Labiaplasty And Vaginoplasty

A labiaplasty may be beneficial for a patient over the age of 18 who is having aesthetic concerns that make them feel less confident about themselves or functional issues because of labial skin laxity. This is not intended as a treatment for low libido, although improved self-confidence may help in that area.

Patients who want to improve childhood defects or trauma to enhance sexual function or others who require vaginal reconstruction following radiation or excision of the vagina as part of treatment for cancer or other conditions may be eligible for vaginoplasty. Vaginoplasty may also be offered to patients who have conditions that are present from birth that has affected the development of the vagina.

With any form of plastic surgery, including labiaplasty and vaginoplasty, it’s critical for the patient to be in good health without any major illnesses, and it’s also important that they quit smoking to avoid complications. During your consultation, your surgeon will conduct an exam to decide whether a vaginoplasty or labiaplasty would be right for you, and patients will have the opportunity to ask any questions they have about the procedure.

Before vaginoplasty or other vaginal restoration procedures, the patient will need to undergo certain assessments or testing so that the surgeon can learn more about their medical history. Patients may need to stop taking blood thinning medications for two weeks prior to vaginoplasty or other procedures, but this decision should be made under the supervision of a primary care physician.

Patients should also plan ahead with the understanding that they will need to take at least a week off from work and maintain healthy habits such as eating healthy, drinking lots of water, and getting enough sleep to ensure a smooth recovery from vaginoplasty or labiaplasty.

A labiaplasty is performed to reduce the size, alter the shape, and improve the symmetry of the labia majora, the labia minora, or both. Patients choosing this surgery may go under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. The plastic surgeon will trim the labial tissue with a laser or scalpel in order to make the lips less visible and more uniform in shape. Fine, dissolvable sutures are used to stitch the loose edge. This can be beneficial for women whose labia are noticeable when yoga pants or similarly tight-fitting clothing are worn.

The surgery can also reduce friction that causes intercourse to be uncomfortable or painful. It can be completed within one to two hours, although the length of the procedure will be determined by your specific surgery plan. Patients may return home on the same day.

Vaginoplasty is also performed with the patient under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Vaginoplasty surgery typically involves tightening separated muscles. A vaginoplasty may also involve removing excess skin to reduce friction.

The average recovery time for a labiaplasty is three weeks. The results from the surgery will be noticeable right away and continue to improve in the following weeks and months. It’s normal for there to be some soreness, swelling, bruising, and vaginal discharge, along with discomfort while sitting or urinating. This can persist for around two weeks. Painkillers can help to relieve some of the discomforts, and your surgeon may prescribe medications to take at home to further improve comfort.

During recovery from any kind of vaginal rejuvenation procedures, including vaginoplasty, women should spend four to six weeks avoiding strenuous physical activity—and especially vaginal intercourse—to give the body time to heal. During this time, swelling and other surgical side effects will gradually subside. It’s also important to keep the pelvis elevated when possible.

For a labiaplasty, it can take months before the skin heals completely, and it will be critical that the patient does what they can to keep the area clean to prevent infections. It also helps to wear loose clothes that don’t cause chafing. Vaginal intercourse should be avoided during the recovery window so the area can heal properly after vaginoplasty. Patients should also not use tampons during this time. About eight weeks after vaginoplasty surgery, typical activities can be resumed. It’s important that patients follow post-surgical instructions for incision care.