Are you looking to reduce or increase the size of your labia? Labiaplasty can help you achieve this by enhancing the appearance of the folds of skin around your vaginal opening. This can reduce physical discomfort in case you have excess skin that interferes with your clothes. You may have experienced this problem since puberty or following a pregnancy.
Reasons you may want a labiaplasty include:
- Long or hanging labia
- Stretched out labia after giving birth
- Asymmetrical labia
- Painful intercourse
- Discomfort with tight-fitting clothes
- Dissatisfaction with the appearance of your labia
Your plastic surgeon can inject a safe filler substance into the labia if you are looking to enlarge it or harmonize them for symmetry. Labiaplasty can also be part of a gender-affirming process.
What Can I Expect When Getting a Labiaplasty?
During your initial consultation, your plastic surgeon will perform a careful assessment of your situation, including a physical examination, review of your health history, and your goals. You can ask any questions you may have so you understand what the surgery involves and what the recovery process can look like.
Your surgeon can perform the labiaplasty under local or general anesthesia. If they trim and reshape the tissue, they place dissolvable sutures in the area. This creates a tighter and more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Incisions are near invisible in the natural folds of the labia once healed.
Once you can leave the office or hospital, someone else needs to drive you home. Wear comfortable clothes to avoid friction. If you experience swelling, you can use a cold compress for relief but be careful not to apply it directly to the surgical site. The initial recovery takes up to two weeks, but your surgeon will offer you guidelines to minimize discomfort and promote healing for about six weeks.
During recovery you should typically:
- Wear loose-fitting clothes
- Opt for showers rather than baths
- Choose low-intensity exercise
- Use tampon alternatives during your period
- Avoid from intercourse
A couple of follow-up appointments help your doctor monitor your healing and provide you with updated guidelines as your recovery progresses.
When Should I Seek a Labiaplasty?
If you are experiencing significant discomfort or pain due to the size of your labia, seeking medical advice is important, no matter at what stage of your life you are. If your labia have caused problems since you were born or since puberty, you do not have to wait until you have had one or more babies. Pregnancy and childbirth do not put excessive pressure on your labia and a labiaplasty will not interfere with your ability to conceive, carry a child to term, or experience natural childbirth in the future.
During pregnancy and labor, your labia may stretch or tear without naturally recovering afterward. This is why some people get a labiaplasty after having had the number of children they want. Doctors recommend you give your body time to heal after delivery before getting a labiaplasty. This time frame can take three to six months in most cases.
Giving birth may impact the effects of the surgery but you have ways to prevent these issues. You should usually wait at least six months before trying to get pregnant after a labiaplasty. Talking to your doctor about your family planning during your initial consultation and during your recovery can help them advise you when to safely try for a baby while maintaining your labiaplasty results.
With these precautions, even a subsequent vagina delivery should not require getting a second labiaplasty. Your results should be permanent even during and after experiencing menopause. A labiaplasty can help you comfortably exercise, have sex, and wear any type of clothing you want. You can also feel more confident about how your labia look.
Non-Surgical Labiaplasty Alternatives
If you are unsure a labiaplasty is for you or you would rather wait until you are done growing your family, you can consider non-surgical alternatives to change how your labia look and feel.
Non-surgical labia enhancements can use:
- Fractional laser
- Radiofrequency
- Fillers
While those cosmetic alternatives may not have the same tightening results as a labiaplasty, they can nevertheless help you reach your goals. They may also be more convenient to fit into your current life and budget. Exploring all options to enhance the appearance of your labia and feel more comfortable can help you determine what treatment fits your needs.
Call West Coast Plastic Surgery Center today at (805) 978-8545 or use our online form to schedule an appointment to discuss your labiaplasty options!