Millions of people are interested in plastic surgery, such as liposuction or a tummy tuck, but not as many know about labia surgery, which is called Labiaplasty. This surgical procedure is huge in Houston and Dr. Steinberg is one of the many leading plastic surgeons for Labiaplasty. There are several reasons to get Labiaplasty, but many women want labiaplasty after childbirth to make the vaginal walls tighter and address other issues.

Below is more information about labiaplasty and how it can enhance your quality of life.

How Can Labiaplasty Enhance Quality Of Life?

Most women who have a labiaplasty cosmetic surgery fall into three groups. Some have function problems because of an enlarged labia, while others want enhanced aesthetics and self-esteem. The last group has a mix of aesthetic and function concerns.

Labiaplasty, which can be part of a mommy makeover, may be paired with a clitoral hood reduction to remove some of the skin surrounding the clitoris. This procedure may be done to enhance the appearance or provide more sexual pleasure.

Some of the reasons women have a labiaplasty are:

Aesthetics: Many women believe their labia and vaginal opening have an enhanced appearance after labiaplasty. They feel more comfortable and open with their intimate partner and not worry about being judged or rejected.
Comfort: A woman with a large labia can have trouble engaging comfortably in daily activities. A large labia can make just riding a bicycle painful.
Pleasure: A large labia can make it painful to have sex. This issue can make a woman avoid having sex with their partner.
Confidence: Some women find it’s challenging to feel confident when there’s part of them that makes them feel worse about themselves. After labiaplasty, many feel a boost of confidence.

Also, there are a few situations where having a labiaplasty is medically necessary in addressing the problem of an abnormal labia. If the labia can get tucked or sucked into the vagina during intercourse, this can cause complications.

Labiaplasty Overview

What is involved in labiaplasty? A labiaplasty is focused on addressing the size of the labia in removing extra tissue from the labia minora. The extra tissue can cause pain, discomfort, embarrassment, and other problems. For most patients, the goal of the procedure is to reduce its size, so it’s level with the outer labia. This will reduce the amount of tissue that is visible when you’re standing.

A related procedure that reduces the size of the outer labia lips is known as a majoraplasty.

Pros of a labiaplasty include:

A labiaplasty can deal with cosmetic and function concerns in one procedure. It definitely will enhance the woman’s quality of life.
Most women who had the procedure say they have more self-confidence, especially in sexual situations or when wearing a bathing suit or tight clothing.
Reduced friction after the procedure makes it easy to enjoy sports and exercises.

Cons of a labiaplasty are:

The recovery is extensive; most women can go back to their regular routines after about a month. But it takes up to eight weeks before they can have sexual intercourse.
Some women report having skin irregularities after a labiaplasty, such as wrinkles on the labia skin and irregular pigmentation on the minora or labia majora.
Occasionally, women are displeased with the results. The most common issue is the size of the clitoris and surrounding area compared to the vulva. Some women get revision surgery to help achieve a normal labia size.

Labiaplasty Procedures

There are two labiaplasty procedures to consider; your plastic surgeon will review the best option for your anatomy:

Trim Procedure

This procedure has been performed for decades and still is the most common. The surgeon removes excess labial tissue from the labia minora and sutures it, so it’s in proportion with the labia majora.

Wedge Procedure

The wedge procedure involves cutting out the thickest excess tissue of the labia minora. The surgeon leaves the submucosa in place by removing only the thickest excess tissue. This newer cosmetic procedure will give your vagina a more natural appearance because it maintains the wrinkled edges.

Note that other types of labiaplasty are not performed as often. Talk to your surgeon about the best option.

Who Are Ideal Candidates For A Labiaplasty?

Women who don’t like how their vaginal lips appear are often excellent candidates for labiaplasty. If you have an irritated labia, problems with hygiene, or painful intercourse, labiaplasty may be a good option.

Also, consider this procedure if you are:

In good health and are unlikely to have problems with cosmetic surgery and anesthesia
Worried about how your labia looks
Having pain with intercourse, biking, or working out
Not a smoker

Recovering From Labiaplasty

A labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure. You can expect the early labiaplasty recovery to take between three and five days. During this period, you can have bruising and labiaplasty swelling, pain and discomfort, and minor spotting.

Also, note that sitting and urinating during your early recovery can be painful. The best thing to do is to rest and to lie down as much as you can. Doing these things will reduce bleeding and swelling. It is important to follow the instructions from your plastic surgeon carefully during recovery. This will help prevent bacterial infections and other complications.

You also can speed up your recovery by getting more sleep, elevating the pelvis, using cold compresses, and taking pain relievers. Swelling can be reduced by applying a bag of crushed ice to the area for 20 or 30 minutes. Learn about post-operative care for labiaplasty.

Questions and Answers

What would make labiaplasty medically necessary?

There are a few medical reasons for labiaplasty. The primary medical motivation for considering labiaplasty is typically discomfort. When the labia are stretched, they can interfere with the fit of tight clothing and cause discomfort during activities like sitting, walking, exercising, or engaging in sexual activity.

How do you know if labiaplasty is medically necessary?

Medical insurance covers labiaplasty for specific reasons, including chronic pain, itching, and discomfort in the labial area, as well as persistent urinary infections and chronic issues like discharge or rashes.

Will insurance cover a labiaplasty for medical reasons?

For labiaplasty to be covered by insurance, it must be deemed medically necessary by the patient’s healthcare provider. This determination is typically made when the patient experiences substantial physical discomfort or pain due to the size or shape of their labia.

What are functional reasons for labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty provides women with numerous positive outcomes beyond a youthful, rejuvenated appearance of their genital area. Additional benefits include decreased physical and psychological discomfort. The procedure eliminates issues like chafing, tugging, and twisting, leading to a more enjoyable experience during daily activities.

Request a Houston Labiaplasty Consultation

Interested in a Houston labiaplasty? Please set up a consultation with Dr. Ashley Steinberg today. She’ll talk to you about the benefits and risks of a labiaplasty surgery and determine if you’re an ideal candidate.

References

Labiaplasty Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.realself.com/surgical/labiaplasty

Everything You Need To Know About Labiaplasty. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.healthline.com/health/labiaplasty