Labiaplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that reduces the size of the inner labia. Patients often seek this procedure because they are embarrassed about having excessively large labia. Furthermore, excessively large labia can also be uncomfortable during intercourse, when wearing tight clothing, while exercising, and in other situations.
The good news is that enlarged labia minora (labial hypertrophy) can be corrected with a simple procedure. Labiaplasty can help patients achieve immediate results. Still, it will take up to four weeks to initially heal from the surgery. Furthermore, your complete labiaplasty results will not be visible for sometimes up to four to six months.
What Happens During Labiaplasty Surgery?
Labiaplasty surgery involves reshaping the labia minora to improve comfort and appearance. The procedure can address enlarged labia minora or excess labia minora tissue that may cause physical discomfort or irritation.
Two techniques are available: the trim technique, where a strip of excess labia minora tissue is removed from the length of the inner labia, and the wedge resection technique, where a wedge-shaped piece of tissue is removed from each labia. Patients typically have either trim or wedge labiaplasty results, depending on the circumstances of their surgery.
Why Might Someone Get Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is performed for both cosmetic and medical reasons. Some individuals have irritation during daily activities or exercise. Medical reasons for labiaplasty include addressing issues such as recurrent urinary tract infections, which may result from excess tissue trapping moisture or bacteria.
Others choose this procedure to improve symmetry and appearance. Often, women undergo labiaplasty after a vaginal childbirth when the inner labia can be stretched.
Labiaplasty Recovery Timeline
Days 1-2
During the first two days after labiaplasty, patients may experience swelling and discomfort. It’s important to rest and apply cold compresses (if allowed by your surgeon) to minimize labiaplasty swelling. Your surgeon may recommend pain medication to manage any soreness.
Week 1
By the end of the first week, most patients notice a reduction in swelling. Light activities can usually be resumed, but you should avoid sitting for extended periods. It’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions in this early stage of labiaplasty recovery.
Week 2
At this point, many patients feel more comfortable. Swelling will continue to decrease, and stitches often begin to dissolve on their own. It’s important to avoid strenuous activities, including exercise, as the labia minora tissue is still healing.
Week 3
By the third week, most patients experience significant improvement. Some normal activities can be resumed, but it’s essential to avoid anything that could strain the surgical area. Follow-up appointments with your board-certified plastic surgeon will help track your progress.
Week 4 and Beyond
After four weeks, many patients feel close to normal. Swelling should be minimal, and labiaplasty results begin to become more apparent. Final results may take several months to fully emerge as the tissue settles into place.
How Do I Know When My Labiaplasty Recovery Is Complete?
Labiaplasty recovery is considered complete when swelling has fully subsided, and the labia have healed entirely. This typically takes about six to eight weeks, but it can vary depending on the individual. Signs of complete healing include the absence of tenderness, minimal swelling, and no restrictions on normal activities.
FAQs: Labiaplasty Results
Will I still have sensation in my labia minora?
Most patients retain normal sensation in their labia minora after labiaplasty. A skilled surgeon takes care to preserve nerves in the area. With that said, some temporary numbness or sensitivity changes may occur during recovery. But these typically resolve as healing progresses.
Will a nonsurgical labiaplasty achieve good results?
For those seeking non surgical labiaplasty results, there are minimally invasive options like energy-based treatments, but these typically address only mild concerns. Surgical labiaplasty offers more definitive results by reshaping the labia minora and physically reducing excess tissue.
Is labiaplasty painful?
Labiaplasty is generally not described as painful, thanks to local or general anesthesia used during the procedure. Most patients report mild discomfort or soreness during recovery. Pain medications prescribed by your surgeon can help manage any post-surgical discomfort.
When can I have sex again after labiaplasty?
Patients are usually advised to wait at least four weeks before resuming sexual activity or using tampons. In some cases, this period may be longer, depending on individual healing. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance based on your progress.
How can I pay for labiaplasty?
Out-of-pocket, major credit card, or medical loan are some of the ways that patients pay for the labiaplasty cost. Often, people want to know does insurance cover labiaplasty. The answer is typically no. However, you are always free to inquire with your provider.
Call to Set Up a Consultation Appointment
There are a number of surgical procedure options available when it comes to the female genital area. If you are concerned about physical discomfort, excess tissue, or other worries, contact us to schedule a consultation so that you can speak with Dr. Cynthia Diehl one-on-one.
Dr. Diehl is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in the labiaplasty procedure, clitoral hood reduction, and other procedures that require similar surgical techniques and experience. Call today to book your consultation.
