What is a labiaplasty?
Simply put, a labiaplasty is a procedure done to reduce the size of the innermost folds of skin on both sides of the vaginal opening. The folding of skin around the clitoris, called the clitoral hood or prepuce, is often reduced as well during this procedure. But why might a labiaplasty be necessary?
While there is no “normal” way a vagina should look, some can feel self-conscious about its appearance. For many women, it’s the size and shape of their labia – the folds of skin on the sides of the vagina opening that are often referred to as its lips – that makes them feel embarrassed, uncomfortable, and even worried about what intimate partners may think. There is nothing medically wrong with folds of skin that are “poking out” of the vagina, but some women can feel self-conscious about them, especially when wearing leggings or a bikini bottom.
There is a way to reduce the size of the inner “lips,” called the labia minora, with labiaplasty. The procedure can be done quickly and discretely, taking just one and a half hours. Patients can recover in as little as 5 minutes and then be on their way, feeling much more confident and comfortable. There may be some discomfort and feelings of stinging, throbbing, or burning pain after the anesthesia wears off, in which case ice packs should be applied to the area. Following the procedure, patients should take three to five days to rest before returning to their job, wait three weeks before exercising, and six weeks before having intercourse.
A labiaplasty can be empowering for women because it gives them more confidence in the way their vagina looks and helps their overall feelings of body positivity.
Benefits of labiaplasty
- Increased confidence and reduced self-consciousness
- More comfort in tight clothing
- Reduced pain and discomfort when performing certain activities
- Improved vaginal health and hygiene
- Decreased sexual discomfort
These benefits have made labiaplasty a very popular and empowering procedure for women of all ages.
Dr. Oppenheimer’s labiaplasty procedure
Dr. Oppenheimer has performed well over 300 labiaplasty surgeries and helped women of all ages from all different backgrounds. The process starts with a consultation, and Dr. Oppenheimer wants to make his patients feel as comfortable as possible, so he does not use a speculum or stirrups. Patients can also choose to have a virtual consult, where photos may be reviewed and the procedure is discussed by phone.
Next is the pre-op visit. Dr. Oppenheimer’s team will go over the post-surgery care instructions and answer whatever questions a patient has about the labiaplasty procedure. During this visit, the nurses will also inform patients of their three anesthesia options and help them decide which is best for them. The pre-op visit is also when clinical nurses take a “before” picture with your permission.
On the day of their procedure, labiaplasty patients can drive themselves, take an Uber, or arrive with a family member or friend, depending on which anesthesia option they have chosen. Local Anesthesia will be applied along with a topical numbing cream after a urine pregnancy test. An hour and a half later, the procedure is done! Most patients feel good enough to leave after a half hour of recovery.
If you’re interested in getting a labiaplasty done or want to learn more about our process and what makes Oppenheimer Plastic Surgery a safe and gentle place where you can feel comfortable getting this procedure done, contact us today!