Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure to change the shape or size of a woman’s labia minora or major for more comfort and confidence.
To learn more about how labiaplasty might benefit you, contact UCI Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation. We have three locations serving Orange County and Los Angeles County: in Orange, Costa Mesa, and Tustin, CA.
Why Might I Consider Labiaplasty?
Every woman’s labia are unique. There is no “standard” or “normal” appearance. However, elongated labia can cause pain, chafing, or discomfort when engaging in everyday activities, especially exercise and activities that put pressure on the genitalia, such as riding a bicycle. Asymmetrical or overly large labia may also be a source of self-consciousness or embarrassment when wearing tight-fitting swim or exercise clothes or when having sex.
You might consider labiaplasty to:
- Eliminate chafing and discomfort in everyday activities
- Make exercise easier and more comfortable
- Relieve discomfort during intercourse
- Improve hygiene and remove a contributing cause of urinary tract infections
- Improve the appearance of the labia
- Bring the labia into symmetry
- Remove a source of embarrassment when wearing exercise clothing, swimwear, or other close-fitting clothes
- Restore the size and appearance of the labia after changes due to childbirth or weight loss
What Happens in a Labiaplasty Procedure?
Labiaplasty surgery is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia with sedation or under general anesthesia. While you are sedated or unconscious, your plastic surgeon will remove excess tissue from the labia minora through multiple small incisions. When the surgeon has modified the labia to the desired size and shape, they will close the incisions with sutures that naturally dissolve as the incisions heal.
The procedure typically takes about one or two hours. It will take another hour or two to wake up from the anesthesia or sedation, after which you can go home, with a friend or family member to drive you.
What Can I Expect in Recovery?
In the first days after surgery, you’ll experience some bruising and swelling. Your surgeon will prescribe medication to reduce the risk of infection and help you manage any short-term discomfort or pain. You can return to work after three or four days. Your surgeon will advise you on when it’s safe to resume more vigorous activity. You should refrain from using a tampon or having intercourse for at least four weeks.
We will provide detailed recovery instructions, including how to contact us with questions or concerns and a plan for follow-up appointments.
Start Your Journey Today!
UCI Plastic Surgery is a leader in the field of cosmetic surgery. Each of our specialists is highly knowledgeable, trained, and committed to bringing our patients the latest advancements in the field. Learn how our experts can help you obtain industry-leading results by scheduling a consultation today.
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Labiaplasty FAQ
What can I expect on consultation day?
During your personalized consultation, we will review your medical history, medications, allergies, other surgeries, and an actual physical exam will take place. Your consultation will involve a discussion about how the procedure is going to be done, when you can get back to work, exercise, etc. We will also discuss complications, risks, as well as other potential surgical procedures in the future.
How should I prepare for my labiaplasty consultation day?
It’s best to have an idea what really bothers you and be able to explain what you would like changed. It also helps to bring a list of questions with you.
How do I prepare for labiaplasty procedure day?
We will take you through standard pre-op teaching, cleaning, and preparation. Most can be done under straight local or local with some medication to make you relax.
Who is an ideal candidate for labiaplasty?
The best labiaplasty candidate is essentially anyone who desires a change in the labia minora or removal of excess tissue.
What is recovery like after labiaplasty?
Patients should take 2-4 weeks of restraint from heavy exercise, bike riding, sex, etc. Patients can work but want to remain off the area for the first several days by lying down or with a pillow under their butt.
When can I return to work after my labiaplasty procedure?
Depending on your job, 1-3 weeks. Physical labor jobs may require more time off than sitting on zoom.
Does labiaplasty produce noticeable scars?
All surgeries produce scars, but with time, they thin and get less apparent.
Is labiaplasty the same thing as vaginal rejuvenation?
Not necessarily – labiaplasty deals with the excess skin on the external component of the vagina. Vaginal rejuvenation may evoke additional procedures regarding the internal lining of the vagina.
What are the anesthesia options for labiaplasty?
Local anesthesia or local anesthesia with PO meds or IV sedation.
Will my sexual partner notice a difference after my labiaplasty procedure?
Most likely, as there will be less tissue present on the labia minora.
Will labiaplasty result in a decrease in sensation?
It is possible, especially around the clitoris. That is why it is essential to preserve the sensation and the amount of resection and to go to someone trained in the procedure.
Will labiaplasty alter the skin surrounding my clitoris?
Possibly, if the patient desires skin to be altered in that area. Care must be taken not to change the sensation around the clitoris.
When can I start working out again after labiaplasty?
4 weeks.
Can I schedule my consultation the same day as surgery?
No – like any procedure, a separation between consultation and the surgery itself is necessary from a patient safety and care standpoint of view.
What is my next step if I am interested in the labiaplasty procedure?
Your next step is to reach out and schedule a consultation.
Schedule a Consultation in Orange County
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out whether a labiaplasty may be right for you. We’ll answer your questions and explain what you can expect from the procedure. We serve Orange County and the Los Angeles area, with offices in Orange, Costa Mesa, and Tustin, CA.
The doctors at UCI Plastic Surgery are leaders in the field of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Through their teaching and lecturing roles at UCI, they stay current with state-of-the-art techniques and technology. With their advanced technical skills, they consistently produce better, more natural-looking results for their patients.
