The way your vagina looks can affect how you perceive yourself. Like many women, you may feel sexually unattractive and self-conscious if you are unsatisfied with its appearance, which can affect your enjoyment of sex. In many cases, the loosening of vaginal skin can cause pain and discomfort during sexual activity. Outside the bedroom, changes to the vagina can also be obvious, the clothing you wear when you swim or workout can cause discomfort or make it very apparent.
A labiaplasty can restore the youthful appearance of your vagina. If you are considering this procedure and curious about what to expect at every stage, learn more below.
What is a Labiaplasty?
A labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that involves a reshaping or resizing of the labia — the folds of skin around the vaginal opening. Due to pregnancy, aging, or childbirth, the labia can grow in size and become misshapen.
Not every woman is a good candidate for a labiaplasty. You have to be in good physical health to qualify. You also need to have a labia that can be improved through this procedure. A specialist can determine this for you following an examination.
The Initial Consultation
The doctor will review your medical history and examine the area to determine if a labiaplasty is right for you. They will also see if the outer labia majora outer or the inner labia minora need to be reduced in size. This is the perfect time to ask questions about the procedure and discuss what your expectations are from the procedure. The doctor will inquire about your overall health and medications to determine if you are healthy enough for surgery. The doctor will also explain the type of anesthesia used during the procedure and the surgical techniques they will be using.
Preparing for a Labiaplasty
To prepare for the surgery, patients are advised to take it easy for a week before the procedure. Take time to rest, eat healthily, and hydrate to be in the best possible condition for the surgery and to have a faster recovery. Also, prepare your home, plan your meals, and stock up on items you will need for recovery for maximum comfort. You will need at least a week to rest and recover after the procedure.
The Procedure
Labiaplasty is performed in an outpatient setting, which usually means you get to go home on the same day. General anesthesia is typically used for the procedure. During the procedure, the doctor uses either a wedge excision method or a linear approach. For the wedge excision technique, the doctor removes a wedge-shaped portion of skin from the labia and proceeds to stitch together the remaining edges. The linear approach involves trimming the labia along its edge. The doctor will skillfully hide the incisions along the inside or outside of the labia. The entire procedure can take anywhere from one to three hours to complete.
Recovery
During recovery, it’s normal to expect some bruising or swelling during the first week or two. Take this time to rest, and apply an ice pack regularly to relieve swelling. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to relieve discomfort. Make sure to follow the doctor’s instructions regarding incision care. As the swelling gradually decreases and the wound healing progresses, you will begin to see the results taking shape in a matter of weeks.
Most women return to their normal activities two weeks after a labiaplasty. Sexual intercourse is usually allowed six weeks after the procedure. Keep up with your follow-up appointments after surgery.
Labiaplasty in Aventura, FL
Our board-certified gynecologists at Levin’s Women’s Health & Wellness Center specialize in vaginal rejuvenation techniques, such as labiaplasty. We skillfully create younger and smoother-looking vaginas with either the wedge excision method or the linear approach.
It is important to us that you are happy with the results, which is why we take time to help you prepare for surgery and recovery. Rest assured, we are with you every step of the way. We are a healthcare facility dedicated to women’s health and wellness. Our doctors speak English, French, Spanish, German, Hungarian, and Hebrew.
If you have questions or to schedule a vaginal labiaplasty consultation, call our OB-GYN clinic at (305) 981-0231 or use our online form.