Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes enlarged or elongated labia to alleviate discomfort and create a more pleasing appearance. The labia are an integral part of a woman’s intimate anatomy, and changes in size, shape, or symmetry due to heredity, pregnancy, and aging can cause self-consciousness. If you find yourself experiencing physical discomfort or diminished confidence due to the appearance of your labia, a labiaplasty may be the solution you’re looking for.

Here at Aesthetic Laser Center, Dr. Quita Lopez knows that the appearance and shape of the vulva is a personal topic that may be difficult to discuss. However, you can rest assured that Dr. Lopez and her knowledgeable staff make every effort to ensure a safe, discreet, and comfortable experience. For more information, call (503) 353-0888 or contact us online. 

Before and After Photos

About Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is a safe procedure with a high satisfaction rate. ⁽¹⁾ While there is no such thing as a “perfect” appearance for a woman’s vulva, it is normal for women to have specific preferences for how theirs looks.  And while this procedure should never be undergone to meet the desires of another person, a labiaplasty has the power to give you the self-confidence and peace of mind you are looking for.

Labial Hypertrophy

Many patients who receive labiaplasties do so to address the symptoms of labial hypertrophy, a condition in which the labia minora is overdeveloped, disproportionate, and elongated. Women who have extreme labial hypertrophy typically experience secondary symptoms that interfere with their quality of life. Discomfort, pain, and irritation during physical and sexual activity are very common. It can also cause dyspareunia (pain during sex) and chronic urinary tract infections. ⁽²⁾ Luckily, surgeons like Dr. Lopez can change these womens’ lives for the better with a labiaplasty procedure. 

Labiaplasty Treatment Techniques

The labiaplasty is tailored to the needs of the individual and may be performed using a variety of surgical techniques. The right method will be determined based on your personal goals and anatomy. There are two distinct groups of labiaplasty techniques:

Trim Method

The trim technique, also known as the “edge trim technique,” is known for providing great results and high patient satisfaction. It involves removing tissue from the margins of the inner labia along the entire length of the labia minora. The tissue adjacent to the clitoris and the clitoral hood are not affected. This technique is especially well-suited for addressing enlarged labia or labial tissue that is excessively elongated. Compared to more traditional approaches, the trim method offers an ideal balance of technical simplicity and efficacy.

Wedge Method

The wedge labiaplasty is performed by removing a “wedge” of tissue from the central area of the labia and then joining the remaining sides. The edges of the labia minora are kept mostly intact, resulting in skin tightening around the clitoris. The tissue removed is in the shape of a wedge or “v” shape where the smaller side of the “v” is pointed outward.

In either technique, we use absorbable sutures to close incisions. There is no “correct” answer when choosing between the wedge, trim, or any other labiaplasty surgical technique. The right answer is a matter of what fits your body and aesthetic goals best.

Why Patients Get Labiaplasty

Benefits of Labiaplasty

Ultimately, the choice to undergo a labiaplasty is personal and there are no right or wrong reasons for doing it. Feeling uncomfortable, insecure, or even embarrassed about the shape and look of the labia is incredibly common, as indicated by the steady increase in popularity of this procedure. It can be damaging to a woman’s self-confidence and lead to difficulty with intimate situations. Many women experience interference in their quality of life, refraining from wearing tight-fitting clothing or experiencing physical pain during athletic activities such as bicycling or horseback riding. With a labiaplasty, the balance and shape of the labia minora can be restored to alleviate symptoms of physical discomfort and reduce the chance of irritation and infection.

Who is a Candidate for Labiaplasty?

Healthy adult women who are concerned about the look of their labia or experience pain or physical discomfort due to an enlarged labia stand to benefit the most from a labiaplasty. Ideal patients should be in good overall health. They should be non-smokers, or at least willing to refrain from smoking in the weeks leading up to and after their procedure.

Personal Consultation

Your consultation with Dr. Lopez will be a private meeting where you can ask questions and share your concerns about the labiaplasty procedure. We value integrity and transparency, and we are more than happy to educate our patients about the procedures they are interested in. We will go over the various options and walk through the experience of the procedure in detail. After the discussion, we will perform a physical examination to assess your candidacy. It is our priority for every patient to come away from their experience fully informed and confident that this is the best choice for them. 

Labiaplasty procedures are highly customized for each patient to fit their particular goals. If you’d like to find out how this procedure can help you, call (503) 353-0888 or fill out this form to schedule your personal consultation

Preparation

We recommend that patients prepare carefully to ensure they have the best surgical experience possible. In the weeks leading up to the procedure date, patients should arrange for transportation to and from the surgical center. Smokers should stop at least two weeks before their procedure date, and continue with smoking cessation throughout their recovery. Stop taking any anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin as these may interfere with healing. We also recommend arranging your living space and bedroom for convenience, keeping the necessities within arm’s reach so you can avoid strenuous motion in the first days of your recovery.

Labiaplasty Procedure

We perform labiaplasty procedures at our accredited in-office surgery center. Before you undergo the procedure, you will meet with Dr. Lopez again to go over each step of your operative plan. With a marker, she will map the incisions for guidance and obtain your final approval.

Firstly, we will administer anesthesia, making sure you are comfortable before surgery begins. Based on the surgical technique discussed and chosen during your consultation, Dr. Lopez will begin by removing excess labia tissue. When the new appearance has been meticulously constructed, she will close the incisions using absorbable sutures. These sutures are absorbed by the body naturally and require no follow-up for removal. However, we will ask you to come back for a follow-up appointment to monitor your recovery and results.

Recovery

After the operation, we will bring you to a recovery room where we will apply surgical tape and cold compresses to the treatment area. Dr. Lopez highly recommends that patients spend the first night of their recovery with a friend or loved one to assist with their recovery. We will provide a set of self-care instructions and recommendations. On the first day postoperative day, you should avoid sitting upright and placing pressure on the treatment area. Lying on your stomach is ideal in the initial days of your recovery. We also recommend standing up and going for a walk to maintain good blood circulation. We have cooling packs or cold compresses available for swelling. 

While you heal, you should wear loose clothing and avoid strenuous or sexual activity until you are cleared by Dr. Lopez. Avoid pools, jacuzzis, and swimming in general until instructed. The sutures may take about three weeks to completely dissolve.

How Much Does Labiaplasty Cost in Portland?

The price of a labiaplasty will range based on a variety of factors, such as the surgical technique involved. We can provide an accurate cost breakdown at the end of your consultation. To book your appointment to discuss labiaplasty with Dr. Lopez, call (503) 353-0888 or contact us online. 

FAQ

References

1. Motakef S, Rodriguez-Feliz J, Chung MT, Ingargiola MJ, Wong VW, Patel A. Vaginal Labiaplasty: Current Practices and a Simplified Classification System for Labial Protrusion. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2015;135(3):774-788. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000001000 
2. Gowda AU, Chopra N, Khalifeh M. Indications, Techniques and Complications of Labiaplasty. Eplasty. 2015;15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4544281/