Labiaplasty
Dr. James F. Boynton—our experienced plastic surgeon—regularly performs labiaplasty for patients who have enlarged labia, which involves the outer tissues of the vulva (vaginal area). Sometimes, this concern can be congenital (from birth), and other times the tissues can become enlarged after pregnancy and childbirth. Women with this condition can have irritation, chafing, and difficulty riding a bicycle—or they may simply not like the appearance this issue creates.
To learn more about labiaplasty, we encourage you to read through the content provided below. If any questions come to mind, or if you would like to find out if labiaplasty would be a good option for your unique needs and goals, please reach out to our practice online or by phone to schedule a consultation with Dr. Boynton.
What Are the Benefits of Labiaplasty and Vaginal Rejuvenation?
At Boynton Plastic Surgery, the labiaplasty procedure can be personalized to help:
- Eliminate enlarged, excess, or stretched tissue of the labia minora and/or majora
- Reshape uneven labial tissue to improve symmetry
- Reduce—or even fully resolve—pain or irritation when wearing form-fitting clothing, engaging in sexual activity, and/or performing physical actions, such as exercising or riding a bike
- Minimize the potential for yeast infections or urinary tract infections
In addition to these physical benefits, labiaplasty can help significantly diminish any self-consciousness a woman may be feeling about the appearance of this delicate area, ultimately providing a boost in confidence and overall quality of life.
Am I a Candidate for Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty can be an excellent option for many women who have elongated and/or asymmetrical labial tissue caused by factors such as weight loss, trauma, pregnancy/childbirth, menopause, genetics, or simply the natural aging process. Good candidates typically include individuals who are experiencing discomfort and/or embarrassment as a result of this concern, as well as those who are seeking to enhance the overall appearance of this area for improved self-esteem. Whatever your reason for pursuing treatment, Dr. Boynton will be happy to meet with you in-person during a consultation at our practice to assess your unique case and determine whether or not labiaplasty would be right for you.
What Does the Labiaplasty Procedure Involve?
Labiaplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, often taking under an hour to complete. The operation can be done either in the office or in an accredited outpatient surgicenter, though many individuals prefer the convenience of undergoing treatment in the office and do quite well when it is performed in this setting.
There are numerous techniques that can be utilized to conduct labiaplasty, including the:
- Edge Trim Method
- Central Wedge Excision
- Double Wedge Resection
When treating enlargement of the labia minora (inner labia)—which is the most common concern—Dr. Boynton prefers the central wedge resection approach in most cases. This labia minora reduction procedure surgically removes excess tissue and recontours the inner lips of the vulva. Dr. Boynton also treats the labia majora (outer labia) for skin redundancy or augmentation. Labia majora reduction involves the excision of excess tissue affecting the outer lips of the genital area. For women who are experiencing a lack of volume or excess skin laxity in the labia majora, a labia majora augmentation utilizing fat grafting techniques can be performed to bring the labia majora back into balance with the labia minora. A clitoral hood reduction to reduce excess tissue that may be covering the clitoris may also be ideal, depending on each patient’s needs. This treatment can be performed on its own, or in combination with another labiaplasty procedure so that all concerns are addressed.
Dr. Boynton will discuss all available approaches in complete detail at the time of the consultation, helping you to select the most effective option for your specific needs.
What Can I Expect During Recovery from Labiaplasty?
Following labiaplasty, most patients can expect some bruising and/or swelling in the treatment area, but these symptoms are temporary and should gradually resolve over time. A significant amount of pain is rare, though any potential discomfort can be alleviated with medication. All sutures will dissolve on their own, so there is no need to return to the office to have them removed. Within a few days, the majority of women feel comfortable enough to resume normal, non-strenuous daily routines, but any activities like physical sports, vigorous exercise, and sexual intercourse will need to be avoided for about four to six weeks to ensure proper healing.
Will There Be Noticeable Scars from Labiaplasty?
Any residual scars from labiaplasty are often well-concealed and virtually undetectable. The level of scarring will ultimately depend on the technique utilized; however, Dr. Boynton makes it a priority to perform labiaplasty procedures in ways that minimize scarring as much as possible.
Does Labiaplasty Hurt?
Prior to the procedure, numbing cream is applied to the area. After 15-20 minutes, when a local anesthetic is utilized before the procedure begins, patients note they cannot even feel it. Most patients sit comfortably and play on their iPhone during the 1-hour procedure. Dr. Boynton utilizes a special mixture of short- and long-acting local anesthetic to reduce discomfort for the maximum amount of time. In the home setting, patients can use ice packs and mild oral pain medication for the first few days as needed. Dr. Boynton and his team will monitor the recovery process to ensure patients are not experiencing severe levels of discomfort.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Boynton
If you would like to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss how labiaplasty may be the right option to meet your needs and goals, please contact us today. Dr. Boynton will be happy to answer your questions.
