What is Labiaplasty and Who May Benefit?- By Dr. M. E. Butler

Women with well-proportioned genitalia may not know that for some women, the inner lips of the vulva are very large and protrude past the larger surrounding labia.  This condition may be uncomfortable and pose a self-image issue for the women who have it.  Labiaplasty is the cosmetic procedure that can alleviate this condition and restore self-confidence and diminish discomfort.

In our practice, we have treated patients with this condition for a variety of reasons.  Some are dancers and this procedure has made them much more self-assured  in how they look in their form-fitting costumes.  Others come because they feel dissatisfied about their physique, as they see this condition as cosmetically undesirable.  Yet others find the condition uncomfortable and at times, painful, especially if they ride a horse or bike or engage in active sports.

Many women live with this condition because they are unaware of the existence of the labiaplasty procedure, or because they are embarrassed to talk about the subject.  Well, this condition is more common than it may appear.  With the trend towards less pubic hair, it is much more noticeable than ever before.

Labiaplasty involves the reduction in size of the labia minora (smooth inner lips) to fit proportionately inside the labia majora (fleshier outer lips).

The procedure is performed in the office under anesthesia and it takes less than an hour.   After the procedure, we apply an ice pack for the first twelve hours  to reduce swelling.  To aid with the healing process, we ask that patients  apply a prescription Estrogen cream along the suture lines.   Bruising may result from the procedure, but if it does, it subsides over time.   The stitches used will dissolve over the course of several weeks.  We check our patients one week after the surgery and then again, six weeks later.  Everyone’s recovery period is different, but we usually recommend to our patients that they take at least one week off from work.

In some cases, when it can be demonstrated that this condition is causing other medical issues, such as frequent urinary tract infections, the procedure may be covered by insurance; however in most cases, the procedure is considered strictly cosmetic and thus,  not covered by insurance.  The good news is that the cost is highly affordable ($2,500 to $3,000) and even more so if the patient makes use of a payment plan such as the one available from Care Credit.

For many women with this condition, labiaplasty can be a life-changing procedure.  Many report that after the surgery, they feel better in their clothes and that they have much more self-confidence. They also affirm that the quality of their sexual intimacy has improved and that they no longer feel  discomfort during intercourse or while participating in sports.

All of the doctors at The Woman’s Group are gynecological cosmetic surgeons and perform this procedure.  If you think you could benefit from it, please call our office and schedule a consultation. The price of the consult is $150 and is applicable towards the procedure fee.

Give us a call to schedule your appointment today.