Labiaplasty
Consultations offered at our four convenient locations in Calhoun, GA, Chattanooga, TN, Ooltewah, TN and Blueridge, GA
A labiaplasty is a procedure designed to improve the functionality and cosmetics of the female labia minora, the tissue protecting the vaginal opening. This surgical intervention offers women the opportunity to address concerns they may have about the size, shape, symmetry, or excess tissue in their labia. Some women can experience discomfort or even pain during intimate moments, feel self-conscious about wearing tight-fitting clothing, or have trouble maintaining proper hygiene in this area. If you feel that your labia are too long, too thick, or these issues are present in your life, a labiaplasty can provide the transformative results you’ve been looking for.
At Southern Surgical Arts (SSA), we understand the importance of treating the sensitive concerns of women with professionalism and compassionate care. Our highly trained plastic surgeons will tactfully discuss your aesthetic goals for the procedure and walk you through the necessary steps for preparation and recovery. Labiaplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that only takes about 1 hour, so patients can return to their daily lives with renewed confidence in their appearance. To schedule your consultation today, call us at (423) 266-3331 or get in touch with one of our 6 locations using our contact form:
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About the Labia Minora
During pregnancy and labor, your labia can expand and become asymmetrical, elongated, and/or darkly pigmented. In other cases, some women are simply born with large, irregular, or asymmetrical labia minora (inner lips). Research even suggests that some variations in labia minora anatomy can put you at an increased risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs). This, alongside changes in vaginal pH, are often overlooked factors when it comes to determining risk factors for UTIs. (1) Tissues of the vulva can also simply loosen with age, making sexual intercourse unsatisfying. Not to mention, women going through menopause experience a decrease in estrogen hormones and experience more vaginal dryness, so longer labia can pose more of a problem with age. (2)
Benefits of Labiaplasty
Between the years 2012 and 2017, the number of labiaplasties increased dramatically by 217.2%, and there are many reasons for this jump. Despite it being a highly intimate procedure, there are a wide variety of benefits that appeal to many women seeking vaginal rejuvenation:
- Research cited that more than 92% of labiaplasty patients were “very satisfied” with their results. (3)
- The procedure eliminates pinching and pulling during sexual activity.
- You will feel much less irritation and chafing when sitting, working out, or wearing tight pants.
- You can effectively maintain your hygiene with more ease, reducing the presence of odor and sweat.
- The procedure requires dissolvable sutures, so you will not have to fret over a follow-up suture-removal appointment.
- Your surgeon can complete all necessary cosmetic improvements using just local anesthesia.
- The results are 100% permanent if you do not plan to have children.
Labiaplasty Candidates
The best candidate for labiaplasty is a healthy, non-smoking woman under 65 years of age who desires to improve the appearance of her labia and achieve more comfort in her day-to-day life. Your SSA surgeon will conduct blood tests to ensure you do not have any underlying conditions that need to be addressed or disqualify you from surgery. If you are a regular smoker, you may be able to undergo a labiaplasty if you commit to quitting for a few weeks to promote healthier blood circulation.
Personal Consultation
At Southern Surgical Arts, each of our highly qualified, fellowship-trained surgeons knows the importance of addressing the individualized goals of each patient seeking labiaplasty. During your consultation, they will evaluate your vulva, present their surgical approach specifically tailored to your anatomy, and answer any questions of concern. To get started today, call one of our available locations throughout Tennessee and Georgia, or reach out to a knowledgeable and helpful staff member online:
How is a Labiaplasty Procedure Performed?
SSA surgeons perform labiaplasties under local anesthesia, avoiding the risks associated with general anesthesia. Depending on your surgeon’s recommendations, they will employ 1 of 2 labiaplasty techniques:
Wedge Method
For the wedge method, also known as the “V-Y” technique, your surgeon will remove a v-shape portion of your labia skin where the most tissue is present. They will then suture both sides to reform the labial edge, preserving the natural edge while removing the longest section. With this wedge incision, your surgeon will efficiently remove the darkest part of the labia and create the highly sought-after “tucked” appearance.
Trim Method
The trim method involves a simpler process of excising the whole labial edge. This technique can work best if you have excess tissue along the entire labia rather than just one area. With this type of incision, your surgeon can fashion a new, even labial edge.
Regardless of which incision works best for you, your surgeon has extensive knowledge of how to preserve the vulva and its sensitive nerve endings while also creating the most optimal results. They will close both incisions with dissolvable sutures that will absorb and blend nicely into the folds of your vulva– no scar tissue will be noticeable. Our surgeons can perform this delicate, yet simple procedure in just about 1 hour.
Recovery and Results
After your procedure, it’s normal to experience bruising, swelling, tenderness, and light spotting. Most women find over-the-counter remedies will relieve discomfort, but your surgeon may order a prescription medication if you are concerned about the side effects. Keep in mind that you should avoid some medication, like ibuprofen, due to its ability to increase your risk of bleeding. Your surgeon will clarify which medications are safe to take. You can also apply ice to the area, but be sure to only use it for a few minutes at a time.
Most women are comfortable enough to return to work after 1 week, but this does not mean the healing process is finished. After about 4 months, you will likely be able to go back to working out. You should avoid any type of sexual activity for at least 6 weeks post-surgery or until your surgeon states that it is safe to do so. Ensuring that you follow these guidelines carefully will allow your labia to heal. You will notice the final results in 2 months, and you will get to enjoy more symmetrical, beautiful, and friction-free labia.
Corresponding and Complementary Procedures
Vaginal Rejuvenation with DiVa laser
DiVa lasers are gentle yet effective lasers designed to treat vaginal dryness, stress urinary incontinence, and vulvovaginal atrophy– common occurrences among women as the aging process causes a drop in estrogen hormones. Still, these laser treatments are suitable for women of any age. With just topical anesthetic, the DiVa laser resurfaces the inner tissues of the vaginal wall in just 3 to 5 minutes, stimulating the formation of new, healthier, more elastic tissue. While most women can resume their normal activities, some will have to refrain from sexual intercourse and/or the use of a tampon. Over a few weeks, patients should expect to feel more comfort and relief from these side effects and to enjoy the benefits for several months.
O-Shot
As part of Southern Surgical Arts’ efforts to treat all aspects of women’s health, we offer the O-Shot. This revolutionary treatment revitalizes vulvar tissues to promote more sexual enjoyment. For this procedure, an SSA provider will first draw your blood, then purify it to isolate platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a concentrated form of your plasma that has components called growth factors that stimulate more blood vessel formation and cell regeneration. They will then administer it to your intimate areas, where it will work to treat vaginal dryness, improve sensitivity, enhance sexual pleasure, and even help treat urinary incontinence.
Cost of a Labiaplasty in Chattanooga, TN
Your quote will depend on various factors, including your specific anatomy. On average, labiaplasty with Southern Surgical Arts begins at $3,500. This total cost covers the procedure, anesthesia, materials/supplies, and all routine follow-up visits. This total excludes lab work and any post-operative medications.
For more information concerning the cost of your procedure, please schedule your consultation at SSA and find out more about our available financing options by calling (423) 266-3331 or contacting us through our online form. A member of SSA will gladly assist you in setting up an appointment with one of our esteemed surgeons. If you are interested in finding out more about our other available procedures and treatments, please visit our blog.
FAQ
Do labiaplasties correct thick labia?
Surgeons can utilize another incision technique to correct thickness as well as over-elongation of the labia minora. Surgeons use specialized methods to avoid major blood vessels in the labia.
Will a labiaplasty cause me to lose sensation in my labia minora?
Numbness in the labia minora is a normal side effect of the procedure, and sensation will return as you heal from surgery. Usually, feeling returns as soon as it is safe to engage in sexual activity again.
Will I have scars after my labiaplasty?
As a highly elastic and resilient type of tissue, the labia minora heal well, and scars from the surgery will not be noticeable after you are fully healed. In fact, any scarring will blend in with the natural folds of these tissues.
References
- Arif Aydın, Adeviye Elçi Atılgan, Mehmet Giray Sönmez, Leyla Öztürk Sönmez, Mehmet Boğa, Mehmet Balasar. Do variations in labial anatomy have an effect on recurrent urinary tract infection? International Urogynecology Journal. 2020;31(10):2129-2136. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-020-04310-8
- Szymański JK, Słabuszewska-Jóźwiak A, Jakiel G. Vaginal Aging—What We Know and What We Do Not Know. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021;18(9):4935. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094935
- Ellsworth WA, Rizvi M, Lypka M, et al. Techniques for labia minora reduction: an algorithmic approach. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2010;34(1):105-110. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-009-9454-5