Have you heard all the buzz about labiaplasty lately? Perhaps you’ve overheard it discussed in the gym locker room or a spa or read about it in your favorite beauty magazine—labiaplasty. It’s one of several procedures available for rejuvenation of the labia, vulva, and vaginal areas, all of which have been getting a lot of attention these days. But what is a labiaplasty, what isn’t it, and most importantly—can it help you?
What Labiaplasty Is—and What It Isn’t
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that alters the size and/or shape of the labia—the outer and inner “lips” of the vagina. Typically, labiaplasty is performed on the inner labia, or labia minora, but can also be performed on the outer labia. Our bodies are all unique and this surgery can be tailored to achieve your ideal vaginal look!
It’s very different from vaginoplasty or vaginal rejuvenation treatments. Vaginoplasty specifically means a surgical procedure that alters or re-shapes the tissues of the vaginal wall, while vaginal rejuvenation means a non-surgical, minimally or non-invasive treatment using lasers or injections to accomplish similar goals. Vaginal procedures are commonly used to tighten the vagina, increasing support for the urethra (to combat incontinence), increasing natural lubrication, and correcting issues that may have arisen from childbirth or menopause.
Why Get Labiaplasty?
As with any cosmetic surgery, labiaplasty is a very personal decision and the choice is always yours to make. Many patients choose to get a labiaplasty because they have felt self-conscious about having long, large, or asymmetrical labia, and the surgery helps them come out feeling more confident and sexy. For some people, their inner labia that extends outside the outer labia can cause discomfort or pain, which no one wants!
What Happens During the Labiaplasty Procedure?
First, you will go through a consultation to see if this procedure is right for you. After making the decision to proceed with your surgery you can expect an outpatient procedure. During the surgery, depending on your needs, either local or general of local anesthesia will be used. The doctor will begin to trim away part of the labia, either from the edges or in wedge shaped pieces, and use dissolvable sutures to close the edges. You will be able to leave the facility on the same day of your surgery.
What to Expect Afterward
As with any surgery, there will be some swelling, tenderness, and possibly itching around the sutures. Patients should plan to take about a week off of work to make sure you get plenty of rest. To help ease the discomfort and swelling, the vulva can be ice and you can even relax and soak in a sitz bath (warm baths with Epsom salts to create a saline environment) to ease the discomfort. During your recovery period, you should wear loose, soft underwear and bottoms during that week. You will need to avoid using tampons, having sex, or doing anything vigorous for 4 to 6 weeks.
As the labia heals and the sutures dissolve, the patient will be able to see the transformation of their new and beautiful vulva. If they previously had any issues with irritation or pain due to the size or shape of their labia, those issues will be resolved for good!
What Does It Cost?
In general, you can expect a labiaplasty to cost around $4400 for the entire procedure. As with all of our procedures, we’re happy to talk with you about pricing options, payment plans, and financing for your labiaplasty.
Do I Need a Labiaplasty?
That’s a decision that is yours and yours alone! Vulvas come in an infinite variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and symmetry. There’s no “right” way to have labia, and your decision shouldn’t come from pressure from your partner.
However, if your labia’s size or shape are interfering with everyday life, or if your anxiety over your body is harming your ability to love and enjoy yourself, labiaplasty could offer increased emotional and physical comfort and give you the boost of confidence you’ve been lacking. Reach out to us at the Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery for an honest, private, sensitive conversation about your body and your needs—we’re here to help you feel great about the skin you’re in.
