PALM DESERT, INDIO, AND LOS ANGELES-AREA WOMEN CAN COUNTER AGE- AND CHILDBIRTH-RELATED CHANGES TO AN INTIMATE AREA
There are many factors that can negatively impact tissues in the vaginal area, such as aging, pregnancy, childbirth, weight fluctuations, and genetics. Childbirth can cause long-lasting changes, hormone shifts due to menopause or medical treatments can create laxity, and the typical breakdown of collagen and more due to natural aging may lead to reduced sensation during intercourse and other functional problems. Some people may find the loose skin aesthetically displeasing or uncomfortable when they’re wearing tight clothes or swimsuits. Many women find help in labiaplasty and vaginoplasty. The Los Angeles-area plastic surgeons at Cosmetic Surgery Institute offer both procedures in Palm Desert. Vaginoplasty and labiaplasty may be performed on their own or combined for an overall rejuvenation of the intimate area.
Labiaplasty is the surgical resizing and reshaping of the vaginal lips, which may be naturally large or asymmetrical, or may become so after childbirth. Vaginoplasty is a surgical tightening of the vagina itself. A formerly tight vagina may grow slack due to being stretched out or because muscles in the area have separated. Vaginoplasty or similar techniques are often performed as part of a Mommy Makeover.
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR LABIAPLASTY OR 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.
PREPARING FOR LABIAPLASTY AND VAGINOPLASTY
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.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM 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.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM VAGINOPLASTY?
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.
YOUR RECOVERY AFTER LABIAPLASTY AND VAGINOPLASTY
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.
Meet the doctor
At Cosmetic Surgery Institute of Palm Desert, we approach each patient with imagination and artistry in mind.
Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons and health care professionals offer the latest treatments for beauty and aesthetic enhancements in a safe, welcoming atmosphere.
Meet the doctor
At Cosmetic Surgery Institute of Palm Desert, we approach each patient with imagination and artistry in mind.
Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons and health care professionals offer the latest treatments for beauty and aesthetic enhancements in a safe, welcoming atmosphere.
OTHER PROCEDURES FOR WOMEN
Since childbirth is a common cause of conditions women choose to address with labiaplasty and vaginoplasty, one or both of these procedures may be an element of a Mommy Makeover. This combination surgery is intended to address body changes due to pregnancy, birth, and nursing. The makeover may also include breast augmentation, breast lift, liposuction, and tummy tuck, as well as non-surgical treatments to improve the look of the skin. Pregnancy can cause changes to the shape and fullness of the breasts, which can be addressed with the insertion of implants or other breast procedures.
Women who want to rejuvenate their vaginal area but who are not prepared for vaginoplasty surgery can consider vaginal rejuvenation injections, which make use of collagen induction to stimulate the production of fresh collagen. This can improve tone and moisture in the area for up to a year.
Deciding on a procedure or treatment for this intimate area is very personal. The Cosmetic Surgery Institute team exercises discretion and empathy when working with every patient, asking questions and providing answers to determine the ideal path forward, whether that’s vaginoplasty or something else.
Contact Palm Desert′s Cosmetic Surgery Institute to arrange a consultation for labiaplasty or vaginoplasty in the Los Angeles area. Request a consultation online or call (760) 837-0364.
THE TIME IS NOW
The best time to take the first step on your path to transformation is now. Reach out to us today so together we can start on your journey toward a beautiful new look for you.