Labiaplasty, also known as labia rejuvenation surgery or labia plasty, is a plastic surgery procedure that alters the size and shape of the labia minora (inner lips) of the female genitalia. The procedure can be done for cosmetic and/or functional reasons. In this article, I will answer common questions about labiaplasty and address concerns that people may have about the procedure.
Why would someone get a labiaplasty?
Some women may feel self-conscious or uncomfortable with the size, shape, or asymmetry of their labia, which can affect their self-esteem and sexual confidence. Some patients notice they aren’t able to wear certain swimsuits because their labia can hang out or look too “puffy.” Others may experience physical discomfort or irritation during sexual intercourse or exercise from excess rubbing or friction. Labiaplasty can address both cosmetic and functional concerns, leading to significant lifestyle improvements for some patients.
To find out more about cost or the procedure in general, check out our page with transparent cost and procedure details.
Does labiaplasty increase pleasure?
Some women report increased pleasure and sensitivity during sexual activity following the procedure, but this might also be more related to the relief of pain that used to be present during intercourse due to friction. However, it's important to note that the procedure is not intended to increase sexual pleasure and results may vary from person to person.
Does labiaplasty make you tighter?
Labiaplasty does not make you tighter, but other vaginal rejuvenation procedures can. A vaginoplasty, which is much more involved, can tighten the vaginal canal but involves more extensive dissection and recovery. Unlike vaginoplasty, a labiaplasty only addresses the size and shape of the labia minora and/or labia majora, not the vaginal canal.
How painful is a labiaplasty?
As with any plastic surgery procedure, some degree of discomfort and pain can be expected during the recovery process. Most patients report mild to moderate discomfort that can be managed with pain medication and rest for the first few days. After the initial swelling and bruising resolves, most patients feel comfortable increasing their activity and exercise after roughly a week.
Any severe pain is more likely to be from excess bleeding or an infection and this is soemthing worth alerting your surgeon about to make sure everything is healing appropriately. Your labiaplasty surgeon will provide you with detailed post-operative care instructions and prescribe appropriate medication to help manage any discomfort during the recovery period.
How long until labiaplasty looks normal?
The recovery time for labiaplasty varies from person to person, but most women can expect to experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first few days following the procedure. It can take several weeks for the swelling to fully subside and for the labia to take on their final shape and appearance. Despite most of the swelling being gone after a few weeks, patients need to refrain from penetrative intercourse for the first 6 weeks while the incisions heal and the tissues settle down. Your surgeon will provide you with detailed post-operative care instructions and a timeline for recovery.
How much does labiaplasty cost?
The cost of labiaplasty can vary depending on several factors, including the surgeon's experience and location, type of anesthesia chosen, and whether any additional procedures are done at the same time. On average, the cost of labiaplasty can range from $3,000 to $8,000 or more.
I perform most labiaplasty procedures under oral sedation with local anesthesia only since this is the safest and gives the quickest recovery. Patients are able to examine their results immediately after surgery to confirm everything looks good to them and they can see the immediate change. Awake plastic surgery also helps to decrease the cost of the overall procedure since there is no Anesthesiologist required or operating room time. It's important to discuss the cost of the procedure with your surgeon and make sure you understand all associated fees and costs.
Can labiaplasty be covered by insurance?
In most cases, labiaplasty is considered an elective cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. However, if the procedure is done for medical reasons such as chronic irritation or discomfort, insurance may cover a portion of the cost. It's important to check with your insurance provider and surgeon to determine if labiaplasty may be covered by insurance in your specific case. We do not contract with any insurance groups at the Elston Clinic and any labiaplasty performed by me would be self-pay.
Does labiaplasty change your sensation?
Labiaplasty is primarily done to address cosmetic or functional concerns and is not intended to change sexual sensation. However, some women may experience changes in sensation following the procedure. This can be due to changes in nerve function or the removal of tissue that may have provided sensory input.
Most of the labiaplasty procedures that I performed are called “trim labiaplasty” and only involve removing excess skin of the labia minora without cutting through any of the underlying nerves or blood supply. Other techniques are sometimes necessary or preferred due to patient’s desired aesthetics and these can affect the sensation more since it requires a posterior wedge resection of tissue.
It's important to discuss any concerns about changes in sensation with your surgeon during your consultation and be aware that some decrease in sensation is normal during the recovery.
Choosing a labiaplasty surgeon
If you are considering labiaplasty, it's important to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon who can help you achieve the best possible outcome. Look for a surgeon who is board-certified in plastic surgery and has experience performing labiaplasty procedures. Ask to see before and after photos of their previous patients and read reviews from other patients to get an idea of their skill and patient satisfaction. It is also helpful to find a plastic surgeon that has done previous research or further academic pursuits in labiaplasty.
In conclusion, labiaplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that can address both cosmetic and functional concerns related to the labia. While there are some risks and potential downsides to the procedure, many women report improved quality of life and sexual comfort following labiaplasty. If you are considering labiaplasty, be sure to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who can help you achieve the best possible outcome.