A labiaplasty is sometimes referred to as “vaginal rejuvenation” or a “designer vagina” in a broader, more generalized sense. Labiaplasty surgery is a surgical procedure that has been around for decades. It has been used in non-medical settings to achieve an altered look to a woman’s reproductive area.
Today the procedure should be performed by a trained board-certified plastic surgeon to achieve aesthetic appeal or correct pre-existing structural issues relieving many women from the jail that is their bodies.
Why Do People Get Labiaplasty?
Beverly Hills labiaplasty surgery is usually performed to achieve an aesthetic effect. This can be done by reducing the size of the internal labia (labia minora) or increasing the size of the (labia majora) external labia.
For other women, a labiaplasty allows them to live a more comfortable life without the constant discomfort brought on by an enlarged or overgrown labia minora. For example, an enlarged labia minora can make bike or horseback riding uncomfortable or even painful for many women limiting their true potential.
Labiaplasty Recovery: Post-Op Care
After the labiaplasty procedure, you should be able to go home the same day. The doctor will administer a long-acting pain medication around the incision site, so you should not experience any pain.
You will need someone to drive you home. The incision site will be swollen and sore, and you may experience throbbing pain as the on-site pain medication wears off about six hours after the surgery.
Use your medication as needed or as prescribed by the doctor. The surgeon uses dissolvable sutures, so there is little wound care required after during your recovery. Always wipe from front to back after having a bowel movement to avoid an infection.
Your doctor will discourage baths, Jacuzzis, or any other activity involving water submerging. You can shower as usual and participate in activities like swimming seven days after the procedure.
Exercise After a Labiaplasty
Patients may need to tone down any strenuous activity and vigorous exercises after the procedure. Avoid lifting heavy objects for a few weeks. Gym rats and fitness enthusiasts can settle for walking or similar activities. The trick is to ease back into it and only do exercises you are comfortable doing.
How Much Does a Labiaplasty Cost?
A labiaplasty can cost upwards of $10,000. Some places may be as cheap as $2800, not including expenses like surgeon’s fees, consultation fees, anesthesiologist fees, facility fees, and recovery process expenses. Any additional follow-ups and post-op procedures will probably be out of pocket too.
Your insurance company will not likely cover this procedure unless the labia are recurrently causing illness in the patient. If you cannot come up with the required amount, some facilities may offer patients a payment plan to help make their labiaplasty dream a reality.
Who Is the Ideal Labiaplasty Patient?
A labiaplasty patient should have a realistic approach to the procedure. They should also be a grown adult and have someone to take care of them after the procedure.
Labiaplasty Q&A
Does a labiaplasty strengthen the pelvic floor?
A labiaplasty procedure does not address any weakness in the pelvic floor. However, there are available options to strengthen your pelvic floor, including doing Kegels and emcel, both of which are non-surgical and non-invasive muscle-stimulating techniques. They can be done both before and after a labiaplasty.
Should I ask about the personnel doing my surgery?
Yes, knowing the nurses and surgeons and any other professional in the operating room with you can help put you at ease and also help you conduct your own research about the entire team. Getting someone to drive you home after the surgery is also important. If you do not have anyone, someone at the hospital will take you home, so it is important to know the person driving you home.
Can people under the age of 18 get a labiaplasty?
Yes, patients under the age of 18 can get a labiaplasty done. However, doctors highly discourage it unless the procedure is performed to correct significant congenital malformation or illness caused by the labia structure. Minors should avoid the procedure because there is a chance their labia will continue to grow, making the entire procedure pointless.
When can I go home after a labiaplasty?
A labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure, so you should be in and out of the hospital in less than two hours.
Is there an alternative for labiaplasty?
No procedure can achieve the same results as a labiaplasty in the market today. Most up-and-coming procedures are either not very effective or cause more harm than good.
What are the risks associated with a labiaplasty?
Common risks associated with a labiaplasty procedure include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Over-reduction of tissue
Infections can happen if poor hygiene is maintained, and bleeding can happen if the incisions are strained or irritated.
