Labiaplasty Technique

Labiaplasty is a type of cosmetic surgery that is most often used to reduce the size of the labia minora. This is the skin surrounding the vaginal opening. As society has become more accepting of various types of cosmetic surgery labiaplasty has become more common.

Common Reasons for Labiaplasty

• In the majority of women, the labia minora is seen only when their legs are separated. The general anatomy being that the labia majora will cover or hide most, if not all, of the labia minora when the legs are closed or close together. There are cases where the labia minora is unusually large and remains visible when the legs are close or only parted slightly.

  This exposed labia minora can result in self-consciousness and a distancing in relationships. In addition to embarrassment it may also cause discomfort during sexual intercourse, during exercise or when wearing tight pants. Depending on how tight the pants or other lower-body covering is the unusual structure can be visible even when the woman is fully clothed.

  This enlarged labia minora is most often congenial, or passed from parent to child. There are also cases where the labia minora size may be increased by hormonal changes or childbirth.

The Surgery

• There are three general surgery styles available to a surgeon and their patient when considering labiaplasty. Traditionally, a plastic surgeon or gynecologist performing labiaplasty, or labia reduction, removes the portion of labia minora that remains exposed with the legs closed. The surgeon then sews over the raw edge.

  The second surgical technique requires the surgeon to reduce the excess tissue of the labia minora by removing a wedge of tissue from the center. The surgeon then brings the top and bottom portions of the labia minora together. Using this technique, the surgeon is able to maintain a natural appearance to the labial edge.

  The third surgery available incorporates lasers. With laser reduction labiaplasty, lasers are used to trim off the excess labia minora. While this procedure takes less time, the process does not allow for a normal appearance of the labia's edges.

Anesthesia

• Labiaplasty can be performed with local anesthesia, level two IV sedation or a level three general anesthesia. While any of the three are acceptable, most surgeons prefer IV sedation. Level two IV sedation is generally concidered safer with none of the discomfort of general anesthesia, including but not limited to: post-op drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and endotrachial post surgical effects. Endotrachial refers to the delivery of the gases used to induce unconsciousness in the patient by inserting a tube into the trachea or windpipe.

Recovery and Post-Op Care

• While healing time can vary from person to person, the general recovery time is about 10 to 14 days. Generally the patient is allowed to return home the day following the operation with the recommendation to relax, to avoid sitting for long periods of time (such as for an extended car trip), and to attend to feminine hygiene several times a day. Hygiene recommendations are generally to wash with an intimate hygiene soap or with a gentle antiseptic soap after each toilet use. Also advised is the use of a feminine pad, changed regularly.

Cost

• While a specific price cannot be given for every case of labiaplasty, it generally ranges from $3,500 to $8,000. The variation is due to a number of factors, including where the doctor practices. This fee does not cover additional miscellaneous costs, only the surgeon's fee.

  While there may be medical reasons to perform this surgery, most medical insurance providers list labiaplasty under cosmetic surgery. Labeling it as cosmetic will, in most cases, mean that the insurance will not cover much, if any, of the cost associated with the procedure.

  A comprehensive total is available from the consulting physician. The potential patient should take care that this total includes any and all costs that may be incurred. The majority of surgeons that offer labiaplasty also offer financing options and potential patients are often given multiple options.