Deciding to have plastic surgery is a major decision. Before having a surgical procedure such as a labiaplasty, it’s essential to have as much information as you can.

Below is what you need to know about labiaplasty and critical questions to ask.

What Is Labiaplasty?

When it comes to labiaplasty what is it is the first question that many ask. Houston labiaplasty is a popular vaginal rejuvenation procedure conducted on a woman’s genitalia to reduce the size of the labia minora or labia majora. The goal of this kind of vaginal rejuvenation is to make one or both of these parts smaller, so it’s easier to exercise and stay clean.

Some women are embarrassed by the appearance of their labia because of childbirth, aging, sexual activity, and genetics. Other women complain of urinary tract infections that can be caused by large labia, they decide to seek out labiaplasty to hopefully alleviate this problem.

This cosmetic genital surgery aims to reduce the size of the labia minora, so it doesn’t hang below the labia majora. Labiaplasty surgery may also be performed to improve asymmetry if one part is longer than the other.

There are several types of labiaplasty, but this cosmetic genital surgery generally involves trimming away extra tissue from the labia minora and majora to make them shorter.

Plastic surgeons will tell you that no matter your reasons for having labiaplasty surgery, there are critical questions to ask before going under the knife for this reconstructive surgery:

Am I a Good Candidate For Labiaplasty?

The first thing to talk to your surgeon about is a good candidate for the labiaplasty procedure. The surgeon will perform a physical examination to see if the labia major or minora are longer than they should be.

Also, the surgeon will talk to you about your diet, lifestyle, and activity level. It’s essential to be active and healthy before having this procedure.

Remember that there is a wide range of what a ‘normal’ labia majora and labia minora look like. Everyone’s body is unique.

Lastly, you should have realistic expectations for your labiaplasty, and to have to have this procedure for yourself and not someone else.

Does Labiaplasty Leave Scars?

Yes there will be faint scars. However, the scars are difficult to see and usually blend in with the remaining tissue. Most people find the scars are so hard to see they are practically unnoticeable.

Many surgeons use dissolvable stitches, and you won’t be able to notice anything after six to eight weeks.

How Long Does It Take To Recover?

Most patients can return to work after five to seven days. But this varies depending on how much tissue your surgeon removes and how fast you heal from your cosmetic genital surgery.

You should be able to go back to regular activities after one or two weeks. But you shouldn’t exercise for about a month so you don’t damage the incisions. Taking on too much too soon can cause an infection and discomfort.

It’s also recommended not to wear snug clothing until you are entirely healed. You don’t want to have clothes rubbing against the incisions, which can cause problems.

But after two months or so, you should be fully healed.

How Can I Reduce My Labiaplasty Recovery?

Any intense activities should be delayed for at least a month after cosmetic surgery. Using cold compresses will reduce swelling and pain during the first week of labiaplasty recovery.

Also, you should clean your privates gently after going to the restroom. Some surgeons say you should apply antibiotic ointment to the incisions, too.

Further, take any medications your doctor prescribes. They will reduce pain and labiaplasty swelling and speed up your recovery.

It also helps to drink plenty of water so your body can flush out toxins more easily.

How Long Should I Wait To Have Sex?

It can be frustrating to delay sexual intercourse with your spouse or partner, especially when you want them to see ‘the new you’! But doctors recommend waiting at least 30 days before having sexual activity that involves touching any of the labia tissues, whether the inner labia or outer labia.

Waiting for intimacy for at least 30 days will ensure the incision are completely healed. If you rush your recovery, the incisions may reopen and cause complications.

What Are Labiaplasty Risks?

If you choose a skilled surgeon, you should have a successful cosmetic surgery. But all surgeries have risks.

The most frequent complications from labiaplasty are hematoma, infection, and bleeding. Also, some women want a more aggressive reduction in tissue than is recommended.

Over-resection of the labia minor can cause vaginal dryness and scarring, which can lead to painful sexual intercourse and other problems.

Will Insurance Cover Labiaplasty?

It’s rare for health insurance to cover labiaplasty. For the most part, this procedure is considered cosmetic, even if an elongated labia has a major impact on your health or comfort.

How does labiaplasty work?

A labiaplasty entails trimming unwanted tissue or restructuring the labia minora. Excess tissue is removed using a scalpel or laser, and the trimmed area may be sutured with delicate, dissolvable stitches. There are two different kinds of procedures. There is the trim procedure which is the oldest and most common kind of labiaplasty, and there is the wedge procedure which is newer and is knowns for delivering stunning natural results.

What Kind Of Results Can You Expect?

You should be realistic about how long it will take to see results from labiaplasty. It can take two or three months to see the final results, depending on which procedure you have.

Your results also depend on your genetics and how well you recover.

Labiaplasty is a popular and effective treatment to improve the size and appearance of the labia minora and majora. Speak to your surgeon soon to find out if this procedure will work for you.

What About Other Procedures?

Some patients want to have other procedures with labiaplasty, so talk to your surgeon. Some popular options are a breast augmentation and a tummy tuck.

Request a Labiaplasty Consultation

Interested in labiaplasty in Houston? Please set up a consultation with Dr. Ashley Steinberg today. She’ll talk to you about the benefits of labiaplasty.