Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty (Also known as labioplasty, labia minora reduction, or labial reduction) is a Plastic surgery procedure that alters the labia minora (inner labia) and the labia majora (outer labia), the folds of skin surrounding the human vulva, or clitoris hooding, not changing the clitoris itself. Many women desire to have this surgery because they find their genitalia has stretched during childbirth or aging, leading to frequent chafing or pain during intercourse.
Candidates
Women who are in generally good health and concerned about the appearance of their labia may be good candidates for this surgery.
You may want to consider labiaplasty if:
- You find it difficult to wear tight-fitting clothes or swimsuits due to the size or shape of your labia, which are noticeable through your garments, or can sometimes “peek out from under small garments”
- Your increased size labia interferes with sex, sometimes making it awkward or painful
- You are frequently plagued by chafing or rubbing to enlarged labia
Labiaplasty Procedures
Labia Minora Reduction
This surgery involves reducing the size of the inner lips, and is the most common form of labiaplasty. A labia minora reduction will result in the inner lips becoming smaller than the outer lips. Dr. Soltero will remove excess tissue and shape the labia minora to the desired appearance, ensuring they are even in both sides. He will close the incisions with sutures. The position of the scars and the shape of the excisions are performed in such a delicate way to minimize the irritation from the scars while healing.
Labia Mayora Reduction
The second most common form of labiaplasty involves reducing the size of the outer lips, which is known as a labia majora reduction. This procedure is performed much less frequently, but in much the same way as a labia minora reduction by removing excess tissue until the lips are the desired size and shape. A labia majora reduction also requires suturing.
Clitoral Hood Reduction
The tissue covering the clitoris is known as the clitoral hood, and removing this tissue may allow women who have difficulty becoming stimulated during sex to enjoy greater pleasure by increasing exposure of the tip of the clitoris. This must be done carefully so that not so much tissue is removed leaving the clitoris unprotected.
Recovery after Labiaplasty
The area will feel very sore and tender for a few days. Swelling can last up to a week. You will need to avoid strenuous activities until the swelling has subsided.
Initial consultation for Labiaplasty in La Jolla San Diego
A personal consultation in our exclusive La Jolla/San Diego office is the very first step if you are considering labiaplasty.
During the consultation at our La Jolla/San Diego clinic, Dr. Ron Soltero will assess your physical and emotional health, and he will discuss your considerations and expectations about labiaplsty. Dr. Soltero will take the time to answer all the questions that you may have about the procedure. The decision to undergo labiaplasty is very important since the results are irreversible.
The labiaplasty procedure is performed on our La Jolla/San Diego certified surgery center (outpatient facility). Dr. Ron Soltero’s office is conveniently located in the UTC/La Jolla area. Fully equipped with two AAAASF certified operating rooms, it stands out to be one of the most private and select plastic surgery offices in the San Diego area. A Board Certified Anesthesiologist administers the anesthesia.
After the Labiaplasty surgery
The first day after surgery, expect your labia, both inner and outer to be swollen. You will need to avoid getting stitches wet for up to 24 hours. Apply antibiotic cream daily for the first two weeks, and continue wearing special panties until after the follow-up visit.
The skin over your clitoris may be bulging as well even though no cutting was done in this area. Absolutely do NOT expect them to look normal. The tissue may look alarmingly swollen. It may look worse than where you started due to swelling. Applying cold compress to the area will help with pain relief and swelling. Take your pain pills as directed by Dr. Soltero. By day 6 to 7 the swelling should improve slightly, pain will be present but should be lessened.
You will start to notice a huge improvement by day 14; the swelling will have almost gone with none or very little pain. You may still have discomfort when any pressure from clothing, this just means that you may have to wear loose clothing a little longer.
Other day activities can be resumed once you feel ready. The healing will not be totally complete until about two months after surgery.
Some pre & post op tips for labiaplasty
- Do no take any medication that contains Aspirin, Vitamin E, weight loss medication or any Chinese herbs for 2 weeks before the surgery. A complete drug list will be provided on your pre- op date
- Arrange for an adult to drive you to and from your surgery. You CAN NOT take a taxi home. You must also arrange for an adult to stay with you for 24 hours after the labiaplasty operation
- Driving is permitted after a few days, if not taking pain medications or muscle relaxers
- Avoid heavy lifting, exercise or excessive movement
More specific recommendations will be made when you come in to our La Jolla/San Diego clinic. If you would like to know more about labiaplasty you can contact us by phone, e-mail or by scheduling a consultation at Dr. Soltero’s office:
4510 Executive Drive Suite 105
San Diego CA 92121
(UTC / La Jolla area)