The labia is an anatomical part of every female body. In most women, the labia minora may extend slightly further than the labia majora, which usually does not cause any problems. However, in some women, the labia minora may grow too large such that they protrude significantly beyond the labia majora, causing significant discomfort and getting in the way of daily activity. Sometimes, this overgrowth can also make the woman conscious about her body, which is why most women will have a labiaplasty surgery to correct the overgrowth.
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What Is a Labiaplasty?
A labiaplasty is a surgical procedure performed on a woman’s labia majora or labia minora to correct any structural issues the woman is unhappy about. Most women have the procedure to reduce the size of their labia which can sometimes get so enlarged that it causes discomfort.
Your Beverly Hills labiaplasty surgeon should meet the basic requirements such as excellent training, good customer reviews, and above all, be board certified. It would help if they had a background in the gynecology specialty.
A gynecology history allows the surgeon to approach the labiaplasty procedure from a holistic point of view, considering the woman’s body and functionality as opposed to aesthetics. The surgeon should also be willing to fully educate you on the various things you need to do before and after the procedure to aid in a quicker recovery.
Some women require another cosmetic surgery, like a vaginoplasty, performed consecutively. If this is the case, you should also check to see if your surgeon is qualified or experienced enough to perfume the additional procedure. If done well, a labiaplasty procedure should have satisfying results which should last for years.
Young women still going through adolescence should avoid getting a labiaplasty as the body is still growing and can regrow the labia.
Questions You Should Ask Before Choosing a Labiaplasty Surgeon.
How long has the surgeon practiced labiaplasty procedures?
Your surgeon must have some expertise and experience in genital surgery. Practice makes good plastic surgeons better at what they do. Surgeons trained under a reputable expert in genital surgery are also a good choice because they have learned the best skills, techniques, and surgery practices to use during the labiaplasty.
Has my surgeon received training from a reputable school and trained under a highly skilled surgeon?
A well-trained surgeon should be board certified to show that he meets the requirements, including attending an accredited learning institute. After finishing their studies, the surgeon should train extensively under a talented surgeon to gain the required skill set.
What is my surgeon’s success rate?
In the time that your surgeon has been practicing genital surgery, how many times have they experienced a successful or desired result? It is important to find out how often your surgeon has had undesired results and the cause of the issue. If your doctor has a history of complications, that is a red flag and a definite sign that you should keep searching.
Labiaplasty Q&A
How long will my labiaplasty procedure take?
A labiaplasty procedure is usually an outpatient procedure that takes a maximum of an hour and a half, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Can I have labiaplasty on one side of the labia minora?
Yes, many patients present with an enlarged labia minora on a single side. In such a case, the surgeon will trim the enlarged side to match the smaller one.
Does a labiaplasty leave scars?
Since the procedure involves making surgical incisions to excise excess tissue, you may observe some scarring. The good news is that the tissue around the vagina is thin and has great blood flow, the wound heals very nicely, and the scarring is usually minimal and hardly visible.
Does a labiaplasty hurt?
The patient gets a variety of pain medications to help keep any pain and discomfort at bay. Most patients experience tolerable pain that responds well to medication.
How long does a labiaplasty take to heal?
The initial swelling and soreness should wear off in the first week with proper medication and wound care. You may experience some itchiness and pain during the first couple of weeks.
How long do I wait before having sex?
Your doctor will advise you to wait six weeks before attempting anything sexual. Any rubbing around the incision sight is likely to cause pain and irritation, which can delay your healing process. Above all, do not do anything your body is uncomfortable doing; only do what you are truly comfortable with.
Will my insurance cover the labiaplasty costs?
Unfortunately, most insurance covers will not cover the cost of a labiaplasty procedure nor approve them. Most insurance companies will investigate whether the procedure is cosmetic or reconstructive, and in most cases, the procedure is cosmetic and will not be covered.
