Labiaplasty
Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Austin, TX, San Antonio, TX and Westlake Hills, TX
A labiaplasty is a procedure that reshapes the labia minora of female genitalia, creating a more even, aesthetically enhanced appearance. Women who have experienced natural childbirth can develop labial hypertrophy (enlargement), causing unwanted friction with certain clothing and feelings of self-consciousness during intimate moments.
With minimally invasive techniques, surgeons can remove the excess skin while preserving sensation in the area, restoring a more rejuvenated, yet natural appearance. The cosmetic results and relief of physical and emotional discomfort can be truly transformative. For women with persistently enlarged or uneven labia following pregnancy, labiaplasty can be an integral part of a Mommy Makeover, a more comprehensive treatment plan that restores youthful contours in other areas of the body.
Dr. Alyson Wells specializes in helping women feel their best through this intimate surgery in the Baltimore area. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, wife, and mother, Dr. Wells understands that this issue can affect multiple parts of a woman’s life and self-confidence. To get in touch with Dr. Wells and to find out more about her expert approaches to labiaplasty, contact Valley Plastic Surgery and MedSpa in Cockeysville, MD at (410) 628-8200, or inquire with our contact form.
Contents
About the Labia Minora
Many women feel uncomfortable with the appearance of their labia minora – the inner lips immediately surrounding the entrance to the vagina. With the hormonal changes of pregnancy, the labia can become darker, more elongated, and even develop an asymmetrical appearance. Some women simply develop unusually large labia during puberty and have simply learned to live with this discomfort. The labia can also loosen over time. and even negatively affect sexual intercourse with a partner. Women going through the changes of perimenopause and menopause experience decreasing estrogen within their body, so this discomfort can be compounded by vaginal dryness.
These factors can make having longer labia more of a challenge for women as they age. (1) Although it is a natural occurrence, some studies suggest that certain anatomical variations in labia can place women at higher risk of developing frequent and recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs). The excess tissue can trap bacteria and more moisture and even change the natural pH levels of the vulva and vagina- the balance of acidity. (2)
What Are the Benefits of Labiaplasty?
Skilled at envisioning personalized cosmetic results, Dr. Wells can meticulously and gently reduce and reshape labial tissue. Although some women are hesitant to undergo a procedure in such a sensitive area, there are a multitude of reasons it has become so popular. Between 2012 and 2017, the number of performed labiaplasties in the U.S. increased by 217%. (3) Several striking benefits continually attract women to the procedure:
- Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure that can be performed with either sedation or a general anesthetic.
- You can eliminate the sensations of pinching, pulling, or embarrassment during sexual activity.
- The procedure eliminates chafing with certain clothing or physical activities.
- Dr. Wells applies dissolvable sutures, allowing patients to focus on healing without worrying about a follow-up suture removal procedure.
- Over 90% of women reported being “very satisfied” with their post-procedure results. (4)
Many women experience a sense of relief during their journey to recovery. Clothes like swimsuit bottoms fit and look better. This procedure has a big impact on not just how you appear but how you feel. You should not be embarrassed about your genitalia and a labiaplasty will help you gain confidence in your sexual and everyday life.
Candidates for Labiaplasty
The best candidates are women who are fully developed and in good physical health. Dr. Wells will order blood tests to make sure there are not any pressing health matters that need attention and care. Ideally, patients should be non-smoking individuals, but Dr. Wells will consider smokers as candidates if they commit to quitting during their preparation and recovery process.
Personal Consultation
In your private consultation with Dr. Wells, you will have the opportunity to discuss your concerns. Whether your concern is cosmetic or to eliminate labia-related discomfort, she will listen closely and talk to you about your options.
Looking through labiaplasty before and after pictures will help you develop realistic expectations for what this surgery can accomplish. These photos can also help you develop a goal of something to look forward to!
Dr. Wells will discuss the details of labiaplasty and inquire about your health history and current medications. A physical examination will also be necessary for her to formulate a precise treatment plan. After learning about the surgery and recovery, you will be able to make a more informed decision. She will then create a healthy surgical plan and schedule your procedure date.
Dr. Wells has performed many of these procedures before and will handle yours with discretion and care. Her eye for detail will guide her to provide you with beautiful labiaplasty results!
Call her practice in Baltimore at (410) 628-8200 or fill out her online form, and a member of her staff will get back to you as soon as possible to schedule a consultation.
Preparation
There are a few steps you can take to promote a healthy, restful recovery. Set aside a location in your house where you can rest without being disturbed. It will help to have a friend or family member with you for the first few days of your recovery. They can help you get around and assist you in getting comfortable. You will also want to arrange a ride to and from your surgery. Pick up prescribed medications and snacks a few days before the appointment. Get a good night’s rest and wear loose-fitting, comfy clothes on the day of the surgery.
Labiaplasty Procedure Steps
When you arrive at your procedure, you will sign in and change into a gown. The surgical team will greet you and prepare your treatment area for surgery. Dr. Wells’ anesthesiologist will either place you under general anesthesia, or she will administer local anesthesia with sedative medication, depending on your needs and desires. Both methods are designed to promote a comfortable, relaxed, and positive experience. Dr. Wells will perform the predetermined techniques discussed at your consultation, removing excess tissue with the trim technique. The method involves a relatively simpler process of surgically trimming the length of the elongated labial edge. Dr. Wells will use her skills to preserve delicate nerve endings. Once completed, she will close the incisions with dissolvable sutures and bandage the area. The resulting scars will blend seamlessly into the natural folds of your labia. After this 1 hour procedure, she will escort you to the recovery room where she will monitor you until she deems you fit to return home.
Recovery and Results
After the labiaplasty, you will be groggy as the anesthesia wears off. Due to the after-effects of the anesthesia, someone will need to drive you home. You must get plenty of rest and prioritize hydration. Your treated area will be swollen and sensitive. Pain medication will help alleviate discomfort and help you rest. Placing a pillow under your butt will help bring down swelling and relieve any pressure from your pelvis. Swelling typically peaks on day two or three and will slowly diminish in the following weeks.
You may experience itching as you continue to recover; do not scratch the treated area. Dr. Wells will give you instructions on using ice packs to alleviate both inflammation and itchiness. The itchiness should subside after a week.
Most women are able to return to sedentary jobs after a week or two. Take your time and do not overexert yourself. If you think you need more time to rest and heal, take that time. The dissolvable sutures will begin dissolving around the third or fourth week. Most women can resume low-impact exercise after the sutures dissolve. Many patients can return to sexual activity after six to eight weeks, but it is always good to check with Dr. Wells first. Follow-up appointments with Dr. Wells are a great opportunity to ask questions and voice any concerns you have. She will examine your outer genitalia to ensure you are healing well and let you know what the rest of your recovery may look like.
Most women will see their final results after two to three months. This outcome is long-lasting! You will be able to enjoy a more comfortable, aesthetically pleasing appearance after this procedure.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
You may be interested in combining your labiaplasty procedure with other treatments such as breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, or liposuction of the thighs, hips, or tummy. Or you can make your labiaplasty part of a full-body mommy makeover. Ask about your options during your personal consultation with Dr. Wells.
Clitoral Hood Reduction
Dr. Wells also performs clitoral hood reduction (clitoropexy) by itself or in combination with labiaplasty. The clitoral hood (prepuce), which covers the clitoris, can be oversized or enlarged, potentially causing discomfort, embarrassment, or hindering sexual stimulation. A hood reduction procedure removes excess tissue, improving comfort, confidence, and sexual pleasure.
Cost of Labiaplasty in Baltimore
The cost of your labiaplasty will depend on anesthesia fees, surgical fees, follow-up appointments, prescription medications, and more. Although these costs can add up, Dr. Wells’ practice offers several financing options that allow for more affordable payment plans for patients.
To speak in person with Dr. Alyson Wells about your labiaplasty, request a consultation online or call our office at (410) 628-8200. She will guide you to the right solution and help you to feel confident in your femininity.
FAQ
Will my insurance cover labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty costs covered by insurance are not very common. However, it is definitely worth looking into.
What is female reconstructive surgery?
Female reconstructive surgery is a term used for surgical and non-surgical procedures to mend the pelvic floor and any disorders.
What happens during a labiaplasty procedure?
In a labiaplasty, a surgeon trims excess tissue in the outer genitalia. This reduction helps the labia appear neat and symmetrical. The trimmed tissue will be sewn together with dissolvable sutures that will disintegrate between weeks three and four. Labiaplasties are being performed more often and are either for cosmetic reasons, comfort, or both.
References
- Szymański JK, Słabuszewska-Jóźwiak A, Jakiel G. Vaginal Aging—What We Know and What We Do Not Know. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021;18(9):4935. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094935
- Arif Aydın, Adeviye Elçi Atılgan, Mehmet Giray Sönmez, Leyla Öztürk Sönmez, Mehmet Boğa, Mehmet Balasar. Do variations in labial anatomy have an effect on recurrent urinary tract infection? International Urogynecology Journal. 2020;31(10):2129-2136. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-020-04310-8
- Willis, Rhett N., et al. “Labiaplasty Minora Reduction.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 2023, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28846226/.
- Ellsworth WA, Rizvi M, Lypka M, et al. Techniques for labia minora reduction: an algorithmic approach. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2010;34(1):105-110. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-009-9454-5
