Info About Labiaplasty Surgery Long Island, New York
Cosmetic surgery procedures are a very personal journey for most people. This is even more evident when talking about female genitalia.
There are a lot of women who are dealing with a large or irregular labia. Some women are born with this condition, while others develop this as they age as well as during childbirth. To many of these women, the appearance of an enlarged labia causes them embarrassment with their sexual partner. It can cause them discomfort while doing certain activities and can even lead to chronic labial irritation. This can have a huge impact on their self-esteem and prevent them from participating in activities such as jogging, bike riding, and sex.
For these women, a labiaplasty procedure is a good surgical option. This is also true for woman who simply want to improve the appearance of their labia.
Labiaplasty is a cosmetic surgery for the female genitalia that involves the reduction of the size or the changing of the shape of the labia minora which are the small inner lips of the vagina. This procedure enhances the cosmetic appearance of the vagina and helps to restore confidence and self-esteem to women who were embarrassed by its appearance. Women who have had labiaplasty surgery with one of Dr. Jacono’s board certified plastic surgery associates, find that their labia no longer become irritated or painful like it was prior to surgery.
Labiaplasty will treat the following issues:
- Labia hypertrophy
- Enlarged labia
- Painful pinching of the labia
- Friction of the labia
- Labia irritation
- Aesthetic purposes
Labiaplasty Surgery
Our surgeons perform the labiaplasty procedure to reduce the size of the inner lips called the labia minora, the outer lips called the labia majora, or in some cases, both. There are different approaches that can be used depending upon whether we are working on the inner lips or outer lips.
Labia Minora
To reduce the inner lips, our surgeons use two common techniques. The first technique, we will remove a wedge from each side. Once that is removed, we will then close the wedge by bringing the upper portion of the labia minora down. By doing this, the labia profile is reduced and the results look natural. The incision for this technique is located inside the labial folds and once it has fully healed, the scar is virtually invisible. Unlike the second technique called the trim method, which involves removing the entire projected labia portion and can sometimes lead to painful scarring. We only use the trim method for women who wish to have a small labial profile with smoother edges on the inner lips.
Labia Majora
When performing a labiaplasty on the outer lips, we can opt to perform this cosmetic procedure non-surgically with radiofrequency treatments or with ultrasound treatments. In some cases, surgery may be required when excess outer labia portions also known as the vulva, need to be removed. For this technique, the surgeon places the incisions inside the natural folds and removes the excess skin and tissue. Because the incisions are placed inside the fold, the scar once healed is also unnoticeable.
Sometimes a clitoral hoodectomy is performed in combination with the labiaplasty procedure. A clitoral hoodectomy, or clitoral hood reduction as its sometimes called, involves the removing of the clitoral prepuce which allows for the clitoris to be exposed. This is done to increase sexual stimulation.
Labiaplasty Recovery
Following your labiaplasty procedure, there may be some mild pain. Pain medication will be prescribed as needed and it is recommended that you only use it as necessary. Some bruising and swelling is to be expected for the first few weeks, but both will fade on their own. Some women have experienced some painful urination following the procedure. You can relive this pain by running warm water over the affected area as you pee which is easily accomplished in the shower.
Most patients return back to light work duties within 3 to 5 days.
Our labiaplasty surgeons advise that during recovery, patients should wear comfortable and loose fitting clothing. This will to prevent irritation and possible infection. Patients should also avoid using tampons. Maxi pads should be used during menstruation until otherwise instructed.
It is also very important that for a period of six weeks you refrain from any sexual intercourse. This is a very important that you allow for a full recovery before you resume normal sexual activity. The full recovery time will vary from patient to patient, but generally final results take around four to six months.
Labiaplasty Surgery Candidates
Labiaplasty procedures are primarily performed on women who have physical discomfort or emotional discomfort because of the appearance of their labia. The average age of women who seek labiaplasty surgery range from 20 to 50 years old. Candidates should be in good physical health and have realistic expectations for their surgical outcome.
Good Candidates for Labiaplasty Include Women Who:
- Have enlarged labia (labia hypertrophy)
- Have asymmetrical inner lips
- Want to reduce the size of excess tissue
- Have pain or discomfort wearing certain cloths
- Tore their labia during childbirth
- Have painful intercourse
- Have decreased sexual pleasure or stimulation
- Experience hygiene issues due to an enlarged labium
To see if you are a candidate for a labiaplasty procedure, simply call our office in New York City at 212-570-2500 or our Long Island office at 516-773-4646 to schedule your consultation today. You can also complete an online consultation form and one of our patient care specialists will be happy to follow up with you directly.