Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty is nothing more than a simple solution to a minor problem. Dr. Preminger wants the approach to be delicate and factual, focusing on self-esteem, sexual health in marriage, comfort in athletics, etc.
Labiaplasty is a sensitive procedure that raises many questions. Dr. Aviva Preminger has answers.
Labiaplasty in NYC
Dr. B. Aviva Preminger has performed numerous labiaplasty surgeries in New York City in recent years, and patient satisfaction rates are off the charts with women who are finally comfortable with their bodies and with being intimate with a partner. If you are interested in cosmetic and physical enhancements to the labia, simply call Dr. Preminger’s Manhattan office at (212) 706-1900 for a consultation.
Labiaplasty is commonly confused with vaginal rejuvenation. Labiaplasty is the surgical repair or restoration of the labia majora – the outer lips of skin surrounding the vulva. The external folds of skin are repaired for aesthetic improvement and day-to-day comfort. On the other hand, vaginal rejuvenation involves the tightening up of the internal vaginal tissues that have lost firmness with age or childbirth.
“A labiaplasty procedure is intended to excise or remove extra tissue and help address extra pigmentation,” says Dr. Preminger. “Sometimes for patients, this is simply a cosmetic concern that makes them feel self-conscious. And then sometimes for other patients, it’s actually a functional concern — doing sports such as bicycling, yoga, ballet and particularly when they’re wearing a lot of tight clothing, the area can actually become irritated.”
“As a female plastic surgeon, in particular, I really think it’s important that patients have the opportunity to have this addressed, particularly if it’s bothersome to them from either a cosmetic or a functional perspective. The patients are generally very satisfied with the results and happy they finally decided to do it.”
Common reasons to have labiaplasty include:
- To correct a natural irregularity such as an uncomfortably large labia
- To improve the size or shape of vaginal lips that have become stretched over time or with childbirth
- To enhance intimacy
- To resolve pain from an enlarged labia that has become irritated by tight clothing, sex, or physical activity
- To be happier with your body, and feel more comfortable with a partner
Labiaplasty is performed right in Dr. Preminger’s office under conscious sedation, which means you’ll be lightly sleeping on a short-acting drug while we monitor your vitals and be awakened when the procedure is finished. As you sleep, the surgeon will measure and mark excess labial skin for removal, trim it with a scalpel or surgical scissors, and use absorbable sutures to close the incisions. There are several different techniques a surgeon may choose, depending on your unique anatomy, which will be discussed during the consultation.
Typically, the whole procedure is finished in 1-2 hours. You will need to spend a few hours for recovery at Dr. Preminger’s facility under the supervision of a nurse before returning home.
Recovery
Some discomfort at the surgical site can be expected for the first few days. Patients are sent home with prescriptions for pain medication and antibiotics to ensure greater comfort during the healing process. The first few weeks are the toughest, while swelling, discoloration, and pain are highest. Full healing takes place at approximately six weeks when swelling subsides, but most people are back to work after 2-4 days and resume light exercise as early as four weeks. For the first week, you should not lift more than five pounds. Strenuous activity and sexual intercourse should be avoided for 6-8 weeks.
You’ll want to look out for signs of complications, such as: a fever over 100.4 degrees, increased redness along the incision, increased bruising and swelling, vomiting, dizziness, headache, yellow or green discharge, foul odor, and bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure.
Here are a few other tips for labiaplasty recovery:
- Wear comfortable gowns and loose clothing for the first few days.
- You may shower 48 hours after surgery. Avoid tub soaking until the sutures dissolve.
- Keep your incisions clean and dry. You will be instructed on how to look for signs of infection.
- Feminine napkins should be worn to absorb any drainage, which is normal.
- Take pain medication as prescribed on schedule. Avoid drinking alcohol.
- Drink plenty of water and add more fresh fruit to your diet.
Small Labiaplasty for Teens
In recent years, there has been increased awareness of labiaplasty for women, including young women still in their teens. Small labiaplasty for teens addresses the inner labia, reducing the size to ensure the smaller vaginal lips do not protrude from the outer labia. This procedure may be considered for various reasons, from functional comfort to improving self-esteem and sexual health.
Just like most anatomical features, there is not a “normal” size for the inner or outer labia. However, how a person feels about the appearance of their body and their physical comfort are both important. For some teens, larger labia may impact their self-esteem and make them feel self-conscious of their bodies. They may worry about future relationships and intimacy. They may be afraid to wear certain types of clothing where the labia will be noticeable. Other teens with protruding labia may have discomfort while performing certain athletic activities or wearing sports uniforms.
Dr. Preminger is one of the top female plastic surgeons in NYC. Her compassionate approach and extensive surgical skills are the best combination for young women and their parents that are considering small labiaplasty for teens. If you want to learn more about the labiaplasty procedure and costs for teenagers, contact our practice in Manhattan to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Preminger.