Category Archives: Labiaplasty

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:

• psiatlanta.com
• sexualaesthetics.com
• Contact Us

Serving patients in and around Atlanta, Buckhead,  Roswell, Marietta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

There is a significance increase in demand for cosmetic surgery to reshape the labia and rejuvenate other aspects of the vagina.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) reports that in 2014, the procedures that displayed the largest growth in volume on a year-over-year basis included labiaplasty, which increased by 49 percent.

Labiaplasty has a 94 percent ‘Worth It’ rating on RealSelf.com from 388 posted reviews.

RealSelf reports that consumer satisfaction with labiaplasty has risen over the years. According to the site, women are highly satisfied with the results. Visitors to vaginal rejuvenation topics, such as labiaplasty, have risen by 41 percent year-on-year.

In the last three months alone, half a million consumers have researched on RealSelf and, in the past year, consumers have viewed 3.8 million pages of content on vaginal rejuvenation. Labiaplasty is the most important topic, and represents 68 percent visits to this content.

The numbers of procedures are rising each year as vaginal rejuvenation has gains popularity. This procedure was once thought to be a dirty little secret.

But now women are actively searching online for providers, joining platforms to discuss their concern with other women, and conducting research on all alternatives available.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides vaginal reshaping surgery to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and surrounding locations.

 

Women’s Cosmetic and Functional Concerns about Vagina

 

• Oversized, wrinkled, hanging, or uneven labia minora

• Displeased with their vaginal appearance due to dark pigmentation, length, asymmetries

• Discomfort, pain, or irritation from sports or exercise

• Unable to wear specific clothing, bikinis, tight jeans, lingerie

• Odor and hygiene problems

 

• Stress incontinence
• Multi-directional urine stream
• Feel embarrassed or self-conscious by their vaginal structure, or camel toe appearance
• Inhibited from sexual activity, reduced sensation or friction during intercourse, feeling of a wide or loose vagina
• Unable to engage in normal activities

 

Vaginal Reshaping Techniques

Labiaplasty and other vaginal enhancement procedure are now attracting a lot of attention. Labia reduction seems to be the most sought-after type of vaginal plastic surgery by all accounts. But the list of options only starts here.

Practitioners providing these services indicate that hymenoplasty (revirgination), vaginoplasty, labial fat injections, clitoral hood reduction (clitoral unhooding), and G-spot enhancement are becoming the most popularly requested procedures.

Women who are unhappy with their vaginal appearance but do not want to undergo surgery can benefit from new and exciting non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation options.

 

Emerging Non-Surgical Approaches

In this category, the newest entries include devices using CO2 fractional energy or radiofrequency to prompt the recovery of genital mucosa by promoting the generation of collagen and restoring blood supply.

The treatment may include delivering energy externally to treat tissue laxity and internally to enhance the functional aspects of the vagina.

The simplicity of these systems is that the procedures are often undertaken in a clinical setting, take 15 to 30 minutes without the need for an anesthetic, and there is minimal to no discomfort, downtime, or side effects for the patient.

 

Takeaway

Similar to men who experience erectile dysfunction, women are starting to feel emboldened to take steps to enhance their self-confidence and sex lives. Experts believe that advanced vaginal rejuvenation treatments for women will significantly improve women’s sexual well-being and overall health.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and nearby areas for vaginal reshaping procedures.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• psiatlanta.com
• sexualaesthetics.com
• Contact Us

Serving patients in and around Atlanta, Buckhead,  Roswell, Marietta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Following labiaplasty, the patient will require a few days of rest and restricted activity before she can go resume her normal routine.

The surgeon will discuss the recovery process at the time of initial consultation. Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides labiaplasty to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and surrounding locations.

 

Post-operative Recovery

Day 1

The labia minora (inner labia) and labia majora (outer labia) will be quite swollen the first day following the surgery. The skin over the clitoris may be inflamed as well despite there being no incisions in this area.

The patient should apply cold compresses to the site to help reduce the pain and inflammation on the first day. It is advisable not to keep the cold compresses on the site for more than 15 minutes at a time to avoid skin damage.

Taking arnica and bromelain pills one week before the surgery could help with bruising and inflammation. But the patient should only take such medication if allowed by the surgeon.

It is normal to have mild blood-tinged drainage. The patient can use a spray bottle filled with water to squirt on the incisions as they urinate to dilute the urine running over the incision and reduce the stinging. Furthermore, it helps the area remain clean after urination.

Some surgeons will ask the patient to apply antibiotic ointment on the site. The patient may experience moderate to severe friction from their underwear and even from simply walking. For this reason, she should take some time off work.

 

Day 2

Day 2 will be similar to day 1. However, the inflammation may be worse. The swelling usually becomes worse before it gets better. This should not be alarming to the patient. The patient should continue using the spray bottle with urination for pain relief and to keep the area clean.

The cosmetic surgeon may allow the patient to take a sitz bath 24 hours after the procedure. The patient should continue to take her pain meds and apply ointment to the incisions. She may continue to ice the area if instructed by the surgeon. The patient may feel uncomfortable from the friction caused by fitted clothing.

The patient should not expect to be normal and will still have inflammation. She will notice fluctuations in the level of labial swelling as she starts to move around. It can be normal to have asymmetrical inflammation.

The patient may have blood-tinged drainage, which is normal. The patient should not wear any tight clothing or underwear in case she is sensitive to pressure.

She should use ointments and pain meds as instructed by her surgeon. She should also clean the area after using the restroom. In case the surgeon permits, the patient should continue icing if they feel the need for extra pain relief and help with inflammation.

 

Day 6 and 7

The inflammation should improve slightly but will not appear anywhere near normal. The patient will experience pain, but it will be lessened. She should use ointments and pain meds as instructed by her surgeon. The surgeon will likely taper the patient’s pain meds at this point.

The patient should continue cleaning the area after using the restroom. There will be some itching around the sutures, which is normal. At this time or in the following one to two days, the patient will likely have a post-op appointment.

After the surgeon takes out the stitches, the patient will be in a position to resume an active lifestyle. However, she should avoid vigorous activities and sexual contact for around one month. Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and nearby areas for labiaplasty.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• psiatlanta.com
• sexualaesthetics.com
• Contact Us

Serving patients in and around Atlanta, Buckhead,  Roswell, Marietta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Placing an incision on the body as part of any surgery will cause some scarring. However, labial scarring tends to be minimally visible as the incisions are tiny, the tissue is thin with a good supply of blood, and labia already have a naturally “wrinkled” look before the surgery.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides labiaplasty to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and surrounding communities.

 

Scarring after Labiaplasty

The goal of the labiaplasty surgery is to provide a natural appearance such that even the patient’s OB/GYN may not realize they have had surgery. But if the patient undergoes the edge-trim technique, it may involve the placement of a scar along the entire leading edge of the labia minora which can feel tender as the nerves regenerate.

In general, surgeons recommend a wedge type labia minora reduction which only rarely leads to pain in the long-run.

After labiaplasty, any painful scar is usually managed over time, and the pain will likely resolve over a period of three to six months. The surgeon will advise the patient to avoid stressing the repair and wait for eight to ten weeks following the surgery to have sex or use tampons or anything else that may be inserted into the vagina.

In case a painful scar remains after five to six months, the patient may require touch-up surgery to enhance the outcomes of an edge-trim type labiaplasty. This may involve the conversion of an edge-trim to a wedge type labiaplasty to a wedge type labiaplasty or developing skin flaps from the skin of the lateral clitoral hood to restore a more natural looking labia minora border.

However, scar revision or corrective surgery is rarely required after a wedge type labiaplasty.

The patient should ideally allow scars to mature for at least six months after the wound completely closes prior to rushing into additional surgery. At times, gentle massage or “desensitization exercises” can reduce scar-related pain.

As it is not “normal” to have pain six to eight weeks after labiaplasty (a majority of patients report that the pain or discomfort resolves within a few weeks of surgery), she should speak to her cosmetic surgeon if the pain persists.

 

Post-Op Self-Care Advice

The patient can minimize the risk of infection to maintain hygiene. Early healing will minimize the risk of scarring. The objective should be to heal well and not sustain an injury or cause re-opening of the sutures. Furthermore, it will also help mitigate scarring.

Taking brief walks every few hours helps prevent post-op blood clots in the veins. The patient should avoid walking for long durations, sitting, and working aggressively for a minimum of one month after the surgery to minimize pressure on the operative area and to enhance adhesion of the epithelial flaps.

Activities such as lifting heavy weights, straining, or running may put a strain on the perineum leading to wound breakdown. The patient should resume driving only after the pain reduces to the extent of not requiring medication to control it. Simultaneously, they should avoid sitting astride objects such as cycling or horse riding.

Smoking causes slow healing, and the patient should avoid it for at least eight weeks. It also leads to a higher risk of developing scars because of poor healing.

If the patient has mild fever initially, the doctor may manage it with an antipyretic medication such as acetaminophen.

The patient should also consume a high-fiber diet to avoid constipation which may lead to pain in the wound area. In addition, the patient should have plenty of fruits, vegetables, and water.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and nearby areas for labiaplasty.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• psiatlanta.com
• sexualaesthetics.com
• Contact Us

Serving patients in and around Atlanta, Buckhead,  Roswell, Marietta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Labiaplasty is a leading procedure to reduce the size and shape of the folds surrounding the vulva. Following the surgery, it is vital to follow post-op care guidelines to speed up the process of healing.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides labiaplasty to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and surrounding locations.

 

Keep Incisions Dry

Keeping the incisions dry is a crucial element of recovery after labiaplasty. This helps decrease the possibility of infection and reduces any inflammation within the area. The patient may use a cloth or wet wipe to dry the site during the recovery. They should also place dry dressings over the incisions throughout the week of the recovery.

 

Inspect Incisions for Signs of Infection

It is essential for the patient to be proactive in assessing themselves for signs of infection to maintain optimal hygiene following labiaplasty. Signs of infection include inflammation, redness, and significant pain in the region. In case the patient experiences these symptoms, they should immediately contact their health care professional.

 

Avoid Excessive Rubbing or Washing

The patient may feel like rubbing the area of removing dried blood or other elements after the surgery. However, they should refrain from this as it can cause further damage to the skin.

In the week after the labiaplasty, the patient should gently wash the skin in the area and avoid wearing tight underwear to prevent rubbing.

 

Get Sufficient Rest

Following the labiaplasty surgery, patients will remain at the surgery center for a few hours to recover before being sent home. After they have left, they should plan to take plenty of rest for the initial one or two days.

Patients should place a pillow beneath their buttocks to help reduce the inflammation and sleep flat on their back for the initial week. The patient should arrange for a friend or family member to assist them around the house for the initial 24 hours.

 

Take All Medicine as Instructed

It is essential to take all the prescribed meds as instructed by the surgeon. We will prescribe patients a three-day antibiotic course, and medications for pain and nausea should be taken on a need basis.

A yeast infection can be a potential side effect of the prescribed antibiotics. Therefore, the surgeon will prescribe Diflucan. The patient should take it if they develop a yeast infection during recovery.

The patient should record the date and time when meds are to be taken to avoid missing a dose or accidentally taking a higher dose than recommended.

 

Resume Normal Activities at an Appropriate Time

Patients may resume work after a few days following the procedure as long as their work does not involve physical labor. They should not drive for three days to two weeks unless they stop taking narcotic pain meds. On top of this, they cannot use tampons for six to eight weeks.

The patient should not undertake vigorous activities such as swimming, dancing, and running for around six to eight weeks following the surgery. Moreover, the patient should not have sexual intercourse for the initial six to eight weeks.

 

Be in Touch with Your Surgeon

The patient should remain in regular contact with their specialist to ensure that their recovery is proceeding normally. The surgeon can answer any of her questions and determine if she is healing well.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and nearby areas for labiaplasty.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• psiatlanta.com
• sexualaesthetics.com
• Contact Us

Serving patients in and around Atlanta, Buckhead,  Roswell, Marietta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Labiaplasty is a surgery that involves the removal of drooping, overhanging inner vaginal lips (labia minora).

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), labiaplasty has been increasingly gaining popularity over the last few years. Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides labiaplasty to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and surrounding communities.

 

Post-Operative Swelling and Itching

In the initial recovery period, patients commonly experience inflammation and itching. The swelling generally peaks at two to three days after the surgery and then slowly resolves over the following weeks.

Itching is common after labiaplasty in the initial one to two weeks while the area is healing. It is essential for the patient to consult their surgeon when the itching is persistent. This could indicate a yeast or bacterial infection, or it could signal an allergic response to a medication.  

The initial pain, swelling, and itching should resolve rapidly after one week.

 

At the End of the Initial Week

The inflammation should improve at this time, and the pain should be lessened. The patient should use ointments and pain medications as instructed by the surgeon.

The cosmetic surgeon will probably taper the pain meds at this time. The patient should continue to clean the site after using the restroom. It is normal to experience some itching around the stitches. They will likely have a post-op appointment during this time or in the following one or two days.

 

At the End of Two Weeks

At the end of two weeks, the most challenging phase of the labiaplasty will be over for the patient. The trimmed labia majora and labia minora will become recognizable again as the inflammation lessens.

Despite the procedure taking place only on the patient’s labia minora, the labia majora become swollen as well. The pain should have reduced majorly at this point, and the patient is ready to become more active. However, it is important to exercise caution. Returning to certain activities prematurely can undo the hard work and progress the patient has made thus far.

It is vital to remember that the area is still healing even though the patient may be feeling great. At this juncture, the patient is almost halfway through the six-week recovery period.

 

Precautions

The patient should avoid sexual activity and vigorous exercises during the early recovery phase. Daily short walks are essential for recovery. While mild activities that do not put a strain on the labia are acceptable, the patient should obtain clearance from their surgeon.

It is a good idea to continue to take arnica and bromelain supplements if the surgeon permits these for the patient. Arnica and bromelain are herbal supplements that can decrease the swelling and itching.

The labia may not appear completely normal. The tenderness may still exist and exacerbate when the area is under pressure. This occurrence is normal as well.

But the patient will not need pain pills any longer if the surgeon had prescribed these earlier. In case the patient still requires this degree of pain control, they should consult their surgeon to ensure that there is no infection in the site.

In case the surgeon places dissolvable sutures, they should have started to disappear. Certain stitches will remain, and the patient may be able to feel them. Itching in the incision areas will be normal by now. It is still vital for the patient to maintain good hygiene.

 

What to do in Case of Delayed Healing

At times, there may be a tiny opening along the incision line. This is known as delayed wound healing. The patient should make sure to inform their surgeon if this occurs.

They will likely treat this condition with some antibiotics and ointment. Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and nearby areas for labiaplasty.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• psiatlanta.com
• sexualaesthetics.com
• Contact Us

Serving patients in and around Atlanta, Buckhead,  Roswell, Marietta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Surgery, women are increasingly seeking cosmetic surgery procedures to enhance the appearance of their genital area. In recent years, the request for labiaplasty has increased by 48 percent in the US.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides labiplasty to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and surrounding locations.

 

Comfort in Wearing Tight Fitting Clothes

Women who are unhappy with the appearance of their labia may consider labiaplasty to look more attractive and comfortable in athletic wear such as yoga pants.

Yoga pants are quite form fitting. The tight fit of spandex pants can certainly accentuate large or distended vaginal lips. This may cause the patient to feel self-conscious, and at times, lead to physical chafing as well as discomfort during physical activities as well.

Another factor influencing the increasing demand for labiaplasty surgery is grooming trends. Waxing techniques that are popular today, such as the Brazilian bikini wax, can leave the vaginal region visibly exposed. This can accentuate the shape and size of the labia.

These issues can cause even women who were previously not self-conscious about their labial area to feel embarrassed by the length, shape, and size of their vaginal lips.

 

Common Difficulties with Enlarged Labia

Some common complaints from women with elongated or enlarged labia minora are as follows:

• Challenging to wear swimwear or athletic wear
• Pain during sexual activity
• Discomfort while exercising
• Self-consciousness about their appearance

Regardless of whether an oversized labia appearance occurs due to stretching during childbirth, genetic reasons, or hormonal fluctuations, any woman is a candidate for labiaplasty plastic surgery.

This proven surgical procedure can effectively remove excess and/or uneven labial tissue from the vaginal lips. The patient undergoes the procedure in-office under local anesthesia.

Patients undergoing the procedure do not feel any pain. In fact, women are usually relaxed, talking to the doctor, watching a movie, or reading. The recovery time is minimal as well.

 

Improved Aesthetics with Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty surgery improves the appearance of the labia. This may include the labia majora (outer vaginal lips) or the labia minora (inner vaginal lips), or both. Labia refer to the ‘lips’ around the vagina. The objective of the surgery is to make the labia smaller and to enhance the symmetry between the inner and outer labia.

Certain experts believe that tightening the vaginal tissue surgically may create an increment in sexual response. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim.

 

Labiaplasty Procedure

A surgeon will perform the labiaplasty by simply trimming the excess tissue to enable the lips of the labia minora to remain properly tucked within the outer vaginal lips (labia majora).

The procedure can be carried out under local or general anesthesia. The recovery period is usually brief and uncomplicated. The patient will typically require pain meds, but only for a few days after the surgery.

 

Vaginoplasty

Many plastic surgeons now use the term vaginoplasty to encompass an array of cosmetic procedures, such as vaginal tightening, labiaplasty, and labiaplasty repair.

According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the female genitals have a wide range of natural appearance. In anatomical terms, all of these appearances are acceptable.

Clinically, there is no particular way in which a labia or vagina can look ‘right’ in its appearance. However, an expert surgeon can individualize the labial shape and size to meet the patient’s unique aesthetic requirements.

Today, a number of surgeons also use laser technology to perform labiaplasty. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and nearby areas for labiaplasty.

For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• psiatlanta.com
• sexualaesthetics.com
• Contact Us

Serving patients in and around Atlanta, Buckhead,  Roswell, Marietta, Georgia and surrounding areas.