Labiaplasty surgery is a cosmetic surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the labia minora (lips). It is the fastest growing cosmetic procedure in America this year.

The labia can change over time, they can lengthen and protrude. Childbirth and aging are the primary causes of these changes.

The procedure is performed either at the office under local anesthesia and valium, or at the surgery center under general anesthesia. The vast majority of our patients choose to have their procedures in the office setting.

The labia is examined for length and asymmetry. A wedge of tissue is measured and drawn to reduce the size and length of the labia accordingly.  You can watch the surgical video below for more details (warning, the live surgical video is graphic).  

Candidates for labiaplasty surgery are women who feel that their labia are:

• too long
• unattractive to look at
• not asymmetric
• causing discomfort during intercourse
• causing discomfort while sitting
• causing discomfort during sports
• causing infections

There is no such thing as a normal labia. There are variations in color, length, thickness, and texture. Most women chose to have a labiaplasty surgery because they are in discomfort. Many women have it because of a lack in confidence due to the appearance of their labia. We encourage all women to only consider this surgery for their own reasoning and not on the recommendation of someone else.

Dr. Chang’s labiaplasty technique is adapted from one of the premier vaginal rejuvenation surgeon’s in the world whom Dr. Chang had the pleasure of training with.

The technique removes a vertical wedge of tissue that reduces the vertical and horizontal length from the elongated labia tissue.  The scar is barely visible and avoids major complications.

The wedge avoids the more traditional technique used by non-cosmetic gynecologists and surgeons who remove tissue across the entire length of the labia. This poor technique results in a linear scar along the entire front to back length of the labia which produces not only a visible and often unsightly scar, but a scar that is sometimes painful.  

There are a few things patients can do before their labiaplasty surgery in order to help with the healing process and reduce risks:

• Avoid blood thinners and certain medications for at least two weeks prior to surgery.
• Avoid alcohol at least a week before surgery.
• Stop smoking at least four weeks before surgery or try to significantly cut down your intake.
• Wear comfortable, loose clothing on the day.
• Avoid intercourse and rigorous exercise the night before your surgery.
• Organize your home, pantry and toiletries to avoid unnecessary trips the first few days after surgery.

Always consult with your primary physician and your surgeon when changing your medication routines. Your health and well-being is the top priority for Aesthetica. You will also receive a set of instructions from us  on how best to prepare.

Recovery from labiaplasty surgery is very similar to recovery from an epesiotomy or hemorrhoid surgery:

• Keep the vaginal area clean during the healing process, try to cleanse the area after using the bathroom
• Avoid a shower or bath for 24 hours after surgery
• Patients benefit from sitting on a “woopy cushion” for 2-4 weeks to avoid pressure on the area
• Pain is tolerable, but you might benefit from taking the prescribed narcotic pain medication for 3-5 days  
• Final results should not be expected for at least 3-6 months
• Intercourse should be avoided for 4-6 weeks
• Sutures if any are removed in 10 to 14 days
• Strenuous exercise should also be avoided for 2 to 4 weeks to help in the recovery process
• Most patients will take 3 to 7  days off of work

As with any surgery, there are associated risks. Only you can decide whether the procedure can achieve your goals and whether the recovery and risks are acceptable to you.  Complications could include:

• Local bleeding or bruising
• Infection particularly from the absorbable sutures
• Loss of sensation although rare
• Widened or thickened scar
• Asymmetry (unevenness between two sides)
• Delayed wound healing with skin or tissue necrosis
• Under-correction
• Over-correction

These complications are rare. Dr. Chang is highly skilled at performing a labiaplasty. Unsatisfactory results may require additional procedures. Patients will generally be responsible for any associated facility fees. 

The cost of a labiaplasty is reflected in the skill and quality of your surgeon. You are paying for the skill, quality, and technique that Dr. Chang provides for your labiaplasty procedure.

When done well, labiaplasty will significantly enhance your physical appearance, so it is important to concentrate on having a skilled surgeon with years of training, like Dr. Chang, rather than a low price. To help make surgery affordable, Aesthetica Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center will help you find low-interest financing.

There are a number of other surgical procedures that can be performed with a labiaplasty. These include:

• Clitoroplasty
• Mons pubis reduction
• Labia majoria fat transfer
• Mommy makeover

The Mommy makeover usually includes a tummy tuck, breast augmentation and liposuction.

Many women choose to have a labiaplasty because of discomfort and medical issues like constant infections. It is viewed as a cosmetic surgery by most health insurance companies, therefore they will not cover it.

Many surgeon offices provide payment plans to help spread the cost of surgeries that aren’t covered by insurance.

After the surgery there needs to be a degree of patience while the area heals. Many women are concerned that a labiaplasty can affect sensation, make intercourse painful and that the scars will be visible and their new labia won’t look right.

All of these concerns are valid and addressed during the initial consultation. There should be no long term sensation issues, intercourse could be less painful without the long lips getting in the way and although there will be scars, they will be minimal and hidden within the natural folds.

Take the time to talk over any concerns and ask lots of questions during your free consultation.