Labiaplasty became the second fastest growing cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States in 2013, with 44 percent more procedures undertaken than the previous year.
Women are progressively becoming open to the idea of improving their sexual aesthetics and are willing to explore the possibility of vaginal rejuvenation and tightening procedures, such as labiaplasty.
The surgeon will inform the patient about labiaplasty and enable them to make an enlightened choice. Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides labia reduction procedures to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and surrounding locations.
What is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure involving enhancement of the labia minora (inner vaginal lips) and the labia majora (outer vagina lips). Many women only need correction of labia minora through this procedure.
It is important to understand that there is no standard labia appearance, which can be termed as “normal.” Every woman has unique sexual anatomy as well as personal, cosmetic, and health needs that should be evaluated individually by the labiaplasty surgeon.
Need for Labiaplasty
Women usually seek labia minora or labia majora reduction for one or more of the below mentioned reasons:
- Birth-related or acquired symmetry in the labia
- Discomfort when wearing tight clothes or bathing suits
- Displeased with the appearance of inner lips extending significantly beyond outer lips
- Inner lips rubbing against each other while engaging in physical or sexual activity
- Labia majora leading to a feeling of bulkiness in the region and ill-fitting clothes
Procedure
Labia minora or labia majora reduction can be undertaken using a local anesthetic in the surgeon’s office as a minor procedure. Sometimes the procedure may be performed using general anesthesia.
This can be undertaken at a hospital or surgery center, usually along with other procedures. The labiaplasty procedure is typically completed in around 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity and number of procedures.
If local anesthesia is used, a topical numbing cream will be applied to the targeted areas and left to remain for a while for the anesthetic to take effect. The surgeon will place incisions in discreet areas to perform the procedure. They will trim away excess skin and reshape the labia minora or majora or both to develop a more youthful appearance of the labia.
After the surgery, the incisions will be closed using dissolvable sutures. The patient will be placed in disposable undergarments to absorb any drainage from the incision sites, and will usually be able to return home on the day of the procedure itself.
Recovery
The patient will need to remain on modified bed rest for five days. For around three weeks, she will have to avoid performing any aggressive activities or any serious weight lifting. Playing basketball, softball, and even playing some rigorous soccer in the yard with children is not advised either, for instance.
The patient must also avoid intercourse for six weeks. The initial discomfort will improve from the second week with drugs and rest. A majority of patients can return to work or resume their normal routine from the second or third week onwards.
Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and nearby areas for labia reduction surgery.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:
Serving patients in and around Atlanta, Buckhead, Roswell, Marietta, Georgia and surrounding areas.