Labiaplasty: The Pros and Cons

You have heard of cosmetic surgery for places that are visible to general bystanders the person, but do you know about procedures for places less seen? A labiaplasty is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin from the labia minora to allow greater comfort and confidence for women. After the removal of the excess skin and tissue, the labia are reshaped to follow the body’s natural contour.

The Pros

There are a lot of reasons why a woman may choose to have a labiaplasty. Most woman report improved sexual confidence after their labiaplasty, or greater satisfaction with sexual experiences. Some women find that they engage in more frequent sex because they have more self-confidence leading to better sexual encounters.

In some cases, women find participating in sporting activities more comfortable after a labiaplasty. It should also be noted that this procedure can lead to improvement and ease in keeping the area hygienic.

The Cons

As with every surgical procedure, there are some risks that come with a labiaplasty. There are the textbook risks of a labiaplasty such as bleeding, hematoma, and infection. Other risks include wound opening (dehiscence) with prolonged healing, discomfort during sexual intercourse, need for revisional surgery, change or difficulty in orgasm, pain at the incision site, or change of skin sensation. Of course, every patient is different, and all of the symptoms and side effects differ on a case-to-case basis.

Every woman recovers differently, but all are recommended to abstain from sexual intercourse for at least 4 weeks following a labiaplasty. Swelling, pruritus, and pain usually peaks at 48 to 72 hours post-operation, and then slowly decreases. Most woman can resume light activity between 1 and 2 weeks.

The Bottom Line

The decision to undergo a labiaplasty is ultimately up to the woman. Everyone should consult with an experienced surgeon to weigh whether this is a good procedure for them. The best candidates for a labiaplasty are healthy women who have elongated and or thickened labia that interferes with daily hygiene, sexual activities, or self-confidence.

If you would like to talk to a cosmetic surgeon about what a labiaplasty entails and what the recovery may look like, schedule an appointment with us today. KDS is dedicated to working closely with each and every one of our patients to ensure that they are happy, confident, and satisfied.