Labiaplasty
At Southern Connecticut Women’s Healthcare Associates, we strive to ensure that every patient is in optimal emotional and physical health. For some women, that may involve a labiaplasty. A labiaplasty is a procedure to change the shape of the vaginal area. Specifically, the length of the labia is reduced. It is the most commonly performed vaginal cosmetic procedure, but can also be deemed medically necessary for women that have elongated labias, which sometimes cause painful tears on the vulvar skin. This surgical procedure can help women feel more comfortable and confident in their appearance when exercising, wearing tight-fitting clothes, or during intercourse. Dr. Murray and Dr. Schaeffer are two of the few ob-gyn physicians that offer this procedure with more than 20 years of experience.
What is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of the labia, the “lips” of the vagina. Labiaplasty can reduce the size of the outer labia (labia majora) or the inner labia (labia minora). After labiaplasty, the labia no longer hang down below the level of your vagina.
Why Do Women Have Labiaplasty?
Women seek labiaplasty for several reasons.
Some women are unhappy with the look or length of their labia, which can be asymmetrical or elongated due to genetics or childbirth. Others experience pain or blistering when cycling or exercising, and some feel self-conscious when wearing a bathing suit or yoga pants, concerned that their labia are visible.
In some cases, painful twisting or tugging of the labia during sex can compel women to seek labiaplasty.
What Happens During the Labiaplasty Procedure?
Your doctor may perform the labiaplasty procedure using one of two techniques:
Wedge labiaplasty: your doctor removes a wedge-shaped piece of tissue from the middle third of the labia in a V-shape, then sews the top and bottom sections together
Trim labiaplasty: with the “trim” or “edge” technique, your doctor removes the excess tissue all along the length of the top edge of the labia
Both of these techniques are painless, take about an hour, and are performed as outpatient procedures using local anesthesia.
What Can I Expect After Labiaplasty?
Recovery from labiaplasty is fast, and most women only need a few days before going back to work. You’ll likely be able to resume your full exercise routine after three weeks, and you’re usually safe to resume intercourse after four weeks.
As with any surgery, there is a risk of bleeding or infection, so it’s important to follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions.
The experts at Southern Connecticut Women’s Health Care Associates compassionately guide women through the process of deciding whether or not labiaplasty is right for them. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sivkin or Dr. Murray to discuss your reasons for considering the procedure.
To schedule a labiaplasty consultation, call or book an appointment online today.