Labiaplasty  Surgery | Chicago, IL

If you have discomfort with the anatomy of your labial tissues, either physically or psychologically, you may be a candidate for labiaplasty. Psychological factors may include embarrassment or anxiety about the appearance of the vagina or labia, or could simply be a personal preference for a certain aesthetic. Physical factor could include discomfort or pain with intercourse or when wearing certain clothing, chronic irritation and thickening of the tissues, or difficulty with maintaining hygeine. If you have any of these symptoms, then you may be a candidate to discuss your options for vaginal rejuvenation or labiplasty.

In many cases, labiaplasty is a purely cosmetic procedure (like breast augmentation) where a patient may prefer a certain aesthetic appearance to the labia. Some patients may feel embarrassed about their appearance and it may even cause anxiety or emotional distress. Of course we understand that vaginas and labias come in all different shapes and sizes and there is no reason to feel distressed about variations in anatomy. However, just like breast size or nose shape, there can be personal preferences to aesthetic appearance. In absence of actual physical discomfort or issues, aesthetic preference may be considered a legitimate indication for labiaplasty, just like breast augmentation or rhinoplasty.

The most common procedure performed during a labiaplasty is a labia minora reduction, which is trimming or reducing the size and projection of the labia minora or “inner lips”. However, libiaplasty can also include clitoral hood reduction, labia majora enhancement (reduction or plumping).

Vaginal rejuvenation by definition is restoring of the vaginal tissues to reverse signs of aging or childbirth. This can include labiaplasty to remove loose or redundant tissues as discussed above or could also include plumping of the labia majora with fat grafting if there is volume loss. Other procedures would include actual vaginal opening, vaginal canal tightening, and hymen repair. There are also procedures to lighten or improve skin discolorations and texture. A well-trained vaginal rejuvenation surgeon will be able to assess and discuss all of these options with you.

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that can be performed under local anesthetic or, more commonly, under sedation. Rarely is general anesthesia necessary for simple labia minora reduction. Once anesthetized you will be placed in stirrups. The incision is made using a scalpel or laser device and bleeding is usually controlled with electro-cautery. Once the tissues are removed, the incisions are closed using absorbable sutures. Your surgeon may elect to place a non-absorbing removable suture in certain cases. Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure where you should be able to go home the same day and rarely would you need to be admitted. The procedure typically takes less than an hour to perform.

There are various techniques for labia minora reduction. The most common techniques fall into the category of either “edge-trim” or “wedge resection”. In an edge trim procedure, the front edge of the labia minora is excised along the entire length of the vaginal opening. The advantage of the edge trim technique is that it is very versatile and as much or as little tissue can be removed safely. In addition, the tissue along the entire labia can be addressed in one incision including the clitoral hood and posterior tissues near the posterior fourchette. The disadvantage of this technique would be loss of the leading edge of the labia which can result in a less “natural appearance.” The wedge resection labiaplasty technique on the other hand is designed to preserve the front edge of the labia minora. In the wedge labiaplasty, a triangular “wedge” of tissue is removed from the central part of the labia, preserving the edges above and below. The advantage of the wedge labiaplasty is that it preserves the natural edge of the labia, resulting a more “natural” appearance. Some argue that sensation is better preserved as well since the edge is intact. Less tissue is typically removed because the wound can be under more tension. Also if clitoral hood reduction is necessary, an additional incision may be needed when doing a wedge. Disadvantages of the wedge include the scar placement in the middle of the labia can be more visible. This problem can be solved with the “inferior wedge” technique where the scar is placed much more posterior and is more hidden. When done correctly, both incisions tend to heal very well with minimal visible scars and good preservation of sensation. The technique used should be customized to each individual case and patient preference.

You should expect some discomfort after a labiaplasty, which is typically very well tolerated with help of ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication. Your surgeon may elect to prescribe a narcotic pain medication for a short period. Pain tolerance may vary, but most patients describe only minimal discomfort following this procedure. You can also expect some bruising and swelling which can range from minor to moderate, but is always temporary and should subside in a week or so.

After a labiaplasty, you will be asked to abstain from sexual intercourse for at least 4-6 weeks. This is to allow the incisions ample time to fully heal and to ensure the least scarring and the best cosmetic result. Your surgeon will advise you at your follow up appointment when you can resume sexual activity.

Labia majora augmentation, also known as “Labial puff” is a procedure that adds volume and plumpness to outer lips or labia majora. Due to genetics, weight loss, or aging, the labia majora can often appear deflated and wrinkled. This can be corrected with a labia majora augmentation using either your own fat or a filler. Autologous fat is of course more long-lasting procedure with at least 50% of the fat injected surviving permanently. The fat is usually harvested from the inner thighs or abdomen and clearly injected into the labia to achieve a fuller, more plump appearance, which is considered more aesthetic and youthful. The improvement is seen in both lying down lithotomy position as well as in standing position making the cleft more narrowed. If you think you need some labial majora fullness and puffing, please consult with vaginal rejuvenation surgeons at Chicago Breast and Body.

The cost of labiaplasty in Chicago can range from approximately $4,000 to $7,000 or more depending on how many procedures are performed in conjunction with labia minora reduction. Additional procedures include clitoral hood reduction, labia minora reduction or augmentation, vaginal tightening, or hymen repair.

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