Ten Questions Patients Undergoing Labiaplasty Should Ask Their Surgeon

To better educate the patient about labiaplasty, as well as assisting in formulating realistic expectations, it is recommended that the patient look at before and after photographs, speak with previous patients, (you are always welcome to ask your doctor for referrals to previous patients and where to contact them) and get answers to the following questions:

* Are the desired results I described realistic?
* Where is the labiaplasty minora performed and how long will it take?
* In my case, which labia minora technique is most appropriate?
* What kind of anesthesia will the surgeon use during the surgery?
* How much does labiaplasty cost and what other elements factor into that cost (i.e., hospital fee, anesthesia, etc)?
* What is the surgeon's level of experience in performing labiaplasty?
* What percentage of patients experience complications with the labiaplasty?
* What is the surgeon's policy in regard to correcting or repeating the procedure if the labiaplasty does not meet agreed upon goals?
* What should I expect, post-operatively, in terms of soreness, scaring, activity level and so on?
* Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked or suspended?

However, don't limit yourself to these questions. If there is something you do not understand about labiaplasty, do not hesitate in asking the doctor any questions you might have.

In addition, it is important that patients undergoing labia minora reduction relay to their surgeon information regarding any allergies and serious medical conditions they may have. Furthermore, patients should inform the surgeon of any medications they are taking.

This site provides information about plastic/cosmetic surgery and is designed to help users make decisions regarding their own treatment options. But medical information is not the same as medical advice -- the application of medical treatment to a person's specific circumstances. Although we go to great lengths to make sure our information is accurate and useful, we recommend you consult a qualified medical practitioner if you want professional assurance that our information, and your interpretation of it, is appropriate to your particular situation.

Labiaplasty Surgery Information - Vaginal Rejuvenation

By Dave Stringham

Labiaplasty or Labioplasty is a plastic surgery procedure of the female external genitalia folds - the Labia Minora and/or the Labia Majora. Labiaplasty reduces the size and reshapes the inner lips of the outside of the vagina or the Labia Minora, or the outer lips, called Labia Majora.

Who is a candidate for Labiaplasty?
Many women are born with too large, irregular, or asymmetrical Labia Minora. Others develop stretching and elongation of the labia as a result of childbirth or with aging. This presents not only an aesthetic predicament but more importantly a functional hindrance. Women with large and irregular labia are often embarrassed during sexual interactions, and feel uncomfortable with wearing bathing suits, tight clothes, or jogging shorts. Others experience pain or irritation during intercourse or feel that they cannot reach optimal sexual pleasure because of the hindrance of their bulky Labia Minora.

Meanwhile, there are some women that develop very full and large Labia Majora (outer lips) as a result of weight gain. This becomes a noticeable nuisance when wearing tight pants, shorts, or bathing suits. It also traps moisture and causes skin irritation, rash, or even promotes yeast infection.

Does Labiaplasty interfere with having natural childbirth?
No, Labiaplasty does not hinder natural childbirth, but in fact makes it easier.

What types of Labiaplasty techniques are available?
Traditionally, most gynecologist or plastic surgeons utilize the direct excision and reduction method of Labiaplasty. With this method a long strip of the Labia Minora is excised, leaving a surgical incision at the edge of the Labia.

The Brazilian Labiaplasty Technique leaves no external scars, preserves maximum genital sensation, and looks very natural. At that time a clitoral de-hooding can also be performed to increase the height and length of sexual pleasure for the woman.

Reduction of the Labia Majora involves liposculpture and liposuction to reduce the unsightly protuberance of the Labia Majora. At times it is combined with the reduction and tightening of the Mons Pubis, otherwise called Monsplasty.

Anesthesia and Surgery for Labiaplasty
Labioplasty is performed under local anesthesia with some sedation in order to reduce anxiety. This procedure is rather short, and can take about 30 minutes. At times Labiaplasty is performed in conjunction with Vaginoplasty (Vaginal Rejuvenation), tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation, or other cosmetic procedures.

Recovery after Labiaplasty
Most patients experience mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising after Labioplasty which lasts two to seven days. During this time, women can experience some spotting, and/or urinary hesitance. They should wear pads, and apply Neosporin ointment to the surgical sites for comfort. They can take a shower or wash within six hours of surgery, and as frequently as they wish, there after. Although you can return to sedate activities and work within two days, you should refrain from jogging, biking, horseback riding, running, heavy lifting, and sexual intercourse for about 4-6 weeks.

Potential Risks and Complications
Labiaplasty is considered a minor surgical procedure, and thus is relatively safe. The most common potential complications are bleeding, minor infection, incision breakdown, scarring, and/or irritation and pain.