Labiaplasty

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labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of a patient’s labia minora. It can relieve common uncomfortable symptoms of large or extended labia, and improve labial contour, elevating a patient’s body confidence. Patients often request this surgery to enhance the aesthetic appearance of their genital region and increase self-esteem. If you feel self-conscious about the size, asymmetry, or protrusion of your labia minora, or if you experience discomfort during activities such as exercise or sexual intercourse, labiaplasty may be an excellent option for you.

We invite you to reach out to the knowledgeable team at Zarrabi Plastic Surgery to schedule a personal consultation with our experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Zarrabi. Contact us by filling out this form or call (310) 584-9990 to speak to our staff directly.

What is Labiaplasty?

Labia minora are the smaller lips that protect the urethral opening and vaginal canal. By extending around this sensitive and vulnerable area, they provide the cover and protection necessary for regulated genital health. These skin folds can be short or long depending on the patient. (1) However, some patients are dissatisfied with this area. When the labia minora extend past the labia majora, patients can experience irritation during exercise or intimacy, and can also feel self-conscious about their appearance, leading them to seek labiaplasty. The most common forms of this surgery remove very small amounts of tissue to shorten the labia and make the patient more comfortable.

Types of Labiaplasty

The two main types of labiaplasty are referred to as the edge and wedge methods. Each technique focuses on extracting skin from either the inner or outer area of the labia minora. During edge labiaplasty, Dr. Zarrabi removes tissue from the linear edge of these skin folds. Patients may prefer this method if they wish to alter the look of the outermost border while decreasing the overall labia size. (2)

A wedge labiaplasty removes skin from the inside of the labia. Dr. Zarrabi measures a small triangular wedge of tissue and extracts it without altering the existing linear border. Both of these methods achieve similar results with differing approaches. Each patient chooses the right method for their anatomy and cosmetic desires with Dr. Zarrabi’s professional guidance.

Benefits of Labiaplasty

The benefits of this surgery include:

  • Labia Size Reduction: For some patients, their labia minora extend beyond the labia majora boundaries. This can cause discomfort, tugging, or pinching during physical activity. Reducing the size of the labia decreases these symptoms.
  • Improved Hygiene: Elongated labia minora can harbor bacteria and cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) if cleansing is difficult due to their size. Shortening them often improves a patient’s sexual health.
  • Enhanced Symmetry: If these skin folds are asymmetrical, labiaplasty can improve symmetry and the aesthetic appearance of the vulva as a whole.
  • Increased Comfort: For those experiencing embarrassment or discomfort because of their labia size or shape, this procedure can greatly increase their confidence during intimacy.

Patients may seek labiaplasty after experiencing a change in labia size after childbirth, menopause, or weight fluctuation. Dr. Zarrabi creates a customized procedure plan for each patient to address their specific concerns.

To learn more about his approach to cosmetic surgery, read our blog for information about the process and its benefits.

Ideal Candidates

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your labia minora and are in good overall health, you could be an ideal candidate for labiaplasty. You may experience irritation during movement or sexual activity, or feel embarrassed about their contour. Candidates should be free of serious underlying medical conditions that could interfere with recovery to qualify for surgery. If you smoke, Dr. Zarrabi requires that you quit at least a month before treatment. You should also have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure.

Personal Consultation with Dr. Zarrabi

Dr. Zarrabi will meet with you privately to discuss your medical history and the procedure itself. He will also perform a physical examination of the treatment area to inform his recommended approach. He will then formulate an individualized treatment plan to achieve your aesthetic desires. This will include information on how to prepare for your surgery, details about the location of your incisions, and what to expect during recovery. You can also use this opportunity to ask any questions about your treatment plan. This will be an important part of the process as it will give you an opportunity to understand the process fully and prepare for your labiaplasty. At the end of your private consultation, a member of our staff will help you schedule your procedure and provide preoperative instructions.

Preparation

You may need to alter your current medications leading up to your labiaplasty surgery. Please make sure to inform Dr. Zarrabi of your medical history during your initial consultation.

Before your surgery, please avoid:

  • Tobacco/Nicotine
  • Alcohol
  • NSAIDs
  • Herbal Supplements

Complete the following steps:

  • Prescriptions: Pick up any new medications before your procedure date.
  • Meals: Make easy-to-prepare meals that you can eat during recovery while still resting.
  • Transportation: Ask a trusted adult to drive you to and from our surgical facilities.
  • Recovery Space: Prepare a space in your home where you can relax.
  • Time Off: Inform your workplace and schedule time away to heal properly.

Labiaplasty Procedure

First, Dr. Zarrabi and his surgical team administer the proper medication, either general anesthesia or IV sedation with topical anesthetic, to keep you comfortable. He then makes his incisions either along the inside or outside of the labia minora. He takes extra care to avoid important nerves and blood vessels to ensure a successful surgery. Removing tissue very carefully allows him to gauge how much is appropriate to achieve the desired result.

If an edge labiaplasty is the chosen method, he sutures the outer border with precision, making sure to follow your anatomy. During the wedge method, he removes a small triangle of tissue from the inside of the skin folds and places sutures to shorten their length. This procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours to complete.

Recovery & Results

labiaplasty

Following a labiaplasty procedure, patients usually only need a few days of downtime before going back to work and leisure activities. Avoid strenuous activities, vigorous exercise, and sexual intimacy for 4 to 6 weeks after labiaplasty. You should also avoid hot tubs, swimming, and full tub baths for the same period of time – showering is ok. You may experience swelling, light bleeding, and discoloration for 2 or 3 weeks, but this subsides quickly as you heal. Take all prescribed medications according to the instructions. Zarrabi Plastic Surgery also provides these general post-operative instructions to follow for optimal results.

The final results are typically visible after 4 to 6 months of recovery. The labia minora are shorter and more structured. Their new contour is long-lasting if not permanent.

How Much Does Labiaplasty Cost in Santa Monica?

Each of our patients receives a personalized procedure plan from Dr. Zarrabi during their private consultation. This includes an estimated cost breakdown for your consideration. If you want to learn more about this procedure, please schedule your appointment today by calling (310) 584-9990. You may also fill out this contact form and we will reach out to you as soon as possible to book your consultation.

FAQ

Does labiaplasty cause scarring?

The placement of the incision is one of the most important decisions that determines the type of scar and its location. Plastic surgery utilizes advanced techniques to minimize scarring and achieve smooth and pleasing results.

Will labiaplasty impact my sex life?

When done correctly, labiaplasty does not cause changes in sensitivity that may impact sexual activity. In fact, many patients express an increase in comfortability during intimacy after the procedure.

Is labiaplasty a painful procedure?

Labiaplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, ensuring that patients remain comfortable throughout the procedure. After the surgery, mild discomfort can be expected, but patients can manage this with prescribed pain medication.

Can I combine labiaplasty with other procedures?

Yes, it is possible to combine labiaplasty with other procedures if desired, one such example is incorporating it into a mommy makeover. During your personal consultation, Dr. Zarrabi will discuss any additional procedures you may be considering and provide recommendations based on your specific goals and anatomy.

Is it safe to use a hot tub after labiaplasty?

Surgeons advise patients to avoid using a hot tub or any form of submerged water after labiaplasty surgery until several weeks after the procedure. Submerged water, including in hot tubs, pools, or baths, can harbor bacteria and other pathogens that may increase the risk of infection, especially in the delicate area of the labia after surgery.

References

  1. Nguyen J, Duong H. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Female External Genitalia. PubMed. Published 2020. Accessed May 2, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547703/
  2. Furnas HJ, Canales FL, Pedreira RA, Comer C, Lin SJ, Banwell PE. The Safe Practice of Female Genital Plastic Surgery. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2021;9(7):e3660. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000003660