Common Questions About the Labiaplasty Procedure
Questions our patients have asked us about the Labiaplasty procedure.
Perhaps this is something most people don’t want to talk about it, but it’s more common than you may realize and there’s no shame in seeking a fix for these types of feminine concerns. A surgical procedure with the sole purpose of removing overhanging labia minor (the inner vaginal lips), Labiaplasty, also known as a labia minora reduction is proven to help women gain self-confidence and comfort with a quick recovery. When the labia minora has excess tissue, it can often cause women discomfort and even pain during everyday activities. The good news is that with Labiaplasty it can be easily addressed in a safe and effective cosmetic procedure.
That being said, let’s move on to a few common questions often asked before proceeding with the procedure.
How Long Does Healing Take?
It will take an average of two weeks to heal from a Labiaplasty procedure, but it’s in the earlier days that you will experience the most discomfort. Generally, swelling and itching occurs during the first three days and gradually subsides as the week progresses. While this may be uncomfortable, it does subside fairly quickly. After the first week, the swelling and itching will dramatically decrease and you should be well on your way to a full recovery.
Is There Any Way to Speed the Process?
Take a week or so off of work, if possible. The initial rest after surgery will greatly increase your speed of recovery. Limiting physical activity and taking it easy will benefit you, so it’s a great excuse to curl up and watch some movies you’ve been wanting to see. You can, in most cases, resume work within days, but for a speedy recovery take a week off and read some books. You can also manage the swelling with cold compresses and treat the itching with witch hazel cooling pads (just as a woman post-childbirth would). Of course, be sure to check with your doctor before applying anything to your surgical area, just to be safe.
Will I Have Any Scars?
Your surgery will involve dissolvable stitches that will disappear on their own within 3-4 weeks and the scar will blend inquire will with the labia minora tissue. It’s a very discreet surgery. Remember that the labia minora tissue has wrinkles and folds naturally, so there won’t be any noticeable scars. Everything will blend in well. So well that your gynecologist may not even be aware. It’s important to know that the scar tissue will firm up following your surgery, but it will become soft again within a few short months.
What Sort of Activity Level is Acceptable?
It’s best to wait at least 4 weeks to return to your normal activity level. However, some women are able to return to their very active lifestyles within just 2 weeks. It really depends on your own healing process and recovery and it’s best to check with your doctor before resuming normal levels of activity, especially sexual intercourse. When it comes to scar tissue, it can take up to 6-8 weeks before your scars will be strong enough to resume sexual intercourse, so be sure to check with your doctor before you resume sexual activity. Always best to be on the safe side.
Are There Any Risks Involved?
Surgical risks are extremely rare and seen in less than 1% of Labiaplasty cases. Complications are the same as any other surgery (or even childbirth) and can include infection or bleeding. In fact, risks of pregnancy and childbirth are significantly higher than a Labiaplasty procedure.
How Do I Know Labiaplasty is Right for Me?
If you are often experiencing labial pain or irritation from clothing rubbing or sexual intercourse, tampons, etc., then a Labiaplasty is definitely something to consider. Also, some women simply have an elongated labia and just don’t like the appearance. In cases like this, it may not be physically necessary, but it can certainly improve self-confidence and is just as viable of a reason to request a Labiaplasty procedure.
Will This Affect My Sex Life?
Besides the initial timeframe, you’ll be required to refrain from sexual activity, Labiaplasty will not negatively impact your sex life at all. In fact, your sex life will become enhanced with new self-confidence and increased sensation due to less labia tissue. There should be no decrease in stimulation, clitoral orgasm, or overall sensation.
Can I Combine it With Other Procedures?
Of course! Many patients choose to add other procedures when they have a Labiaplasty surgery. Some patients even combine breast augmentation, tummy tucks, and liposuction into one single session.
What About Menstruation During or After Surgery?
This can often happen and it’s not a big deal at all. It’s simply recommended to use pads rather than tampons until healing has taken place and resume tampons during the following menstrual period.
As you can see, Labiaplasty is a straightforward cosmetic surgery with amazing results. Healing and recovery is a quick process, scars are minimal and hidden, and the benefits far outweigh the cons of continuing to suffer from the discomforts excessive labia tissue may be causing you.
Many women choose to have a Labiaplasty procedure to correct enlarged labia minora, changes to the labia after childbirth, reduction of the mons pubis after menopause, or simply a change in appearance. It’s a very beneficial surgery and the results not only eliminate the discomfort involved with these conditions, but it also increases the pleasure of sexual experiences with newfound self-confidence and improved physical sensation.
The procedure is definitely rewarding and any woman who has undergone a Labiaplasty surgery with a highly qualified surgeon will tell you that their lives were dramatically changed post-surgery.
The procedure itself is no longer than 90 minutes total and it is generally performed in an outpatient setting. Many patients return to work within days, but we recommend a week of rest to recover quicker.
Quick, rewarding, and truly life-changing, Labiaplasty is a wonderful decision for those seeking to improve their self-confidence and sexual experiences and, as stated before, can be combined with other cosmetic procedures with ease. For more information, get in touch with us and we’ll happily answer any other questions you may have!