Labiaplasty

The size of labia minora varies greatly among women. Enlarged labia minora are found in a significant proportion of women and don’t cause any harm. However, some women are dissatisfied with the appearance of their vaginal area, are self-conscious regarding how they look in tight clothes, and may experience discomfort during intercourse.

Labiaplasty involves surgically trimming the labial tissue and approximating it in a cosmetic fashion to allow for smaller, but still natural-appearing labia. The scars after the procedure are usually virtually invisible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Labiaplasty

What does the procedure involve?

We do the procedure in the privacy of the office suite. An anesthesiologist administers conscious sedation and the patient sleeps through the procedure that lasts approximately one hour. When the patient wakes up, she goes home with some oral pain medication. We usually recommend not working for a day or two after the procedure. Aside from abstaining from intercourse for 4-6 weeks, you can go back to all other usual activities.

Will Labiaplasty Surgery Result In Decrease in Sensation during sex?

If the surgery is done correctly and does not involve scarring around the clitoris and a decrease in caliber or scarring around the vagina there should be no changes in sensation. In fact, some women report enhancement in their sex lives since they no longer feel self-conscious regarding their labia.

Where is the surgery performed?

All surgeries are performed in a specially equipped OR on the premises of our office suite with the assistance of an anesthesiologist.

Should I have a gynecologist or a plastic surgeon perform the procedure?

A gynecologist specializes in the treatment of female genitalia. An average cosmetic surgeon usually doesn’t have the same amount of depth of experience operating on the labia and/or vagina. If the procedure is not done properly it can easily lead to scarring and pain during intercourse.

When Can I Return To Work Post-Labiaplasty Surgery?

Most patients return to work two to four days after surgery with restrictions in activities. Restrictions include no heavy lifting, no sports or exercising for about 2 weeks, and no intercourse for 4 weeks.

When Can I Resume Sexual Activity Post-Labiaplasty Surgery?

Sexual activity usually can resume four to six weeks after the Labiaplasty Surgical procedure.

How many appointments are needed?

Usually, one consultation prior to the procedure and one or two post-operative appointments are advised and are included in the total fee of the procedure.

Does the procedure enhance sexual function?

Although some women do report an increase in arousal and sensation, Labiaplasty alone does not alter the anatomic location or relationships of the clitoris and should not affect sexual function.

Will I be able to deliver vaginally post Labiaplasty?

The procedure doesn’t interfere with vaginal childbirth.

What is a hoodectomy?

This is a procedure reserved for women that have a large labial hood or excess of tissue around the clitoris. Every woman with large labia does not need this procedure. However, those that do usually report an increase in sensation during sex.

HYMEN REPAIR

The loss of virginity involves tearing the membrane known as the hymen. During the hymen repair, this membrane is brought back together. Women desire the restoration of their virginity for both cultural and symbolic reasons.

Where is the procedure done?

All surgeries are performed in a specially equipped OR on the premises of our office suite with the assistance of an anesthesiologist.

What type of pain relief is provided?

The procedure can be done with sedation administered by the anesthesiologist or with local injection of anesthesia. Either way, almost no discomfort is felt by the patient.

How long is the procedure?

It lasts approximately 45 minutes.

What is the recovery like?

The patient may need to take oral pain medication for a day or two. The discomfort is minimal and she can usually work or do usual activities in a day or two. She heals completely in approximately two weeks.

When can I have intercourse after the procedure?

We advise refraining from intercourse from 2-4 weeks.

Can anyone tell after the procedure that I’m not a virgin?

If the procedure is done properly even another gynecologist should not be able to tell that the patient had intercourse prior to the repair.

Will it hurt to initiate intercourse?

There may be mild discomfort during the first act of intercourse that usually resolves over the first week or two.

VAGINAL REJUVENATION

Sometimes with age, but usually after childbirth women may develop laxity of their vaginal tissues. Vaginal rejuvenation or perineorrhaphy involves not just “narrowing” or tightening of the vaginal caliber, but actually rebuilding the vaginal anatomy to what it was prior to childbirth.

Should I have the procedure done by a plastic surgeon or a gynecologist?

Out of all the “cosmetic” vaginal procedures, to be done properly, vaginal rejuvenation takes the most expertise and finesse. Overcorrection could lead to painful intercourse. This is definitely a procedure you want to entrust to an experienced gynecologist.

Where is the procedure performed?

We perform the procedure in a surgical suite adjacent to our office.

What type of pain relief is provided?

The procedure is performed with the aid of a board-certified anesthesiologist with IV anesthesia. The patient is kept comfortable in a twilight sleep-like state. This type of anesthesia is lighter than conventional anesthesia and usually, the patient wakes up a few minutes post-surgery and experiences no nausea.

How long does the procedure last?

The procedure lasts approximately 1.5 to two hours.

What is the recovery like?

We advise patients to take one or two weeks off from work. She usually takes pain medications for a few days. Usually, it is best to refrain from exercise for 4 weeks and from intercourse from 4-6 weeks.

What is the follow-up like?

Patients are asked to return for two follow-up appointments that are included in the fee for the procedure.

Can I deliver vaginally post vaginoplasty?

Although a woman can deliver vaginally, it is difficult to predict whether or not she may need a repeat vaginoplasty. There is an excellent chance that if she is repaired properly post the delivery no further cosmetic procedures are necessary.