Labiaplasty is quickly becoming a popular treatment option for women across the country. By some estimates, the procedure has jumped in frequency by nearly 217% since 2012. But why is this treatment gaining traction among women across the country?
What is Labiaplasty
Every woman has uniquely shaped body parts. For some, the labia minora sits tightly within the labia majora. For others, however, the labia minora tissue extends past the outer lips. For women experiencing this condition, large inner lips can cause patients to feel uncomfortable with the appearance of this intimate area and the excess tissue can make intercourse, bike riding, running and other physical activities painful. They may feel significant irritation or “pinching” during normal daily activities.
Labiaplasty is a common plastic surgery procedure in which the excess tissue is removed so that the inner lips of the vagina have less prominence and redundancy.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Labiaplasty
Good candidates for labiaplasty are women who experience discomfort, self-consciousness about the appearance of their labia, or concerns about vaginal function. Many seek this surgical procedure to address issues like pain or irritation during activities such as exercise, sex, or sitting, often caused by elongated or uneven labia.
Others choose labiaplasty to boost their confidence, particularly if they feel insecure about their labia’s appearance. Some also seek relief from discomfort when wearing tight clothing or engaging in physical activities.
Overall, candidates should be in good health and have realistic expectations. It’s important to discuss your goals with your surgeon during the consultation to determine if labiaplasty is the right option for you.
4 Reasons Why Would Someone Get a Labiaplasty
Many women choose labiaplasty for reasons related to both physical discomfort and emotional well-being. Here are some common reasons why someone might opt for this procedure:
- Physical Discomfort: For women whose labia are elongated or uneven, the excess tissue can lead to irritation, chafing, or pain, especially during activities like walking, running, or sexual intercourse. Labiaplasty can alleviate these issues by removing the excess tissue, providing relief from discomfort.
- Improved Hygiene: Larger labia can trap moisture, creating an environment conducive to irritation, infection and even Urinary Tract Infection. Reducing the size of the labia can improve hygiene by reducing moisture buildup, which can help prevent these issues and improve overall health.
- Self-Consciousness or Insecurity: Many women feel self-conscious about the appearance of their labia, particularly when wearing tight clothing like yoga pants or swimsuits. Labiaplasty procedure can help boost confidence by giving women the appearance they feel more comfortable with.
- Quality of Life: With a rise in awareness about intimate health, more women are feeling empowered to make choices that enhance their well-being. For those who feel that labiaplasty will improve their quality of life, it is a valid and transformative option.
How Labiaplasty is Performed
Labiaplasty is a surgery that removes or reshapes excess tissue from the labia minora (inner tissues of the female genitalia) to improve comfort or appearance, typically taking 1 to 2 hours, with patients able to go home the same day.
The two main techniques are the Trim Method, where extra tissue is removed from the edges of the labia to create a smoother shape, and the Wedge Procedure, which involves removing a wedge-shaped piece of existing genital tissue from the center and stitching the edges together to maintain a natural look.
The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s preference, and recovery generally takes 1 to 2 weeks, with swelling and discomfort in the first few days. Most people fully recover in 4 to 6 weeks and are advised to avoid sexual activity and intense exercise during this time to allow proper healing.
Precautions Before Undergoing Labiaplasty Surgery
Before deciding to undergo labiaplasty procedure, it’s essential to take a few key steps to prepare:
The first and most important step is consulting with a board-certified, experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in labiaplasty. A professional consultation ensures that the surgery is right for you and helps you understand the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes.
It’s crucial to disclose your full medical history to your surgeon, including any medications you’re taking, allergies, or pre-existing conditions. This will help avoid complications and ensure a smooth surgery and recovery process.
Your surgeon will provide instructions for post-surgery care, including guidelines on pain management, wound care, and activity restrictions. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper healing.
What are the Risks of Labiaplasty Surgery?
As with any cosmetic surgery, labiaplasty does come with some risks, like infection, scarring, or temporary numbness. In rare cases, it can also affect sensitivity. That’s why it’s super important to have an open chat with your surgeon beforehand so you fully understand the risks and how they can be reduced.
Long-Term Benefits of Labiaplasty
The physical and mental advantages of choosing labiaplasty have helped spur patients to make the decision. Beyond enhancing the appearance of the vagina, this form of rejuvenation can also help to relieve hygiene issues tied to excessive moisture. This type of vaginal rejuvenation also helps alleviate discomfort that can occur during normal daily activities, exercise, and intercourse due to large labia. The procedure can be incredibly liberating to women who enjoy exercise and have constant irritation and chafing. The bulk of tissue in swimsuits, tight jeans, and yoga pants is another reason patients seek labiaplasty. By decreasing the size of the labia minora, the volume of tissue is also decreased in clothing.
Aside for relieving physical discomfort, another major benefit of labiaplasty is the mental health benefit. Dr. Diehl sees many patients with social anxiety as a result of the appearance of the labia. By redefining the shape and appearance of the vulva, labiaplasty allows these individuals to restore their confidence and self-esteem.
FAQS
Is labiaplasty painful?
While there may be some discomfort during the labiaplasty recovery period, labiaplasty is generally performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Most patients experience swelling and mild pain after the surgery, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication.
Can labiaplasty be done without surgery?
Traditional labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that involves making incisions to remove excess tissue. While this method typically delivers excellent results, it’s not the only option available. Non-surgical labiaplasty uses advanced treatments like lasers and radiofrequency devices to reshape the labia without the need for surgery.
How much does labiaplasty cost?
The cost of labiaplasty can vary based on several factors, such as the surgeon’s experience, your location, and the technique used. On average, the procedure costs around $3,919 in the United States, though this price doesn’t include additional expenses like anaesthesia, operating room fees, or other related costs.
How do you tell if you need labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty can be beneficial for women who are concerned about the appearance or comfort of their labia. For instance, labia that extend outward excessively may lead to discomfort during intimacy or make activities like cycling difficult. Additionally, enlarged inner or outer labia can cause irritation or chafing when they come into contact with clothing.
How long does it take to recover from labiaplasty?
Recovery from labiaplasty surgery can take a couple of months, but most people can return to normal activities within a week or two.
Will labiaplasty leave scars?
Yes, labiaplasty leaves scars, but they are usually small and well-hidden.
Is labiaplasty covered by insurance?
No, labiaplasty is generally not covered by insurance, as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, in some cases where the surgery is deemed medically necessary to address physical discomfort, insurance may provide partial coverage. It’s best to check with your insurance provider for specific details.
Rebuild Self-Confidence with Labiaplasty in Raleigh
At Diehl Plastic Surgery, our team is dedicated to helping women feel their absolute best about their bodies. If you feel that having an enlarged labia is keeping you from feeling confident in yourself or your appearance, call board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Diehl at (919) 381-5540 to schedule your personal and private consultation. During your visit, we will walk you through the treatment process and develop a completely customized treatment plan tailored to address your concerns and achieve your goals.
