When it comes to cosmetic surgery, the most common procedures people usually think about are the ones performed on the face, like the nose or eyelids, or on the body, such as breast augmentations or tummy tucks. But did you know there are also procedures that can help restore and rejuvenate your most intimate areas?
Aging and childbirth can take a toll on vaginal functionality and appearance and many women are uncomfortable with the natural appearance of their labia. For those who are looking for a corrective solution, or are seeking long-term vaginal rejuvenation, labiaplasty may be an option to consider.
Labiaplasty, which is the term for the surgical procedure performed on the labia, the areas of skin surrounding the vagina, can be done to alter the size or shape of the labia, typically making those areas of skin them smaller or correcting an asymmetry between them. While some women are born with asymmetrical labia folds, others experience a change in the appearance of their labia after giving birth, while others notice a change over time as they advance in age.
A labiaplasty is the most commonly performed vaginal rejuvenation procedure and it can relieve symptoms women experience from twisting and tugging of the labia, which can cause pain and discomfort during normal daily activities, and while engaging in sexual intercourse. Those who experience itching, irritation, or who are unhappy with the appearance of their labia may be good candidates for a labiaplasty.
The goal of the procedure is to reduce the labia minora so that they don’t hang below the hair-bearing labia majora. A labiaplasty may be performed to reduce asymmetry when one is longer than the other, or, more commonly, to reduce the length of both labia so that the labia no longer twist, tug or fall out of undergarments.
The most common type of labiaplasty is referred to as the “trim” procedure, where an experienced surgeon will remove extra tissue, resulting in a reduction of excess unwanted skin. The next most popular procedure is the “wedge” procedure, where a surgeon removes a triangular shaped area of skin. Like with any cosmetic or surgical procedure, each case is different, so it’s best to speak with an experienced and licensed surgeon to determine which procedure is best for you.
For the recovery process, most patients take a week off from work to ensure the area heals fully. While most of the swelling is gone in just a few weeks, it can take up to several months for residual swelling to disappear completely.
Patients who elect to have a labiaplasty typically will see a shorter labia that no longer hang down below the level of the hair-bearing labia majora after surgery, and most patients who experienced symptoms from twisting and tugging of their labia generally find the relief they’ve been waiting for! In fact, according to multiple studies, labiaplasty surgery is associated with a high satisfaction rate of over 90 percent.
Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery is the premier destination for a wide range of aesthetic procedures including labiaplasty. Led by Stephen T. Greenberg, M.D., F.A.C.S, a nationally renowned cosmetic plastic surgeon, Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery aims to help you achieve the true you with compassionate care and the most effective procedures. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and find out if labiaplasty may be right for you!