Labiaplasty
with DrBfixin in Long Island, NY
Even the most hidden areas of the body sometimes undergo cosmetic surgery. The two parts of the labia comprise the outer portion of a woman’s genitals. The labia majora make up the larger, fleshy, hair-bearing folds. The labia minora are the smaller folds that protect the openings to the vagina and urethra. There is no “right” way for the labia to look. However, patients sometimes do not like the appearance of their labia, especially after having children. A labiaplasty can help improve the appearance of the labia minora and/or the labia majora. Cameo Surgery Center provides the best labiaplasty Long Island and NYC offers.
Overview: What Is Labiaplasty Surgery?
Labiaplasty can refer to a few different types of procedures. Regardless, the surgery addresses the size of the labia minora and less commonly the labia majora. Most commonly, a labiaplasty surgery will reduce the size of the labia minora. It is even sometimes called a labia minora reduction. However, there are cases where both portions of the labia are addressed or the labia is enlarged. The procedure is highly customizable based on the needs of the patient.
Reasons Its Done
A patient may seek a labiaplasty for cosmetic or medical reasons. The procedure is most often performed for cosmetic reasons, especially after childbirth. Some of the reasons a patient may undergo labiaplasty include:
- Remove Excess Labial Skin: Sometimes, a patient may have skin part of their labia minora that causes issues during activities like bike riding and sexual intercourse. This extra skin can also cause discomfort if it becomes twisted, pinched, or caught in clothing.
- Chronic Urinary Tract Infections: Extra tissue can harbor bacteria that can be difficult to adequately clean. This can lead to recurrent urinary tract infections which can not only be uncomfortable but also pose some medical concerns. If the anatomy of the labia is proven or believed to be involved in causing these UTIs, a doctor may recommend undergoing a labiaplasty.
- Correct Asymmetry: Compared to other parts of the body, asymmetry of the labia normally does not cause issues. Some patients dislike it if there is noticeable asymmetry. It can also cause hygiene concerns in severe cases. Normally, this is done for cosmetic reasons.
- Address Stretched Skin: Due to the stretching necessary to deliver a baby, the labia can become stretched. Sometimes it will retract, but often it remains stretched, especially after multiple deliveries. The patient may feel less confident or uncomfortable with this appearance which may make them a candidate for a labiaplasty.
- Gender Affirmation: A labiaplasty is occasionally part of a surgical transgender transition. In this case, the surgeon creates the labia from existing genital tissue. This form of labiaplasty is generally considered reconstructive and surgeons will specifically specialize in gender affirmation surgeries. Dr. B does not perform this type of labiaplasty surgery.
Benefits
Long Island labiaplasty surgery comes with benefits and risks for every patient. Dr. Blyer can help patients determine if labiaplasty is right for them by evaluating their unique benefits and risks. They can differ between patients based on their medical history, health, and goals.
The benefits of labiaplasty may include:
- Remove extra labial skin
- Address stretched labial skin
- Reduce discomfort during certain activities causing increased friction
- More symmetrical appearance
- Help prevent UTIs in women prone to them
- Remove thinned labial skin
- Improve self-confidence in and out of clothing
- Remove labial skin with pigmentation issues
- Reduce discomfort during sex
- May help improve hygiene
- Can serve functional and cosmetic purposes
- Little to no scarring
- Shorter surgical session
- Can be performed under local or general anesthesia
- Sometimes combined with mommy makeover surgery
- Performed by an expert Long Island area cosmetic surgeon
Every surgery comes with inherent risks. Most of the time, the overall risk of complications is low. However, Dr. B will evaluate each patient for increased risks based on their medical history, lifestyle, and anatomy.
Risks of labiaplasty may include:
- Skin irregularities
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Hematoma
- Visible scarring
- Pain
- Removal of too much skin
- Surgery does not adequately address concerns
Major complications during or after a labiaplasty procedure are rare. Dr. Blyer thoroughly screens patients and takes several precautions to prevent complications.
Labiaplasty Surgical Techniques
There are two surgical techniques most commonly used for labiaplasty surgery known as the trim method and the wedge method.
Long Island Neck Lift Surgery From Start To Finish
Trim
The trim technique involves an incision that curves around the labia minora and removes skin from a predetermined height. This is the simplest and one of the more common techniques. This can help make the edges of the labia minora even with the labia majora. It can also address the stretching of the skin.
Wedge
The wedge technique involves Dr. Blyer removing a V-shaped wedge from the center of each labia minora lip. They then stitch the two sides of each lip together to essentially tuck in the remaining skin. This can leave a more natural result for some patients and does involve smaller incisions.
Each technique has its indications. For example, the trim method will more adequately treat discolored skin. Whereas the wedge method will leave the lips overall more even. Both are effective techniques and can provide great results.
Wonder If Labiaplasty Works The Best For You?
FAQs
Does Labiaplasty Affect Pleasure?
No, a labiaplasty should not affect pleasure. This is because it does not treat the main areas pleasure happens: the inside of the vagina and the clitoris. Therefore, there should be no long lasting effects on sexual pleasure after a labiaplasty surgery.
Can Skin Grow Back After Labiaplasty?
No, one of the greatest benefits of labiaplasty is that the removed skin cannot come back. This means the procedure is essentially permanent. With that said, having children after a labiaplasty—while safe and possible—can stretch the labia minora out again. Thus, Dr. Blyer prefers that patients do not plan to have more children before opting for the procedure.
How Painful Is Labiaplasty?
The labia is a sensitive area. Patients can expect some pain and discomfort. However, most patients can manage this discomfort with over-the-counter pain medications and home remedies such as ice packs. However, if the pain persists, Dr. Blyer can prescribe pain medication.
Overall, the worst of the pain goes away within a few days. Swelling and other uncomfortable side effects can take longer to resolve, but patients generally are fairly comfortable after one to two weeks.
When Can I Return To Work?
Patients can usually return to work within one week. Some patients return as soon as three days after surgery. If a patient has a job that requires a lot of physicality, they may require more time off work.
Basic physical activities can begin after two weeks. Strenuous exercise, watersports, bicycling, and similar activities should not begin before four to six weeks. Sexual activity should not begin before about six to eight weeks for most patients. Dr. B will provide a recovery timeline once he can accurately evaluate the patient and their needs.
Do I Need To Shave Before The Procedure?
Yes, it is preferable that patients shave the area before surgery. If patients regularly get waxed, make sure it is well before surgery because the increased skin irritation can cause issues during surgery or more painful recovery. Shaving causes the least skin irritation.
How Much Does A Labiaplasty Cost?
The exact cost of a labiaplasty can vary depending on the scope of the procedure, anesthesia, and if it is combined with another procedure. Combining surgeries does lower the individual costs of each procedure. Patients will receive a price quote at their consultation.
The Best Labiaplasty In Long Island & NYC
Dr. Scott Blyer is an experienced and board certified cosmetic surgeon in Islandia, Long Island, New York. His practice, Cameo Surgery Center, has served patients for over 16 years. They provide patients with high quality cosmetic surgery and a fun, comfortable environment. Dr. B and his team understand that seeking a labiaplasty can make patients feel vulnerable and self-conscious. This is perfectly understandable and they go out of their way to create a safe environment for patients.
Cameo Surgery Center offers the best labiaplasty Long Island and NYC provides. To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 631-232-2636. Patients can also reach out online via chat and contact form.