should use Neosporin or Polysporin on your incisions and ice the area as much as possible.
Most patients can return to work and regular activities in 3 days, but strenuous exercise and sexual activity should be avoided for 4 weeks. You should also avoid wearing tight clothing until your incisions have fully healed.
Is Labiaplasty the Same Thing as Vaginal Rejuvenation?
These terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Vaginal rejuvenation typically refers to non-surgical treatments like ThermiVa®, which produces internal and external tightening, reduces stress urinary incontinence, decreases painful atrophy, and improves sexual function. Labiaplasty is specifically the surgical reduction of labia tissue.
Am I a good candidate for labiaplasty?
A: Ideal candidates have labial discomfort due to the inner labia protruding beyond the outer labia. This more sensitive tissue can cause irritation with exercise, when sitting and walking, with intercourse, and sometimes appear prominent in swim suits, yoga pants or leggings.
How much does labiaplasty cost in Raleigh, NC?
Labiaplasty in Raleigh typically ranges from $4,500 to $7,000. Pricing depends on the complexity of the procedure, if it is one side or 2 sides and the type of anesthesia used.
Is labiaplasty painful?
Most patients report mild soreness after the procedure, which is easily managed with oral pain medication and rest.
Will labiaplasty affect sexual sensation?
When performed on the labia minora alone, labiaplasty should not affect sexual sensation. The area more sensitive to sensory nerve disruption is the clitoral hood. By avoiding incisions in that region, the risk to clitoral sensitivity is minimized. In many cases, the clitoral hood can be left untouched while still achieving a natural, aesthetic result that addresses discomfort. For many women, labiaplasty not only relieves physical symptoms but also enhances comfort and confidence during intimacy.
Are the results of labiaplasty permanent?
Yes—the results of labiaplasty are long-lasting once healing is complete. While natural changes from pregnancy, childbirth, aging, or menopause can affect the area over time, the anatomy will continue to evolve from a smaller, more balanced starting point.
Can labiaplasty be done under local anesthesia?
Yes—labiaplasty can be safely and comfortably performed under local anesthesia. This approach avoids the risks of general anesthesia, reduces downtime, and helps keep costs lower. The procedure is typically well tolerated with the use of topical numbing and local anesthetic injections. Oral medications and Pro-Nox (a patient-controlled nitrous oxide system – a.k.a. “laughing gas”) are also available for added relaxation, though most patients find they aren’t needed.
What are the risks of labiaplasty?
The main risks (although rare) include swelling, bruising, asymmetry, bleeding, infection, or delayed healing. Choosing a qualified board certified plastic surgeon minimizes these risks.
How do I choose the best labiaplasty surgeon in Raleigh, NC?
Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with specialized experience in female genital aesthetics and consistently positive patient reviews. At Diehl Plastic Surgery, we’ve performed hundreds of labiaplasty procedures with a strong focus on safety, comfort, and natural-looking results. During your consultation, be sure to review the surgeon’s before-and-after photos of actual patients to help set realistic expectations and assess the quality of their work.
Will there be visible scars after labiaplasty?
While all surgery involves some scarring, labiaplasty scars typically heal very well and are discreetly hidden within the natural folds and texture of the labial edge. With proper healing, they often become barely noticeable over time.
