Naples Plastic Surgeons Detail What You Need to Know About Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty barely makes the top-20 list of most performed cosmetic procedures, according to 2020 statistics compiled by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. However, a recent interim survey by the Society included labiaplasty as among 11 procedures patients have expressed the most interest in seeking. Additionally, the number of women seeking labiaplasties rose significantly during the past decade.

The Plastic surgeons at Naples Plastic Surgery have a deep understanding of the reasons why patients seek out this procedure, whether they be cosmetic or function. Younger women tend to seek a labiaplasty due to hereditary labial enlargement, while older women may undergo the surgery to correct labial changes caused by pregnancy, childbirth, or aging.

What is a Labiaplasty?

A labiaplasty, also sometimes called vaginal rejuvenation, reshapes the vagina’s labia minora—inner lips—to shorten them, make them more symmetrical, and/or to help them fit snugly within the fold of the Labia majora, or outer lips. The labiaplasty is primarily designed to correct what is known as labial hypertrophy or enlargement, which is typically marked by inner lips that excessively protrude from the outer lips and sometimes also with asymmetry.

Why Would a Woman Get a Labiaplasty?

Every woman’s vulva is unique, and there are considerable variations in the size, thickness, shape, and color of the labia minora. Women tend to be concerned about their labia when labial enlargement can be seen through clothing or is too evident during intimate situations. Women may also be embarrassed by the appearance of their labia if it is misshapen or when the inner lips appear significantly asymmetric.

For many women, labial enlargement can cause discomfort due to clothing or exercise that chafes the sensitive, exposed labial mucosa. A labiaplasty may also be significantly beneficial if the labia tend to get pulled into the vagina during sex, which can cause painful tears of the labial skin.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Before the procedure, Dr. Leo Baccaro, Dr. Mark Walsh, or Dr. Andrew Bonett consult with their patient to carefully review the desired aesthetic and/or functional outcome and surgical course of action. This consultation also allows the surgeon to answer any questions the patient might have.

Labiaplasty at Naples Plastic Surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with oral sedation or deep sedation, according to the patient’s wishes. Once sedated, the surgeon typically removes a wedge-shaped portion of the excess labia tissue and then sutures the edges together to shorten and tighten the lips. Other excess vaginal tissue may be excised as needed to reduce labia minora size or improve symmetry.

Our surgeons can usually complete a labiaplasty in under an hour, and patients can return to their homes as soon as the anesthesia’s effects have waned. Patients are provided with recovery guidance instructions and may be prescribed medications to help manage pain and limit the risk of infection.

What to Expect During Recovery

Because the surgical site will be sore, sensitive, and swollen for several days after the surgery, our surgeons advise patients to take at least three days to a week off work. Most women can return to their regular daily routines within one to two weeks but should refrain from long walks and rigorous exercise for at least three to four weeks and avoid sex for at least six weeks after the procedure.

Due to swelling, results could take a month or more to become apparent. While most swelling subsides within six weeks, it could take several months for all swelling to dissipate.

While sutures dissolve independently, our surgeons typically schedule one or two follow-up appointments to ensure their patient’s health and the viability of their work. Complications are rare, patients are advised to contact our office if any signs of infection or excess bleeding.

Want to Learn More—Contact Naples Plastic Surgery to Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’re interested in learning about the aesthetic and functional success, we secure with our labiaplasty procedure in the Naples, Florida-area, one of our surgeons will be glad to consult with you. To schedule your labiaplasty consultation, contact Naples Plastic Surgery today at 239.566.2611.