Seven Questions Answered About Labiaplasty

With its recent surge in popularity, most women have now at least heard of vaginal rejuvenation surgery. However, you may still have questions about why it’s done, how it works, and what results are possible. The exceptional team at SSK Plastic Surgery, led by board-certified Newport Beach plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi, understands the personal nature of intimate cosmetic surgery and is committed to providing discreet, comfortable, and effective care for women seeking vaginal rejuvenation in Orange County. Get the answers to all of your questions about one of the most popular vaginal cosmetic surgeries: labiaplasty.

Popular FAQs about labiaplasty

1. What is labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is a precise and delicate vaginal rejuvenation procedure designed to alter the size, shape, or other characteristics of the labia minora, or vaginal lips. Most often, labiaplasty is performed for cosmetic reasons, though there are a variety of potential functional and medical benefits as well.

2. What does labiaplasty do?

The primary purpose of labiaplasty is to enhance the appearance and/or function of the labia minora. This typically involves reducing the length or overall size of the vaginal lips through skin excision. Additional cosmetic concerns that can be addressed or corrected with labiaplasty include asymmetry, hyperpigmentation, and shape.

3. Who needs labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty surgery is generally an elective procedure rather than a necessity. Women who are simply unsatisfied with the overall appearance of their vagina can certainly benefit from labiaplasty. Additionally, women with significantly long labia – a condition known as LMH (labia minora hypertrophy) – are fantastic candidates for the procedure. Hanging, stretched out labia can also develop over time as a result of vaginal childbirth and the aging process. Some of the most common signs and symptoms that may mean Newport Beach labiaplasty is right for you include:

• Discomfort with sex
• Painful tears or bleeding in the vulva after sex
• Recurrent infections
• Discomfort with sitting
• Discomfort when wearing tight-fitting clothing
• Unhappy with your appearance in leggings, swimsuits, and other tight-fitting clothes
• Low self-esteem
• Self-conscious during sexual activity
• Visible asymmetry

4. How is labiaplasty performed?

In most cases, labiaplasty on its own can be performed while the patient is under local anesthesia, significantly cutting down on surgical costs and recovery time. When combined with additional procedures, as in the case of a mommy makeover, general anesthesia may be required.

During labiaplasty in Newport Beach, Dr. Kelishadi will use the surgical approach that best fits each patient’s needs, goals, and anatomy. Two of the most common techniques for labiaplasty are the wedge incision, which maintains the natural edges of the labia, and the edge incision, which trims the skin of the edges themselves. In either case, Dr. Kelishadi takes great care to place incisions where they can be concealed within the natural lines and creases of the body. For the majority of patients, any scarring is virtually invisible following recovery and healing.

5. Does labiaplasty affect sensation?

A common question regarding labiaplasty surgery is how it will affect the woman’s sexual sensation. Fortunately, labiaplasty does not involve the clitoris, meaning sexual sensation will remain intact. Choosing a highly skilled and experienced surgeon to perform your labiaplasty is one of the most critical things you can do to ensure a safe, successful procedure and minimize the risk of surgical error, which could negatively affect your sexual sensation.

6. How long is labiaplasty recovery?

Immediately following labiaplasty, patients should expect to have some level of discomfort and swelling. These symptoms can be relieved with cold compresses or ice packs, prescription medications, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories. Most patients begin feeling more like themselves after 3 – 4 days, though many women choose to take about one week off of work since sitting after labiaplasty can be somewhat uncomfortable for several days. Dr. Kelishadi and his knowledgeable team will provide you with complete postoperative instructions to make healing after labiaplasty as quick, successful, and comfortable as possible.

7. When can I have sex after labiaplasty?

Following postoperative guidelines is essential for complete and proper healing after labiaplasty. Patients are typically encouraged to refrain from sex and tampon use for at least 4 – 6 weeks after labiaplasty or until cleared by Dr. Kelishadi. Resuming sexual activity too soon after labiaplasty can cause complications and/or compromise your results.

Restore your confidence and feel sexier than ever with vaginal rejuvenation in Newport Beach, CA

Every woman deserves to feel confident and comfortable in her own skin, especially in the bedroom. If you are self-conscious about the appearance of your vagina, or if you are having frustrating functional symptoms related to your labia, you may be a fantastic candidate for labiaplasty surgery. Call the welcoming team at SSK Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach to schedule your private in-office or online consultation with award-winning board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi today, and take the first step toward feeling like the woman you were meant to be!