Labiaplasty
Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Encino, Glendale and Bakersfield
There are numerous cosmetic surgeries geared toward women, including breast augmentation and reduction, liposuction, lip enhancements, and more.
However, all of these produce results that are rather obvious for any observer. Labiaplasty, in contrast, provides alterations that are much more private in nature, as it directly addresses the size and shape of the woman’s genital region.
Contents
What is a Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty, or labial reduction, is an increasingly popular procedure used to reduce the size of the external female genitalia. The most common problem is excessive tissue in the labia minora, the inner lips of the vagina. In some cases, the skin protrudes beyond the labia majora. This can create physical discomfort when sitting or during sexual intercourse. In addition, many women become self-conscious because of the appearance of their vagina. Labiaplasty addresses these problems by removing the excess tissue so that the labia minora is in better proportion to the labia majora.
For women with overly large or long labia minora, labiaplasty is an excellent solution. The procedure reduces the length of the labia minora, both for aesthetic purposes and to keep the labia minora from experiencing painful tugging and twisting, or unwanted exposure (such as when wearing a bathing suit) during daily activities. Women may be self-conscious about the size or shape of their labia minora, and surgical reduction can not only help address health issues, but can also improve the woman’s self-confidence and body image, especially considering the sensitive nature of the body area being affected. Please do note that improved sexual performance and satisfaction are not going to result from labiaplasty. Should these be desired, consult Dr. Younai for alternative procedures.
Labiaplasty Candidates
Women who have passed through puberty (to ensure no further changes in the shape or size of the labia occurs) and who have enlarged inner or outer vaginal lips that cause excessive pain, discomfort, or emotional distress, may be good candidates for labiaplasty. Others develop stretching and elongation of the labia as a result of childbirth or with aging. This presents not only an aesthetic predicament but more importantly a functional hindrance. Women with large and irregular labia are often embarrassed during sexual interactions and feel uncomfortable with wearing bathing suits, tight clothes, or jogging shorts. Others experience pain or irritation during intercourse or feel that they cannot reach optimal sexual pleasure because of the hindrance of their bulky Labia Minora.
Fully developed young and adult women who are found to be in good health can be candidates, but must take certain variables into consideration before undergoing labiaplasty. There are some women that develop very full and large Labia Majora (outer lips) as a result of weight gain who would be good candidates for vaginal rejuvenation. This becomes a noticeable nuisance when wearing tight pants, shorts, or bathing suits. It also traps moisture and causes skin irritation, rash, or even promotes yeast infection.
Women with drooping or “flattened” vaginal lips can also benefit from labiaplasty. If you do not have any serious illness, health issue, are a nonsmoker, physically active, and are not on any major medications, you likely can qualify for labiaplasty. Be sure to go into the procedure knowing exactly why you wish to have labiaplasty and communicate it with your doctor, whether it’s for cosmetic purposes or more to address physical discomfort.
Labia Hypertrophy
Labia hypertrophy is when one or both sets of labial lips are enlarged, often a cause for physical or emotional and mental distress. Labia hypertrophy can range from mild to severe in its symptoms, with mild cases sometimes being barely noticeable.
Labia majora is less sensitive than the labia minora, and so hypertrophy of the outer vaginal lips may also not cause as many issues. However, labial minora hypertrophy can cause an array of uncomfortable symptoms, such as irritation of the skin and vaginal region, pain during physical activity, or hygiene complications like chronic skin infections (often due to overly sensitive labia lips that a woman may avoid cleaning as often).
Labia hypertrophy can be caused by numerous factors. This includes genetic history, hormonal development during puberty, increased vaginal blood flow during pregnancy, or as a result of infection or trauma to the genitals. In all these cases, labiaplasty is a significant solution.
Consultation
Dr. Younai requires that all his patients schedule and attend a consultation before going through with labiaplasty. This is partially to help inform him as to a patient’s medical history, current health, desired goals from the surgery, and other factors that can impact the outcome of the procedure. This is also intended to help ensure the patient is fully informed of all the preparation and recovery steps they will need to take before and after the operation, and that they understand the potential risks and complications inherent to the procedure.
Dr. Younai will perform a discreet physical exam and make any notes or measurements necessary. He will also discuss your expectations concerning the results, and help keep them realistic. If payment for the surgery is an issue.
You will be taken through the labiaplasty procedure, step by step, so you are aware of everything involved. Be sure to prepare any questions you may have ahead of time. For instance:
- How long will recovery time take?
- What anesthetics will be used for the operation?
- What activities should I avoid during the healing process?
- How soon before I can engage in sexual activity again?
- How long will the results of labiaplasty remain?
- How much pain should I expect afterward?
Preparing For Surgery
As with many cosmetic surgeries, it is highly recommended that all patients cease smoking and drinking alcohol for at least two weeks before any procedure, including labiaplasty. If these cannot be adhered to, it may prevent patients from undergoing the surgery, or may result in higher health risks during the operation.
If you are on any medications, such as blood thinners like ibuprofen and aspirin, Dr. Younai will recommend reducing or eliminating those as well, as they can cause excessive bleeding. Sexual activity of any sort should be refrained from the night before your labiaplasty operation.
Since most labiaplasty procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. It is wise to schedule a family member, friend, or other associate to be available to drive you home from the clinic after the operation is finished. Herbal remedies such as green tea, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids may interfere with the healing process and should be removed from daily usage until a full recovery is confirmed.
Procedure
Labioplasty; a female surgery is an outpatient procedure that is performed by Dr. Younai at the fully accredited and the state-of-the-art Regency Surgery Center. It is performed under local anesthesia with some sedation in order to reduce anxiety. This procedure is rather short, and can take about 30 minutes. At times Labiaplasty is performed in conjunction with Vaginoplasty (Vaginal Rejuvenation), tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation, or other cosmetic procedures.
Once the anesthesia is applied, the targeted vaginal lips or surgically trimmed and shortened with specialized scissors, scalpels, or lasers—known as the trim method. The wedge method removes a pie-shaped piece of tissue from the labia, keeping the natural shape of the lips intact. The clitoral hood can also be reduced at this time (known as a hoodectomy, and used primarily as an attempt to expose more of the clitoris and enhance sexual pleasure).
Any required incisions are sealed with absorbable sutures. Placement of these incisions will be heavily reliant on the patient’s configuration, size, and texture of the labia.
Recovery
Patients should anticipate holding back from sexual intercourse for one month after a labiaplasty procedure. Swelling and discomfort will occur for most patients, but pain medication is often prescribed to reduce this. Patients may also wear ice packs or cold compresses between their thighs and elevate the pelvic region to reduce swelling.
Most patients experience mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising after Labioplasty which lasts two to seven days.
During this time, women can experience some spotting, and/or urinary hesitance. They should wear pads, and apply ointment to the surgical sites for comfort. They can take a shower or wash within six hours of surgery, and as frequently as they wish, thereafter. Although you can return to a daily activities and work within two days, you should refrain from jogging, biking, horseback riding, running, heavy lifting, and sexual intercourse for about 4-6 weeks.
Be sure to attend any follow-up appointments with Dr. Younai in order to ensure your healing process is on the right track and deal with any complications. Should persistent itching or discomfort be experienced, get in touch with the clinic sooner than later to determine if this needs to be addressed.
Potential Risks and Complications
Labiaplasty is considered a minor surgical procedure, and thus is relatively safe. The most common potential complications are bleeding, minor infection, incision breakdown, scarring, and/or irritation and pain.
Dr. Younai is a Board Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon with experience in all aspects of Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery, including Labiaplasty During your consultation with Dr. Younai, he will discuss all details including: the latest available treatment options and techniques, potential risks and complications, pre- and post-treatment instructions, recovery course, as well as what to expect afterwards.
Results
Labiaplasty performed on the labia minora (the most common focus of the surgery) results in shorter labial lips beneath the labia majora, keeping them from hanging down below the outer skin. Relief from previous vaginal pain from labia hypertrophy should be relatively immediate, though some discomfort following the procedure is only natural until the area is fully healed. Patients should see visibly improved vaginal lips, and the alterations should not be affected or reversed by any future pregnancy or aging.
Labiaplasty does have its risks, like any surgery. These include infection, bleeding, hematoma, and similar. Chronic dryness of the vagina, scarring, and pain during intercourse may also result. However, Dr. Younai’s expertise with this procedure helps ensure none of these problems are likely to occur so long as a patient follows pre-op and recovery procedures.
Cost
The cost of a labiaplasty will vary depending on the amount of correct needed and the techniques used. Also, if labiaplasty is combined with other operating procedures, such as vaginal rejuvenation, a hoodectomy, or otherwise, this will affect the final cost of the overall work. Contact the office of Dr. Younai today and schedule a consultation.
Why Women Choose Dr. Younai for Labiaplasty in Los Angeles
Dr. Younai is a skilled plastic surgeon with more than two decades of experience and training. He listens carefully to each patient’s needs in order to design the best plan for her surgery. He can perform your labiaplasty quickly and easily, preferring to use the Brazilian labiaplasty technique because of the retention of the labia minora’s outer edge. Although the procedure is considered more difficult, Dr. Younai uses it whenever possible because he wants each of his patients to achieve the best results possible. Schedule a consultation with him at his Los Angeles office today and you’ll see firsthand why so many patients trust him with their most sensitive procedures.
“Even since puberty, I felt embarrassed about the size of my lips. Not only did they make me physically uncomfortable, they also negatively affected my self esteem. I would always be hesitant before any intimate encounter, usually preferring to keep the lights off. I was so relieved after meeting with Dr. Younai. He explained the procedure to me and made me feel comfortable the entire time. I have to say I’m really happy with the results. And the pain was extremely minimal. I’d recommend this surgery to anyone who feels the way I used to.” — Lydia E., Los Angeles / Labiaplasty
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Labiaplasty interfere with having natural childbirth?
No, Labiaplasty does not hinder natural childbirth, but in fact, makes it easier.
What types of Labiaplasty techniques are available?
Traditionally, most gynecologist or plastic surgeons utilize the direct excision and reduction method of Labiaplasty. With this method a long strip of the Labia Minora is excised, leaving a surgical incision at the edge of the Labia which takes longer to heal and can become sensitive.
When feasible, Dr. Younai utilizes the Brazilian Labiaplasty Technique which leaves no external scars, preserves maximum genital sensation, and looks very natural. At that time a clitoral de-hooding can also be performed to increase the height and length of sexual pleasure for the woman.
Reduction of the Labia Majora involves liposculpture and liposuction to reduce the unsightly protuberance of the Labia Majora. At times it is combined with the reduction and tightening of the Mons Pubis, otherwise called Monsplasty.
Is laser used for Labiaplasty?
Although laser can be used to make the surgical incision, it does not offer any added benefits in terms of comfort, safety, or better healing.