Labiaplasty, an increasingly popular form of plastic surgery, involves the surgical alteration of the labia minora and the labia majora, the external parts of the female genitalia.
This article will provide insight on what one can expect at every stage of this procedure.
Selecting the Right Plastic Surgeon
Choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon is a vital first step in your labiaplasty journey. It’s crucial to select a surgeon who is board-certified and specialized in genital aesthetic surgery. This ensures that they have undergone rigorous training and adhere to high standards of patient safety.
Additionally, consider the surgeon’s experience specifically with labiaplasty procedures, as well as their before and after photos of previous patients. This will give you a better idea of their skills and the results you can expect.
Choosing a surgeon of a specific gender is a personal decision, largely based on your comfort level. Some women prefer a female over a male plastic surgeon for labiaplasty, feeling more at ease discussing their concerns. Many patients find that a female surgeon can bring a unique perspective to the procedure, having a first-hand understanding of female anatomy and aesthetic desires. This might translate to a more nuanced approach to the surgery, aimed at enhancing the natural appearance and functionality.
Read Why Female Plastic Surgeons Often Surpass Their Male Counterparts
Pre-Operative Consultation
Before the actual procedure, you will have a consultation with your plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, expectations, medical history, and any concerns or questions you may have. The surgeon will also perform a physical examination to determine the best course of action and discuss potential risks and complications.
This is an ideal time to understand the difference between labia majora plastic surgery and labia minora reduction, and what each procedure entails.
During this consultation, you will also have the opportunity to address any doubts or uncertainties you may have about the surgery. It’s crucial to be open and honest with your surgeon, as they can only tailor the procedure to meet your specific needs if they have all the necessary information.
For more information, read What Causes A Woman to Need Labiaplasty?
The Procedure
Labiaplasty can be performed under general anesthesia or under local anesthesia only with the patient awake and perfectly comfortable throughout their procedure. Incisions are placed with attention to detail and scars become imperceptible over time.
For labia minora reduction, a “trim excision” or “wedge excision” technique can be used based on the shape and size of the labia minora, both involving excising excess tissue to create a smaller, more symmetrical appearance. The surgical incisions for each method differ slightly and result in imperceptible scars due to the use of dissolvable sutures.
Labia majora reduction entails removing a crescent-shaped tissue from each labia majora, and fat grafting may be performed in some patients to achieve a more youthful appearance. Dr. Kitto uses only dissolvable sutures, and the incisions are placed in natural creases, leading to barely noticeable surgical scars over time.
Recovery Period
Following the procedure, once the patient is comfortable, they are sent home the same day to rest with pain medication, cool compresses, and antibiotics if necessary.
Vaginal Rejuvenation is a minimally invasive procedure with a relatively quick recovery time. Most patients experience mild swelling, bruising, and minimal discomfort.
These side effects are normal and complete recovery typically takes about two weeks. Patients are regularly seen in the office during their postoperative period to monitor their full recovery.
It’s essential to follow all post-operative instructions, such as taking prescribed medications and avoiding specific activities, to ensure the smoothest recovery.
If you’re considering labiaplasty, it’s important to understand each stage of the process. This will help you prepare for the journey and have realistic expectations about the outcomes.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us here or call (804) 294-1777.