Enlarged labia sometimes make it difficult to wear pants comfortably. Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure for women who are bothered by long, hanging labia minora tissue. Running, swimming, sexual intercourse and wearing leggings can cause pain when your labia minora are long.
You did nothing to cause this — it is in your genetics. This condition causes discomfort and makes women self-conscious about their appearance. Labiaplasty is where your plastic surgeon reshapes the labia minora to remove the excess hanging tissue.
Women often ask Dr. Tannan in hushed tones about Labiaplasty. Your well-being is not something to be shy about. Now, not everyone is a candidate for this procedure. If you have long labia that bother you, then Labiaplasty could be right for you. Naturally, you have some questions about Labiaplasty. Read below to learn more about Labiaplasty surgery, anesthesia and recovery.
How is Labiaplasty performed?
Labiaplasty is a reshaping of the excess redundant labia minora tissue. This plastic surgery procedure does not involve any internal work on the vagina. Instead the procedure focuses on the external labia, or vaginal lips, that can hang and sag.
Plastic surgery to reduce the hanging labia can be performed using one of two techniques.
- Trim Labiaplasty is where Dr. Tannan cuts out the outer edge of your labia minora. In this technique she directly cuts out the tissue that hangs down. She then sews the edges with absorbable sutures or stitches. Labiaplasty stitches do not need to be removed.
- Wedge Labiaplasty is when the outer edges are not removed, but a triangle or wedge is cut out from the middle of the labia. Then those two cut edges are sewn back together. These stitches after Labiaplasty do not need to be removed, your body will absorb them.
After you and Dr. Tannan discuss your goals, then she will examine you in the office. She will show you the extra tissue that hangs, what in her experience can safely be removed. She will go over the Labiaplasty technique she would recommend for you.
Is Labiaplasty is right for me?
If you notice chafing, extra trapping of moisture or difficulty in clothing and swimwear, Labiaplasty or vagina surgery is worth considering. As a woman and mother of two, Dr. Tannan understands how uncomfortable this topic can be to discuss with your plastic surgeon. Together we determine if your concerns can be addressed with this operation.
What Kind of Anesthesia is Used During Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is unique in that it can be done comfortably in three possible scenarios.
We can do the procedure completely under local anesthesia. This means you will feel a twinge of pain when we place the needle to numb you, and that is the extent of your pain.
Alternatively, we can use oral sedation with medications like Xanax or Valium to ease your fears at the time of surgery. Another option is Pro-Nox. This is a breathable gas to help you relax. You hold the tube and breathe in the gas while the procedure is performed. If you feel anxious, you take a breath. You breathe off all the gas in 10 minutes.
Lastly, we can do surgery under general anesthesia. Of all the options, this is least common! Most women find Pro-Nox or oral sedation to be quite comfortable. That said, some patients consider another procedure, like a Tummy Tuck or a Breast Augmentation, as well. In such cases, doing the Labiaplasty while you are completely asleep helps minimize your down time since recovery happens simultaneously.
How much does Labiaplasty cost?
The cost for Labiaplasty surgery will be provided to you during your consultation with Dr. Tannan. In the meantime, we put together the Plastic Surgery Cost Calculator to help you find the average price for Labiaplasty and other cosmetic surgery procedures.
What is recovery like after vagina surgery?
Labiaplasty surgery is straightforward. The first week is when we have you try and spend most of your time flat instead of seated or standing. During Labiaplasty recovery, we recommend regular ice and loose-fitting underwear in the first week. We do this to decrease your swelling. Swelling can cause stitches to break open and healing to progress slower than usual.
Over the next two to four weeks you will start to return to your normal activities. Most women are cleared for sexual activity by 6 weeks. The scar usually fades well in that mucosa (or pink tissue) and is difficult to identify after a few months. Depending on what you do for work you may resume working from home within a few days. If you are on your feet, such as at school, a restaurant or office, then you may go back after one week. Check out our Plastic Surgery Recovery Calculator to help you plan your procedure and recovery schedule.
Labiaplasty surgery is not to be taken lightly. It is imperative you see an appropriately trained professional, such as a board certified plastic surgeon. For someone to qualify for surgery, they should have enlarged labia minora that hang down and bother them on a regular basis.
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