Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty, also sometimes called labioplasty or labia reduction, is female genital cosmetic surgery that can redefine, reshape, or reduce the size of the folds of skin that surround the vaginal opening (labia minora). Labiaplasty can be performed with other surgical procedures, such as tightening of the vaginal muscles (vaginoplasty), clitoral hood reduction (hoodectomy), and hymen restoration (hymenoplasty).

The decision to undergo labiaplasty is a personal one, and women consider having the procedure for many different reasons. Some women experience painful irritation and discomfort during participation in sports or other physical activities or during sexual intercourse. Other women are self-conscious or embarrassed by the appearance of their genitals under tight clothing or bathing suits.

Before scheduling labiaplasty, it is important for the physician to consult with the patient to discuss expectations of the procedure. Prior to surgery, the patient is required to fill out pre-surgery consent forms and the physician takes a complete medical history and performs a physical examination and laboratory tests (e.g., blood tests).

Labiaplasty usually is performed using local anesthesia and intravenous (IV) sedation, also called "twilight anesthesia." In most cases, the procedure takes an hour or less. Depending on the surgeon's preference, labiaplasty can be performed using a scalpel, laser, or cosmetic scissors. Surgical scissors often produce the most natural results. Dissolvable stitches (sutures), which are used to close the incisions, typically dissolve within 6 weeks.

Following labiaplasty, patients may experience minor discomfort, swelling, and bruising for about 1 week. Most patients can resume daily activities within 2–5 days (about 1 week following labiaplasty with vaginoplasty). Complications are relatively rare and include minor bleeding, infection, scarring, and urinary hesitancy (difficulty beginning the urinary stream). Labiaplasty does not result in a loss of sensation and in most cases, scarring from the procedure is not noticeable.

Physicians often advise patients to wait 6–8 weeks before wearing tight clothing, having sexual intercourse, engaging in physical activity (e.g., jogging, biking, heavy lifting), and using tampons. Complete recovery from the procedure usually takes about 3 months.

Vaginoplasty/Vaginal Rejuvenation

Vaginoplasty, also called vaginal rejuvenation, is female genital cosmetic surgery that is performed to tighten the vaginal muscles. Vaginal rejuvenation can be performed alone or with another surgical procedure, such as labiaplasty.

As women age, the muscles of the vaginal wall often become weak or loosen, especially in women who have had multiple vaginal deliveries. Weak vaginal muscles can have a significant impact on sexual satisfaction, both for the woman and for her sexual partner. In many cases, vaginal rejuvenation can enhance the sexual experience and improve sexual satisfaction for these couples.

The decision to undergo vaginal cosmetic surgery, including vaginoplasty, is a personal one. Before scheduling vaginal rejuvenation, the physician may discuss expectations of the procedure with the patient and her partner. Prior to vaginoplasty, the patient is required to fill out pre-surgery consent forms and the physician takes a complete medical history and performs a physical examination and laboratory tests (e.g., blood tests). Women should generally be in good health before undergoing any surgical procedure.

Vaginoplasty/vaginal rejuvenation usually is performed using general anesthesia. In most cases, the procedure takes about 1 hour. Depending on the surgeon's preference, vaginoplasty can be performed using a scalpel, laser, or cosmetic scissors.

Vaginal rejuvenation provides immediate results. After the procedure, some women experience minor discomfort, swelling, and bruising for about 1 week. Most women are able to resume daily activities within 2–5 days (about 1 week following labiaplasty with vaginoplasty).

Complications following vaginoplasty are rare and include minor bleeding, infection, and scarring. Physicians often advise women to wait 6–8 weeks before wearing tight clothing, having sexual intercourse, engaging in physical activity (e.g., jogging, biking, heavy lifting), and using tampons. Complete recovery from the procedure usually takes about 3 months.

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