Feminine rejuvenation

What is Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty, a popular plastic surgery for feminine rejuvenation, has seen significant growth in recent years. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), there was a 39 percent increase from 2015 to 2016, and it has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing types of plastic surgery. Reasons for the labiaplasty procedure vary depending on the individual and fall into the categories of aesthetic improvement, functional reasons or both.

What is the Purpose of Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of the labia minora, also referred to as the inner vaginal lips. While the appearance of female genitalia varies from woman to woman, vaginal anatomy can also change with age or following childbirth. Women with large or uneven vaginal lips may experience discomfort, irritation or psychological effects, such as self-consciousness. When a woman’s labia minora extends past the labia majora, or outer labia, she may experience discomfort caused by friction. Whether the labia minora are bothersome due to aesthetic issues or irritation, labiaplasty is a simple surgical procedure that can correct these problems.

Labiaplasty surgery can help patients achieve:

  • Smaller labia minora so they no longer hang below the labia majora
  • Symmetrical labia minora
  • Shorter labia minora, so they no longer twist or tug due to friction with clothing.

Labiaplasty is also a surgical option for labial adhesion, which occurs when the labia minora are stuck together or fused over the vaginal opening. This can occur after menopause and is usually treated by monitoring the area and through the use of topical creams.

Labiaplasty Procedure

Labiaplasty, as with many cosmetic surgical procedures, has become much less invasive as a result of advances in technology and techniques from recent years. There are multiple types of labiaplasty procedures depending on the patient’s need and individual anatomy:

The Trim Method

This is the most common type of labiaplasty, during which your doctor will remove extra tissue from the edge of the protruding labia. This can be useful to remove dark edges of the labia and offers more flexibility to correct asymmetry.

The Wedge Method

To reduce the size of the labia minora, the wedge method uses a v-shaped incision to reduce labia size. This method retains the natural edges of the labia and can result in decreased scar sensitivity.

Z-plasty (Z-incision) Method

This method is a modification on the wedge method, using a z-shaped incision to reduce scar tension and stress on the inner labia.

Labiaplasty takes place under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the medical advice of your plastic surgeon. While evolving technology allows labiaplasty to be a less invasive and more efficient surgical procedure than ever before, it is important to discuss potential risks. Following the procedure, your plastic surgeon will recommend icing and elevating the area to minimize swelling and to allow ample healing time. Most patients can resume regular activity after four to six weeks and return to work within one week.

Labiaplasty Cost

Schaffer Plastic Surgery accepts CareCredit, a healthcare credit card designed for your health and wellness needs. It's a way to pay for the costs of many treatments and procedures and allows you to make convenient monthly payments. Apply today.

Choosing Labiaplasty

Large or uneven labia are a personal concern for many women who may feel self-conscious by their feminine appearance or who experience discomfort as larger vaginal lips become irritated by clothing and lead to discomfort during work, exercise or intercourse. Many of our patients suffer through these issues for years, only to discover how worthwhile a labiaplasty can be.

As with all surgical procedures, labiaplasty is an investment in your health and confidence, and it is important to be confident in your plastic surgeon. Dr. Christopher Schaffer is a nationally recognized expert and innovator in the field of aesthetic plastic surgery whose skills create ideal patient results. Your labiaplasty will begin with a consultation appointment with Dr. Schaffer, to determine your concerns and goals for the procedure. An added benefit is that labiaplasty, as with all procedures at Schaffer Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, is performed on-site in our private, state-of the-art outpatient surgery suite which is certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities and located across the street from Grandview Medical Center.

To find out more about the procedure, including financing options through CareCredit, contact Schaffer Plastic Surgery today.