Labiaplasty surgery is a complex procedure that involves sculpting your labia for aesthetic or medical purposes. Understanding how this surgical procedure works and the different labiaplasty techniques is key to reducing anxiety and getting the most out of your experience.
After getting a labiaplasty procedure consultation, you’ll be closer to the appearance and comfort you need to feel more confident in your day-to-day life.
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What is Labiaplasty Surgery and What are the Different Techniques?
A labiaplasty surgery makes modifications to the labia minor or labia majora to improve its appearance or reduce physical discomfort. Depending on the type of surgery you choose, you may need to undergo local anesthesia or general anesthesia.
To clarify: the labia minor refers to the inner lips, while labia majora refers to the outer lips. Labiaplasty usually refers to altering the labia minora, such as shortening a long labia or removing excess tissue that is causing discomfort.
The Trim Procedure
Also known as the edge method, the trim procedure for the labia minora involves trimming excess areas around the edge of the labia with a knife, a laser, or over-sewing. All of these tools depend on the preference of your plastic surgery professional and what they believe will be best for your needs.
The trim procedure is a common resource to reduce excess labial tissue or balance out labial hypertrophy, an issue that causes one part of the labia to grow larger than the other. This procedure can also help with reducing the occurrence of urinary tract infections by removing excess tissue that interferes with cleanliness.
One of the biggest advantages of this technique is a relatively short operating time, though there are a few disadvantages, too. A side-effect of this plastic surgery procedure is a leftover scar line along the labial edge that can cause decreased sensation or slight discoloration.
The Wedge Procedure
Another procedure to modify the labia minora is the increasingly popular wedge procedure, a technique that involves cutting out a wedge-shape out of the most notable areas. This approach does a good job of preserving labial edges for a more natural appearance while reducing irregular scarring.
Many patients turn to the wedge procedure to help reduce an enlarged labia minora for a more symmetrical vaginal opening. The downsides of the wedge procedure are a longer recovery time and the possibility of mild pigmentation.
This treatment is especially well-suited to patients who want to reduce bulkiness that causes discomfort while wearing tight clothing or during sexual intercourse.
What are Labiaplasty Surgery Side-Effects?
Whether you want a more aesthetic labia minora or need to improve your health, you will experience a few physical side-effects as you recover. Since labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure, most patients will be able to return home the same day.
Temporary Pain and Swelling
A natural part of labiaplasty minora reduction or majora reduction is a little pain and swelling in the surgical area. The appearance will also be puffier, bruised, and redder as your body goes through the healing process.
Changes in Sensation
It’s common for the post-recovery period of a labiaplasty procedure to include temporary numbness or different sensitivity, such as hypersensitivity or sensitivity to temperature changes. This side-effect frequently resolves itself as long as the patient closely follows the post-recovery regimen of their board certified plastic surgeon.
Scarring
Reconstructive surgery comes with mild scarring from excisions and stitching. Your surgeon will be careful to hide these scars, though individual patients may still have larger scarring depending on their body’s natural healing process.
Discomfort
Vaginal rejuvenation procedures will cause discomfort and minor vaginal dryness for the next few weeks, but there are multiple steps you can take to reduce this side-effect. Surgeons will recommend patients wear loose-fitting clothing, use ice packs, and try over-the-counter pain relievers.
Trimming pubic hair or sexual intercourse needs to be avoided for a specified period of time to promote a successful recovery.
What is the Labiaplasty Cost?
The average cost of a labiaplasty surgical procedure ranges between $3,000 to $6,000. This cost can still change depending on multiple factors, such as the surgical procedure your surgeon recommends and anesthesia fees.
Some labiaplasty patients will combine their surgery with other treatments, such as a clitoral hood reduction or a labia majoraplasty. Choosing the most suitable labiaplasty procedure will involve an intensive consultation that takes into account your age, pre-existing health conditions, and your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions: Labiaplasty Techniques
Still wondering if you should seek out a medical or aesthetic vaginal labiaplasty? We’ll answer a few common questions about undergoing labiaplasty to get you closer to the solution you’re looking for.
Which Technique is Better for Labiaplasty?
For cosmetic surgery, the wedge procedure is popular due to how well it preserves the appearance of the labia minora while still providing improved symmetry. However, each patient is unique and will need different surgical techniques depending on their needs.
Are You Tighter After Labiaplasty?
Since the labiaplasty procedure targets the outer folds, it doesn’t affect the vaginal canal. Vaginoplasty is a medical procedure that can impact the tightness of the vagina and is not done for cosmetic reasons.
Can Labiaplasty Grow Back?
No, these cosmetic procedures are generally permanent, so you won’t see excess tissue or skin coming back. However, some patients will return for another procedure if there are post-surgery complications or if they desire further cosmetic adjustments.
Book Your Consultation for a Labiaplasty Procedure
Vaginal rejuvenation doesn’t have to be a distant dream. With the help of Dr. Sanam Zahedi’s skilled team, you’ll find a suitable cosmetic surgery to help you achieve the most confident version of yourself.
An initial consultation will answer your questions about labiaplasty recovery, aesthetic concerns, and anything else you need to know before committing to a brand new you.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
