Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure designed to reduce or adjust the size of your labia minora. However, changes to clitoral hood or mons are also possible.
When labia minora exceeds the labia majora in size, it may cause discomfort during exercise and sexual intercourse. If this happens, your doctor may recommend a labiaplasty. Learning about what this surgery involves can give you a better understanding of your options.
What Is a Labiaplasty Surgery?
Labiaplasty surgery reshapes a patient’s labia minora to achieve a healthy and aesthetically appealing size. The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis. In most cases, it’s performed under local anesthesia with sedation, but in some situations or in combination with other surgeries, general anesthesia may be necessary.
The key to successful labiaplasty surgery and fast recovery is the surgeon’s expertise and your willingness to follow the doctor’s recommendations religiously.
Reasons for a Labiaplasty
Physical Discomfort
If you have elongated or asymmetrical labia, you may experience certain physical discomfort. Everyday activities like cycling, running, and even walking could cause chafing. If you wear tight underwear or clothing, the problem can become even worse and may be visible.
When the surgeon removes the excess tissue during the surgery, you can experience relief from friction, pulling, and irritation.
Aesthetics
The way your labia looks can have a significant effect on your confidence. If you feel self-conscious about your labia size or shape, you can address this problem with labiaplasty.
The surgery can offer a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, boosting your self-esteem and body confidence.
Sexual Satisfaction Improvement
Enlarged or uneven labia can interfere with the quality of your intercourse by causing pain or discomfort. This physical impediment can decrease sexual satisfaction and cause anxiety.
After labiaplasty, many people report increased satisfaction and confidence in intimate relationships.
Procedure Timelines: How Long Does a Labiaplasty Take?
While labiaplasty is a cosmetic surgery, it’s still a surgical procedure. It involves comprehensive preparation and comes with a certain recovery period.
Pre-Operative Consultation and Assessment
Before scheduling surgery, you must make a consultation appointment with our surgeon. During this meeting, the surgeon evaluates your medical history and health status. You’ll discuss your needs, priorities, and desired outcome. They will also explain the procedure in detail and schedule the necessary tests.
The consultation appointment takes about an hour.
Surgical Procedure
On the day of the surgery, you will arrive at the clinic an hour before the scheduled surgery. You will change into a surgical gown, and the nurse will take your vitals and run tests if necessary. Then, they will place an IV and administer anesthesia.
After that, the surgeon marks the areas for reshaping. Next, they trim the excess tissue with a scalpel. Once the procedure is over, they close the incisions with multiple layers of dissolvable stitches.
The procedure, minus any pre or post operative time typically takes about 1 hour.
Recovery Process
Immediately after the surgery, you will spend a short period of time in the recovery area under observation. You can usually go home on the same day.
Once you are home, you may still experience swelling and discomfort. We recommend ice packs for comfort for the first 1-2 days. You can usually resume your normal activities after a week or two. However, you would have to refrain from strenuous exercises and sexual intercourse for 6 weeks.
Complete recovery and full healing usually occurs within three months.
Exceptional Labiaplasty Results Through Personalized Care in Baton Rouge, LA
Successful labiaplasty requires surgical expertise and a delicate approach. At Bourgeois Plastic Surgery in Baton Rouge, LA, we help you feel comfortable and confident every step of the way.
Dr. Jenna Bourgeois is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience performing different types of labiaplasties. If you are aiming for top results, schedule an appointment with our team at any time.
