What to Expect with Labiaplasty
Undergoing any form of plastic surgery requires careful consideration, especially when it comes to a procedure as personal as labiaplasty. Within the welcoming environment of Shaddix Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kyle Shaddix and his experienced team are here to guide you through each step of the labiaplasty procedure.
What is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure that focuses on altering the labia minora, the inner “lips” that surround the vaginal opening. More specifically, it addresses overly long labial lips that hang below the labia majora (outer lips) or asymmetrical lips. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Shaddix offers two surgical techniques for the labiaplasty procedure: trim or wedge technique. With the trim technique, tissue is removed from the border of the labia. The wedge removes a triangle-shaped section from the labia and then brings the edges together with dissolvable sutures to shorten the labial lips. Surgery can be performed under local or general anesthesia and patients can return home immediately after the procedure.
Ideal Candidates for Labiaplasty
There are several reasons why women consider labiaplasty procedure and it is also important to be aware of who is a good surgical candidate. These are some criteria we look for when determining who is an ideal candidate for labiaplasty:
Physical Discomfort
Women who experience physical discomfort or pain due to elongated or uneven labia minora are great candidates for labiaplasty. Excess labial tissue can result in painful friction during sexual intercourse, exercise, or when wearing tight clothing.
Personal Preference
Another common reason to consider labiaplasty is being unhappy with the appearance of your vaginal area, which can cause low confidence in intimate settings. Patients may be unhappy about the size of their vaginal lips, overly long inner lips, asymmetry, or a dark edge around the labia. All these concerns can be addressed and Dr. Shaddix will tailor to the procedure to address your specific goals.
Good Overall Health
Adults of all ages who are in good overall health and non-smokers are often perfect candidates for labiaplasty. If you have a history of bleeding problems, poor scarring, or underlying medical conditions, Dr. Shaddix may recommend other treatment options.
Preparing for Your Labiaplasty
Before your labiaplasty procedure, you will have an initial consultation with Dr. Shaddix to discuss your medical history, desired results, and any concerns you may have. He will thoroughly explain the procedure and answer all your questions. Following your consultation, it is recommended to avoid taking blood thinners and certain herbal supplements for two weeks prior to the procedure. You should also arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery and stay with you during the first few days of recovery.
Labiaplasty Recovery Process
Mild swelling and tenderness are common after a labiaplasty, but most patients can resume light activities immediately. More strenuous exercise should be avoided for two weeks and sexual intercourse for at least six weeks. Several post-operative appointments will be scheduled with Dr. Shaddix so that he can monitor your recovery process and inform you about when it is safe to resume more strenuous activities.
To alleviate discomfort during your recovery, take pain medication as needed and apply ice packs to minimize swelling. Be careful not to apply the ice pack directly onto the skin. Loose clothing should also be worn for a few weeks to prevent irritation.
Schedule a Consultation
A labiaplasty in Pensacola, FL can provide physical relief and emotional comfort. To get started on your personalized treatment plan with Dr. Shaddix, please call our office or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation.