Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that can improve both cosmetic and health concerns in your vaginal area by reshaping or resizing the vaginal lips or labia. Labiaplasty can improve the size, shape, and symmetry of the labia. In addition, it can alleviate discomfort caused by wearing tight clothing, as well as discomfort experienced during exercise or sexual activity.

As an increasing number of women consider labiaplasty, numerous questions arise. Women frequently ask themselves questions such as “what to expect,” “are you a good candidate for labiaplasty,” and “how long is the recovery period?” In this section, we will answer a number of these questions to help you feel more at ease with your decision.

Labiaplasty: Is it right for you?
Even if a woman is in excellent physical health and does not smoke, she may not be a suitable candidate for labiaplasty. As with any surgical procedure, it is essential to be in good health, and smoking can interfere with recovery. However, who is a suitable candidate for labiaplasty? If the size or shape of your labia affects your self-esteem or interferes with your daily activities, labiaplasty may be a good option for you.

What should you expect at your initial consultation?
During the initial consultation, your plastic surgeon will conduct a thorough examination and help you decide if labiaplasty is the best course of action. You must inform the surgeon how the current structure of your labia affects your daily life and what you expect from surgery. This is the time to ask any questions regarding your surgery.

How should preparations be made for labiaplasty?
After deciding that labiaplasty is the right choice for you, you must begin planning for your procedure and recovery. Plan on taking a minimum of one week off from work. In the time leading up to the procedure, you should eat well, drink plenty of water, and get plenty of rest. Developing healthy habits prior to surgery can facilitate a quicker recovery.

The first few days following the procedure should be devoted to rest, so discuss assistance with family and friends, especially if you have young children. Before the procedure, stock up on groceries, prescriptions, and any other items you may require during recovery.

What can you anticipate during the procedure?
As labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure, you will likely be able to return home the same day. The duration of your procedure will depend on your individual treatment plan.

There are two primary labiaplasty procedures. A labia majora reduction diminishes the size and shape of the vagina’s outer lips. A reduction of the labia minora reduces the size and shape of the inner lips.

These reductions are accomplished using either the trim or wedge techniques. During the trim procedure, the plastic surgeon removes excess skin from the labia’s outer edge. During the wedge technique, the labia are cut into a v-shaped “wedge” at their widest point, and then the edges are stitched together.

Complimentary procedures include clitoral hood reduction, mons pubis liposuction, and the nonsurgical vaginal tightening treatment Viveve. You may choose to have one or more of the following procedures performed during your labiaplasty.

Trim-V is a new type of labiaplasty that combines a traditional labia minora reduction with a clitoral hood reduction to produce a more seamless result.

What can you anticipate during your recovery?
Your plastic surgeon may prescribe medications to alleviate pain and discomfort following the procedure. You should receive postoperative instructions for incision care, and it is imperative that you adhere to them.

Recovery varies from person to person, but the majority of women are able to resume normal activities within one to two weeks. However, you must abstain from sexual activity for at least six weeks after your procedure.

When will results be visible?
Every woman heals differently, and your body will require time to rest and recuperate. In the weeks and months following the procedure, as swelling subsides and scarring fades, the majority of women begin to observe the results.