What is Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is a plastic surgery procedure designed to provide feminine rejuvenation. It can enhance the size, shape, and overall appearance of the outer areas of the vulva, including the labia majora and labia minora.

The procedure is delicate and can be customized to suit the unique needs of each patient individually. Labiaplasty can help achieve a cleaner, neater appearance and reduce discomfort and pinching of the vaginal lips.

Many women find that this area can change after childbirth or with age, with the skin becoming looser or hanging away from the body. Others may have naturally long labia, causing them to feel self-conscious, especially during intimate moments. In particular, the inner labia is the most common area of concern among women considering labiaplasty.

Who is a Good Candidate for Labiaplasty?

To be eligible for plastic surgery, candidates must be in good general health and follow good habits and a healthy lifestyle. Ideal candidates are non-smokers, or willing to quit for an adequate amount of time, and have a good understanding and realistic expectations of the outcome, alternatives, and the complications and risks of surgery.

Typically, our Newport Beach labiaplasty patients are women who have issues with the current appearance of their vulva/labia. This procedure does not address the vaginal canal or issues such as dryness or tightness. (We have other treatments for this). Instead, it focuses on the appearance and aesthetics of the labia. If the concern is that the labia minora is longer than the outer lips or the vulva hangs away from the skin or has a “messy” appearance, a labiaplasty procedure can help.

Labiaplasty Procedures

Women’s bodies come in all shapes and sizes. That means there is no particular way your intimate areas should look, however, many women find that a more tucked-in, neat appearance can not only be more aesthetically pleasing but also give them more pleasure and confidence during sexual activities. At Pacific Center Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach labiaplasty is a procedure that is customized to suit your individual needs. Typically, they are tailored around the area you want to address, such as the labia minora and majora.

Types of Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty Minora

When talking about labiaplasty, most patients and doctors are actually referring to a labiaplasty minora, which focuses on the inner lips. Many women find that when the inner lips stick out, which can cause friction, discomfort, and pinching during certain activities, such as sex or exercise. The procedure addresses the tissue on the labia to help improve their size, shape, and symmetry.

The end result is often a more harmonious and comfortable appearance and feel. Different techniques can be used, such as a trimming approach, which removes excess tissue and skin. A wedge procedure is also used, which removes a pie-shaped piece of tissue to maintain a natural border. Your surgeon will use absorbable sutures to close any incisions.

Labiaplasty Majora

Similar, but slightly different techniques can also be used to address the appearance and symmetry of the outer vulva, the labia majora. When there is an asymmetrical amount of tissue, a trimming technique can be used to clean up the appearance. This is often done in harmony with a labiaplasty minora to reduce the inner lips.

This area can also have an excess of fat deposits, which can cause a rounder or appearance and may even be visible or cause discomfort when in certain clothes. Techniques can also be used to increase contour if the area is lacking or disproportionate which often occurs as part of the normal aging process.

Labiaplasty Consultation and Preparation

Labiaplasty procedures are performed under general or local anesthesia, depending on what is discussed and decided between you and your surgeon. In preparation for the surgery, patients take about a week off work or away from general responsibilities to recover. Compression garments are sometimes recommended and ice packs early on may be used to reduce swelling.

To learn more about vaginal rejuvenation procedures such as labiaplasty Newport Beach, California women can contact the Pacific Center Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Nichter or Dr. Horowitz.

Labiaplasty Recovery and Results

The results of a labiaplasty procedure are a smaller, tighter, and neater labia. In patients with excess skin, drooping of the labia minora or majora, which can get in the way or stick out in an unflattering way, can cause discomfort or embarrassment. This procedure is meant to restore your intimacy and confidence.

After labiaplasty, patients should rest and elevate the area whenever possible. You can also use cold compresses as directed by your physicians. Spotting for a few days is normal. After a week you can return to work, but we recommend that our Newport Beach labiaplasty patients avoid strenuous activity, using internal feminine products, or having intercourse for up to six weeks, or until cleared by your surgeon. Most swelling should clear up within a few weeks, but you may still experience swelling after a labia majora surgery for up to six months.

Cost & Financing Options for Labiaplasty

The cost of a labiaplasty procedure will vary for most women, as the techniques used and approach can vary slightly as needed to achieve the desired result. In addition, facility costs and the cost of a qualified and experienced surgeon will affect the final amount.

Financing is offered to help make procedures more accessible for all patients. During your consultation for labiaplasty Newport Beach plastic surgery specialists at PCPS will give you a quote and you’ll be able to discuss payment options.