What is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty falls under the category of vaginal rejuvenation. Labiaplasty is a very common, safe procedure that rejuvenates the labia cosmetically and corrects the labial area functionally. It eliminates labial irritation and discomfort, while also corrects asymmetry, shape, and projection. The labiaplasty surgery also increases satisfaction in intimacy with an added benefit of restoring a natural, youthful look of the labia.
- Improve appearance and symmetry and confidence
- Increase comfort, and reduce irritation and challenges with clothing
- Increase sexual sensitivity in some women
Labiaplasty, also referred to as labial enhancement, can:
Reasons for Considering Labiaplasty
Each woman has her own reasons. Over many years, Dr. Rudderman’s ability to guide hundreds of women through these sensitive issues resulted in many wonderful years of health and happiness for them.
Common reasons for considering a labiaplasty procedure include:
- Irregularities of the labia can occur at any age and stage in life from pre-puberty to full maturity.
- Enlarged, asymmetric, excessively long, and misshapen labia are often caused by childbirth and normal aging and some women are born with large or irregular labia. These changes, both visual and functional, are unavoidable and become extremely personal to each woman.
- Enlarged and/or asymmetric and misshapen labia cause embarrassment, self-consciousness, and dissatisfaction with intimacy.
- Excess tissue and asymmetry on one or both sides may cause irritation or pain with movement, in clothing during exercise and/or during intimacy.
- Feeling uncomfortable in sports and swimwear is usually the norm.
If you are concerned about one or more of the following, you could be an ideal candidate for Dr. Rudderman’s Labiaplasty surgery:
- You are unhappy and embarrassed with the appearance of your labia
- You feel it has affected your self-esteem and relationships
- Enlarged, misshapen labia are causing discomfort and irritation
- You just want to look beautiful or pretty
- You can’t participate in many activities because clothing is uncomfortable
- Your concerns can be corrected and you want them corrected!
Labiaplasty Surgery
Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure and many patients need only acetaminophen after the surgery. Most return to work in 3-4 days, with full exercise in 3 weeks, and sexual activity gently in 6+ weeks. The incisions typically are inconspicuous to even the most well-trained eye, and most physicians examining a well-healed patient will not realize that a well-performed labiaplasty has been done.
This is always an embarrassing topic to discuss. We are aware of the sensitive needs of our clients and work diligently to respect both privacy in the office and operating room to give you the most exceptional care treatment and outcome with the least anxiety and comfort.
You will be well informed during the consultation on the operation, what to expect after in care, healing, and outcome.
Labiaplasty operations can often be included with other operations such and breast procedures and liposuction. These combination operations sometimes allow for the women to have all that they need in one setting without the need to explain to the person driving them to or from the surgery center what they had done. It’s another way to accomplish a personal need in a very private way.
Good candidates should also be in overall good health, be mature in their thinking and have realistic expectations.
Contact us at 678.566.7200 to meet with Dr. Rudderman in our Alpharetta or Midtown Atlanta offices.
Written and reviewed by:
This article was written by Dr. Randy Rudderman, who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (1994). He practices medicine at his offices in Alpharetta and Atlanta.
Learn more about Dr. Rudderman, his medical training, and credentials.
Labiaplasty Recovery and Long-Term Outcomes
- You will wake up with a small dressing and binder over the treated area.
- Mild swelling and some discomfort are normal and to be expected. This situation resolves on its own and often requires minimal pain medication or only acetaminophen.
- Itching is common during healing in the first 2 weeks.
- Swelling begins to resolve after 2-3 days and some mild swelling can last for several months.
- Cold compresses can be used for the first week after treatment.
- You may shower 3 days after surgery.
- Use a Vaseline type ointment daily for a week or more to reduce friction.
- Sutures are absorbable and generally do not need to be removed.
- Most patients who have surgery can return to work in two to 4 days.
- Exercise can be resumed generally in 3-4 weeks.
- Sexual activity generally is resumed in 6 weeks.
- Dr. Rudderman will tell you when you can start to exercise again.
Measurable results are typically visible immediately, but be patient, healing and stabilizing takes time. It can take months for the “new you” to be clearly seen. The results from this procedure are long-lasting. Scars are often not noted, even by your gynecologist. Final results may be seen in several months. Remember swelling occurs daily with standing and will affect appearance during healing. Additional surgery to further improve the appearance is unlikely.
Labiaplasty Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
Search our list of FAQs for the answers you are looking for.