Faq’s

In almost every case, it’s better to have labiaplasty done when it’s needed. If large labia bother you either physically, or emotionally . . . then it simply doesn’t make any sense to live with these physical or emotional pains.

Only five years ago, few patients knew of labiaplasty surgery to correct problematic areas. Today, with a heightened awareness of the problem by both young girls and parents, many are now turning to the surgical methods available to correct these problems. The reasons are that young women today are more physically active and armed with the knowledge that there is a simple, one-hour surgery to correct the problem—thus many women are moving forward with labiaplasty while still young. As far as any medical reason for delaying a labiaplasty, there simply isn’t one. Whether or not a young woman decides to have the minimal procedure performed, or not, is up to how she feels about herself. In those cases, women and young girls who have an actual physical problem with their labia—such as large, or asymmetric labia—having labiaplasty performed early can result in an anatomical correction that results in greater patient self-esteem as they mature.

Many young women and their parents don’t realize how important it is to seek the surgical advice and experience of a physician who has performed hundreds of labiaplasty procedures . . . until it is too late. Simply loping off tissue, without regard to symmetry, or latent-tissue retraction after healing, can result in disastrous results. Simply remember, ONCE TISSUE IS REMOVED, IT RARELY CAN BE REPLACED . . . IF EVER. While the family gynecologist is trained in gynecological anatomy and physiology; procedures in labiaplasty or vaginoplasty are specialty areas not usually taught during medical training. It is ALWAYS advisable to only proceed with a surgeon skilled in performing numerous labiaplasty or vaginoplasty procedures.

Absolutely. If large labia bother you either physically, or emotionally . . . then it simply doesn’t make any sense to live with these physical or emotional pains. Why would you wait? After labiaplasty, your self-esteem and anatomical form will be corrected.

There is no physiological association for sensory pleasure with the labia—that function is served by the clitoris. The only sensation elicited from labia is pain upon tearing or stretching. Labiaplasty can’t cause a loss of sensitivity when done correctly.

In most instances, no. However, in those cases where women have excessively large labia, the skin around the clitoris is reduced due to the retraction of tissue during the labiaplasty procedure. In some instances, this adjunct tissue removal can result in an increase in clitoral sensation during normal sexual activity.

First, it’s important to understand that people develop fairly anatomically symmetrical. This can be said for eyes, ears, limbs, and of course, labia. So, when one side of the labia develops somewhat asymmetrical (something that commonly occurs) it would be very hard to match the irregular side, to the side that is preferred, because of differences in color, labia thickness, and what is termed “rugation” (the ruffled uneven edges of the labia) that occurs at the labia lip. As far as a cost savings, it’s much more important to have a labiaplasty procedure that results in asymmetrical labia, then save the small amount of money and be unhappy with the end result. If cost is an issue, there are a number of financing options available that we offer, which will allow a good result without compromising patient satisfaction.

Free fat transfer, or FFT is indeed possible, and some surgeons report success with this technique. Unfortunately, transplanted fat acts in varying ways in different patients and it’s largely a matter of technique to achieve good success. Because of this, there is a large amount of evidence that in the majority of cases, fat can be reabsorbed over a period of time and leave the area as it was before.

“Normal” labia size is whatever you choose, based on your own self-esteem. If you’re happy with your existing labia, whether symmetrical, or asymmetrical, and you have no problems with the way they look, then, in your case, “normal” labia is whatever you choose, or accept. The point to remember is that with labiaplasty, you can literally pick and choose the size or shape of your labia, and elect to have they anatomically reformed, if you wish.

Your surgeon consults with each patient on this topic. Depending on a number of factors including age and extent of surgery, normal sexual relations can usually be resumed in 6 to 8 weeks.

Combination Labiaplasty (reduction & beautification) & Vaginoplasty (rejuvenation & tightening) can be performed at the same time, and the cost is markedly less than the single combined price of having each done separately.

Many patients come from out of state (often out of the country), your surgeon will have extensive phone and e-mail consultations with you prior to booking a procedure. Part of this process sometimes involves the viewing of a patient’s photos prior to them coming in for a face-to-face consult.

After the stress of single or multiple childbirth, vaginal tissues tend to lose their tone, often resulting in an increase in the width of the vaginal canal. During sexual intercourse, this added width can result in less friction, and decreased pleasure for both partners. Even with regular exercise, including Kegal exercise, vaginal tone may not improve.

Vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure where the excess vaginal tissue is removed, the size of the vaginal opening reduced and other supportive tissues in the vagina repaired. The goal of the surgery is to increase the fiction experienced by sexual partners during intercourse, hence improving pleasure. Women often feel greater self esteem after the procedure and improved confidence.

Generally, YES! Depending on your individual circumstances you may be a candidate for vaginoplasty. One does not have to have had children to be a candidate for the vaginoplasty procedure, and it is performed quite frequently on women without children. If you are planning to have children, it is recommended you wait until you have completed childbearing to have the procedure.

As with any type of surgical procedure, there is usually a period of time needed for the body to heal. Generally, you should refrain from any type of sexual intercourse (vaginal penetration) for a period of 4-6 weeks. Your doctor would advise you if there was a change in this waiting period.

It depends greatly on the procedure, but on average most patients are back to work within 3 to 7 days. If complications arise, additional time away from work may be required.

As with any operation there are certain risks. The most common risks include bleeding, infection and scarring. Although these events are usually infrequent, they sometimes can occur. Specific potential complications vary with both Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty. These will be discussed with you during your consultation for your procedure. To put the risk in perspective, pregnancy is associated with far more risk than any of these procedures.

Usually not. Both Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty are considered elective procedures and insurance plans don’t cover it. But there are exceptions. Some functional surgical procedures may be covered by health insurance, in part or in full, depending upon your health insurance policy and the procedure you are having performed. It is imperative that you check with your insurance company BEFORE arranging any procedure.

All patients undergoing surgery will require basic blood and urine tests as well as a pregnancy test for women. Your doctor will advise you accordingly during your consultation.

During the procedure, our anesthesia staff assures that you’re comfortable and will feel no pain. In every instance, you’ll be asleep through the entire procedure. This will be discussed with you in detail during the initial consultation. After surgery, any pain or discomfort you may experience will be controlled through medication and will usually subside within a matter of days.

This varies with the type of operation being performed. It also depends on the individual. Some people bruise easily, while others don’t. Generally there will be swelling and some bruising after surgery. Both will usually disappear over a week or two. The final optimal result can usually be appreciated a few months after surgery.

As with any operation there are certain risks. The most common risks include bleeding, infection and scarring. Although these events are usually infrequent, they sometimes can occur. Specific potential complications vary with both Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty. These will be discussed with you during your consultation for your procedure. To put the risk in perspective, pregnancy is associated with far more risk than any of these procedures.

Yes, but they probably won’t be noticeable. Your doctor will make every effort to keep incisions as minimal as possible and try to hide them in the natural lines and creases of your skin. The scars will fade over time and become barely noticeable.