Although the subject has been somewhat taboo in the past, more women than ever feel empowered and confident about discussing and resolving troubles they are experiencing that have to do with the female genitalia, including the outer labia.

Each woman’s labia is unique. The appearance, size and shape of the labia is different from woman to woman. There is no “ideal” or “right” appearance for the labia, but different aesthetic preferences can be important for women when it comes to the intimate parts of their body. Asymmetrical, low-hanging labia, or overly large labia can twist uncomfortably during exercise or sex, be obvious or prominent in tight clothing, cause embarrassment in swimsuits or in intimate situations. Labiaplasty is performed to resolve these concerns, create an aesthetically pleasing shape and size, and boost confidence.

What is labiaplasty?

A labiaplasty is a surgical procedure for women that provides an aesthetic appearance, and a smaller and more comfortable shape and size. In addition to resolving cosmetic concerns, labiaplasty also corrects functional issues with the female genitalia and can improve and enhance sexual pleasure.

Who should get labiaplasty?

Women who are experiencing discomfort, low self-esteem, a lack of confidence, or embarrassment due to asymmetrical, overly large, or otherwise uncomfortably shaped labia can turn to labiaplasty as an effective solution to resolve their concerns. This procedure is often part of a broader spectrum of options, including interventions such as the popular mommy makeover, which addresses various post-pregnancy changes.

Ideal candidates for labiaplasty should meet the following requirements:

Are at least 18 years old
Have asymmetrical, overly-large, protruding or prominent labia
Are self-conscious about the size or appearance of their labia in intimate situations or when wearing tight clothing
Have torn or stretched labia due to vaginal childbirth
Have sagging, enlarged or elongated labia as a part of aging
Feel twisting, pain or discomfort when sitting, exercising, wearing tight-fitting clothing or having sex

What should I expect during labiaplasty?

Before your procedure, you will have an in-depth consultation with Dr. Allen Gabriel, who will discuss the procedure with you and talk about your concerns and physical and aesthetic goals for your labia. Dr. Gabriel will design a procedure plan that will help you achieve your ideal for your labia.

Once you are ready to begin your labiaplasty procedure, you will start with local anesthesia, which is usually combined with a sedative to make you drowsy. A labiaplasty procedure generally takes one to two hours.

Types of labiaplasty procedures

Labiaplasty is usually done in one of two ways, either the trim technique or the wedge technique, but variations of these techniques may also be performed, depending on which type of procedure would best suit your needs. Dr. Gabriel will discuss this with you during your consultation and decide which technique will be done to provide the best results for you.

Trim technique

During the trim technique, incisions are made along the edges of the labia. Excess tissue is removed and trimmed away to reduce the size of the labia, and the incisions are closed with sutures.

Wedge technique

During the wedge technique, a V-shaped wedge of tissue is removed from both sides of the labia. Once the tissue is removed, the incisions are sutured. The wedge technique reduces the size of the labia minora while preserving its natural edges.

The wedge technique can help to minimize the risk of sensation loss. Scarring along the edge of the labia is also reduced, which results in a more aesthetic final appearance.

Recovery after labiaplasty

After your labiaplasty procedure, we will help you with specific aftercare and hygiene instructions to ensure your recovery is successful and that you are as comfortable as possible as you heal.

You’ll be able to head home within about an hour after the surgery is complete. Dr. Gabriel will monitor your progress as you heal with follow up visits during your recovery time. The recovery period in terms of length and discomfort varies person to person. Most patients will experience some discomfort and swelling. This should ease and subside over about two weeks.

Patients are usually able to resume most of their normal activities within a few days. Patients should be able to return to light work, but nothing strenuous, within about five days of their procedure. However, be sure to avoid sexual activity for six weeks.

While you may feel well within about a month, it may take up to three months for you to be fully healed without any remaining swelling.

Recovery tips

During the healing process, follow a “no sitting” protocol to avoid any pressure on the labia or the surrounding region.
Ice the area to help minimize discomfort.
Allow yourself to heal with plenty of rest while you recover for several days.
Pour warm water over the labia while urinating to ease discomfort.
Wear loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t irritate or rub against your labia and the surrounding area.

Benefits of labiaplasty

Labiaplasty provides a number of benefits for women who are experiencing discomfort or aesthetic unhappiness because of the shape, size or appearance of their labia. Benefits of labiaplasty include the following:

Improved aesthetics of the female genitalia
Better sexual comfort, including enhanced sexual pleasure
Better comfort during exercise and when wearing tight clothing or swimsuits
Improved female hygiene
More confidence

Why choose Dr. Gabriel?

Women often hesitate to openly discuss concerns about their intimate areas or how they impact their daily lives, yet it's entirely natural to feel discomfort regarding the appearance or function of your genital region.

If anything is preventing you from living life to the fullest, you should feel empowered to seek the changes you desire and move forward.

With Dr. Allen Gabriel, you're in the care of a seasoned surgeon who values each patient's uniqueness. Dr. Gabriel will craft a personalized surgical plan to achieve your desired outcomes, maintaining a high level of engagement, professionalism, empathy, and attentiveness from your initial consultation through the entirety of the process.

FAQs

How long does the labiaplasty procedure take?

Labiaplasty takes 1-2 hours.

When can I return to work after labiaplasty?

Patients can return to work once they are comfortable doing so, usually within a few days to a week.

When can I exercise again after labiaplasty?

Wait for six weeks before allowing any friction from exercise or sexual activity for at least six weeks.

Will there be scarring?

Incision scars from a labiaplasty fade quickly and are carefully hidden within the natural creases of the skin.

Will genital sensitivity be negatively affected?

You may experience some initial loss of sensation in the genital area where the incisions were made, which will fade as time passes.

What type of anesthesia is used during labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is usually done under local anesthesia.

How painful is recovery after labiaplasty?

Pain varies from patient to patient during the first few days to a week, but can be managed with over-the-counter medication.

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