Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I need/want this service?
There are many reasons a woman may feel dissatisfied with the size of her labia minora, including changes that occur due to childbirth, aging, and more. Enlarged labia may also create difficulty with exercise, hygiene, and sexual intercourse, and may lead to recurrent urinary tract infections.
What to expect if I get this done?
Following your labiaplasty procedure, you will no longer have labia minora that hang lower than the labia majora, and your prior issues with tugging, pulling, or other discomfort will be resolved. Most swelling reduces within six weeks of the procedure, though you may experience residual swelling for up to six months.
What should I expect before my procedure?
A consultation with one of our surgeons will be the best way to determine if you are a candidate for a labiaplasty, and which technique is best for you. You will get to review before and after pictures of other patients to get an idea of what your result may look like. The surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia and can take between one hour and a few hours. As labiaplasty is typically an outpatient procedure, you should plan to go home the same day.
What should I expect after my surgery?
You will receive instructions to follow at home and prescriptions for medication, and schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon. An ice pack may help relieve pain and swelling and may be worn between your regular undergarments and an elastic support garment for 20 minutes at a time as needed. You may take about a week off from work for your recovery, and you may expect to resume tampon use and sexual activity after about four to six weeks. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully.
Can this be combined with other procedures?
Yes! Some patients choose to undergo other genital cosmetic procedures, including a clitoral hood reduction, along with their labiaplasty, creating a more balanced appearance. These procedures can be completed at the same time. Please consult with one of our surgeons to determine the best approach for you. Additionally, these procedures can be done at the same time as medically indicated procedures so that you only need to have one procedure with less recovery time than if performed separately. We can work with your UTMB surgeon to ensure a streamlined process and you receive the best care possible.
Is a labiaplasty the same thing as ”vaginal rejuvenation”?
Vaginal rejuvenation is a broad term that refers to a large number of different procedures, but most of these are non-surgical and make use of energy devices like lasers, radiofrequency, and ultrasound. Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure and does not employ any of the aforementioned devices; the surgical technique is tailored to the patient’s unique needs, and the procedure is performed by a plastic surgeon.