Labiaplasty
A Procedure Performed Since the 1970s
Although cosmetic and medical labiaplasty has been performed since the 1970s, it remains a relatively unknown procedure. Compared to breast augmentation or rhinoplasty, many women may not be aware that there is a surgery to change the appearance of the labia.
Surgery Process
Preparing for Surgery
Prior to the surgery date, you will be provided with a checklist of items to complete. Some of these may include: if you smoke, you should quit at least three weeks before the surgery date, stop taking anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin and ibuprofen, two weeks before surgery, pick up any medications that Dr. Bajaj prescribes in a timely manner, make arrangements for somebody else to give you a ride home following the procedure, and shave or wax the pubic area 2-4 days before surgery.
Labiaplasty Procedure
A labiaplasty procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on your preference and techniques to be utilized. Prior to surgery, Dr. Bajaj will mark the predetermined incision locations. Once in the surgical room and after the anesthesia has been administered, Dr. Bajaj will make the appropriate incisions and remove the desired amount of tissue. Then, she will suture the incisions closed and bandage the area properly. The entire procedure typically takes about 1 hour. You should make arrangements for somebody to drive you home after the surgery.
Recovery Process After a Labiaplasty Procedure
Swelling from the procedure will lessen over the course of 4-6 weeks, and full recovery from labiaplasty can take 1-2 months. Immediately following the procedure, you should also expect some bruising and slight discomfort. You will be provided with prescription medications to help ease this discomfort. For the first few weeks following surgery, you should keep the area clean and dry. You should not wear any tight-fitting clothing and should avoid activities such as bike riding that will cause friction. Sexual activities should be avoided during the first month of recovery. Dr. Bajaj will provide you with a customized recovery plan that will include when you will be allowed to resume activities such as strenuous exercise and intercourse. You are required to come in for follow-up appointments after your surgery so that she can make sure that you are healing properly.
Labiaplasty FAQS | Bajaj Plastic Surgery
Can A Labiaplasty Be Combined With Other Procedures? It is common for a labiaplasty to be combined with a treatment plan known as a “mommy makeover.” A mommy makeover is a customized surgical plan that is tailored to target the areas where women see the most change after pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Having several procedures done simultaneously can allow Dr. Bajaj to better sculpt your desired appearance while also saving you the expense of paying the operating room and anesthesia costs multiple times. The decision to combine procedures will depend on which surgeries you’re interested in, the extent of each surgery, the operating time, and your overall health. Ultimately, Dr. Bajaj will help you decide whether or not it is safe to include more than one procedure in your surgical plan.
A mommy makeover can include labiaplasty, liposuction, tummy tuck, and breast augmentation or breast lift.
When Interested In a Labiaplasty, Does It Matter What Age I Am?The ideal candidate for labiaplasty should be 18 years of age or older. In rare cases, a labiaplasty can be performed on a patient younger than 18, but this is rare.. The reason surgeons prefer to wait until a patient is over the age of 18 is that adolescents are still physically and emotionally developing. Will I Have a Scar After my Labiaplasty?
As this procedure focuses on an intimate area of the body, we want to ease any anxiety regarding possible scarring. Scarring varies from patient to patient, as each procedure is customized according to the needs of each patient. One of the many benefits of having a labiaplasty is that scars are easily hidden within the folds of the labia. Dr. Bajaj strives to provide the highest quality of care to her patients and ensures that any potential scarring remains as unnoticeable as possible. While there may be some discoloration around the treatment site, this should improve after a few months.
Should I Have a Labiaplasty If I Still Plan On Having Children? Because labiaplasty is designed to reduce the size of a woman’s labia tissue, patients often wonder if they should wait until after they are finished having children to have this procedure. Patients who undergo labiaplasty are often in varying stages of their life. Since labiaplasty is mainly externally focused and doesn’t involve the birth canal, any improvements patients receive from their labiaplasty should not change due to a future vaginal birth. For this reason, Dr. Bajaj generally encourages patients who are experiencing intimate concerns or discomfort that is affecting their quality of life to not hesitate to pursue labiaplasty.
When Can I Resume Sexual Activity After My Labiaplasty? Following their labiaplasty, patients should waitsix weeks after their procedure before engaging in physical activities such as sex. The biggest concern with labiaplasty and sexual activity is damaging or impairing the healing wound. The area will be swollen, tender, and potentially painful during the first few weeks of your recovery, so it’s important to avoid all sexual activities until these issues have passed and the area has completely healed.