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.
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.
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:
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:
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:
Major complications during or after a labiaplasty procedure are rare. Dr. Blyer thoroughly screens patients and takes several precautions to prevent complications.
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There are two surgical techniques most commonly used for labiaplasty surgery known as the trim method and the wedge method.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.