Labiaplasty
Many women feel dissatisfied with the size, shape, or appearance of their inner vaginal lips. Factors such as aging, genetics, and childbirth can negatively impact the comfort and aesthetics of the labia minora and labia majora. Enlarged, elongated, or asymmetrical labia can lead to both embarrassment and physical discomfort. Labiaplasty surgery can resolve these issues by removing excess skin, resulting in a more comfortable and visually pleasing labial appearance. Additionally, excess clitoral hood tissue can be adjusted to ensure harmony with the reduced labia. Columbia, MD Labiaplasty Specialist Dr. Sarah Mess is a board-certified plastic surgeon offering patients personalized care.
Schedule Your ConsultationThe Labiaplasty Procedure in Columbia, Maryland
Labiaplasty, a vaginal rejuvenation procedure, is usually done with local anesthesia. The procedure can also be done with sedation or general anesthesia if combining it with other procedures. Labiaplasty takes one and a half to two hours to complete. Numbing cream is applied to the skin of the labia prior to the procedure. This makes the injection of buffered local anesthesia for complete numbing as painless as possible. With two decades of experience, Dr. Sarah Mess has developed a special tuxedo trim labiaplasty technique that preserves the natural anatomy and tailors the labia to the patient’s desired aesthetic. Dr. Mess usually addresses the clitoral hood with labiaplasty but that ismay be optional and not always needed. The scar will be inconspicuous and is designed to lie in the groove between the labia minora and labia majora. Dr. Mess takes patient input into consideration when planning the labiaplasty to achieve the desired aesthetics. Her female OR team is welcoming and professional.
Thinking About Having Labiaplasty?
If you have considered labiaplasty, you are not alone—more than Trusted Source 2018 National Plastic Surgery Statistics American Society of Plastic Surgeons Go to Source 10,000 women in the U.S. had labiaplasty surgery in 2018. Benefits of labiaplasty can include:
Exercise Without Discomfort
Enlarged labia minora can impede your physical activities and sports performance by causing friction against each other, your thighs, or your clothing, leading to irritation and rashes. Vaginal Rejuvenation surgery can alleviate this discomfort, enabling you to engage in exercise without these issues.
Expand Your Wardrobe Choices
Large labia can be uncomfortable in tight jeans, and many women feel self-conscious about elongated labia being visible through swimsuits or snug clothing. Labiaplasty allows you to wear a broader range of clothing without concerns about noticeable labia.
Enhance Intimate Experiences
Irregular, asymmetrical, or large labia can cause both physical and emotional discomfort, affecting your intimate satisfaction. Many women feel self-conscious about the appearance of their labia minora and may avoid sexual intimacy or experience irritation during intercourse. Trusted Source Psychosexual outcome after labiaplasty: a prospective case-comparison studys Veale, D., Naismith, I., Eshkevari, E. et al Go to Source Research indicates that labiaplasty can enhance sexual satisfaction. .
Labiaplasty Surgery With Dr. Mess
Labiaplasty Recovery Timeline
As an outpatient procedure, labiaplasty allows patients to recover in the privacy and comfort of their own homes. Dr. Mess will give you specific instructions to follow to ensure you have the safest and most effective recovery possible.
Day 1 through 3
Results will be immediately apparent, but swelling and mild discomfort will likely exist. Patients should relax and recline with ice packs. After the third day of recovery, most patients can return to work.
Weeks 2 to 3
The absorbable sutures may cause itching as the tissues heal, and the remaining sutures will be removed. Patients may resume exercise but should avoid mechanical rubbing of the labia, such as with bicycle riding, horseback riding, and sexual intercourse.
After week 6
Patients may resume sexual intercourse, strenuous exercise, and other regular activities. Dr. Mess will request a follow-up appointment at six months to ensure optimal complete healing.
How Much Does a Labiaplasty Cost?
We believe patients make better decisions when they understand the options and price ranges for labiaplasty. We are happy to provide a basic price range for labiaplasty, but final costs cannot be determined prior to your consultation appointment with Dr. Mess.
The best way to know about procedure pricing is to come in for a consultation with Dr. Mess. Our Columbia office is conveniently located and easily accessible from both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. Your comprehensive labiaplasty quote will also include the following:
- All appointments before and after your procedure
- Surgeon’s fee
- Facility and supply fees
Price Range for a Labiaplasty- $5,000- $6,000.
FAQs About Labiaplasty
Am I a good candidate for labiaplasty?
If you have concerns with the appearance of your genitalia, including the size and/or shape of your labia (the inner and/or outer lips), you may be a good candidate for labiaplasty. Additionally, you should be in Trusted Source Four common questions women have about recovery after labiaplasty American Society of Plastic Surgeons Go to Source good general health and have realistic expectations .
Will I have visible scars from labiaplasty?
The natural folds and skin texture of the labia hides scars very well and after you are healed labiaplasty scars are typically so undetectable that even your gynecologist may not notice them!3
What are the risks of labiaplasty?
All surgical procedures involve some risk of side effects or complications. Trusted Source Vaginal Rejuvenation Surgical Options American Society of Plastic Surgeons Go to Source Labiaplasty surgery risks include bleeding, infection, and over-resection which can result in vaginal dryness and pain. Dr. Mess prioritizes patient safety throughout your procedure.
Can I have children after labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty should not interfere with your ability to get pregnant or give birth.
Is labiaplasty part of a Mommy Makeover?
Some women choose to include labiaplasty as part of their Mommy Makeover. If you are interested in labiaplasty in addition to body reshaping cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation (breast implants or breast lift), tummy tuck, and liposuction, you can discuss options with Dr. Mess. Mommy Makeover is a totally customized rejuvenation plan.
Schedule a Consultation For Labiaplasty
If you’re self-conscious or have concerns with the shape or size of your labia and interested in a cosmetic surgery consultation for labiaplasty, please contact our office today.
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2018 National Plastic Surgery Statistics. Available at: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2018/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2018.pdf Accessed January 7, 2020
2 Veale, D., Naismith, I., Eshkevari, E. et al. Psychosexual outcome after labiaplasty: a prospective case-comparison study. Int Urogynecol J 25, 831–839 (2014) doi:10.1007/s00192-013-2297-2
3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Four common questions women have about recovery after labiaplasty. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/four-common-questions-women-have-about-recovery-after-labiaplasty Accessed January 7, 2020
4 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Vaginal Rejuvenation Surgical Options. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/vaginal-rejuvenation/labiaplasty Accessed January 7, 2020 Accessed January 7, 2020
Dr. Sarah Mess has either authored or reviewed and approved this content. Page Updated