Excessive or enlarged labia can create physical discomfort as well as emotional distress for women who must contend with painful twisting and tugging, visible bulges under clothing, and general self-consciousness. Labiaplasty is a procedure designed to alleviate these symptoms and recontour the labia by removing excess tissue, often helping patients achieve both an increased sense of comfort and self-confidence.
As an experienced Philadelphia plastic surgeon, Dr. David Bottger understands the importance of looking and feeling your best in every situation. If excess labial tissue is negatively affecting your self-esteem or quality of life, Dr. Bottger can develop a personalized labiaplasty treatment plan to rejuvenate your feminine wellness and address your concerns. Please don’t hesitate to call Dr. Bottger’s plastic surgery office at 610-227-6114 to schedule a consultation with our board-certified cosmetic surgeon.
Who is a Candidate for Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty can be an effective solution for patients who experience self-consciousness and/or discomfort related to redundant tissue in the labia minora. In general, the procedure is best suited for women who:
- Are fully developed
- Are in good general health
- Are comfortable with plastic surgery
- Would like to remove excess labial tissue for cosmetic/functional regions
It’s also important for labiaplasty candidates to have realistic expectations about what the surgery can and cannot accomplish. Labiaplasty is a cosmetic procedure that is not intended to enhance sexual pleasure; however, it can help you become more comfortable with intimacy by improving your self-image. Labiaplasty can typically benefit women who struggle with:
- Self-consciousness or embarrassment about the size/shape of the labia
- Discomfort due to friction, skin chafing, or twisting and tugging
- Bulges in form-fitting clothing
- Pain during sexual activity
If you have any questions about whether labiaplasty can resolve your concerns, Dr. Bottger will take great care to make sure you understand why you may or may not be an ideal candidate. Your safety is always our number one priority, and we encourage open, honest discussions during every stage of the plastic surgery process.
How is the Labiaplasty Procedure Performed?
Each labiaplasty patient is unique, which means every procedure is customized to suit your individual goals and personal needs. Generally, labiaplasty targets elongated inner folds of the labial tissue that can cause both physical and emotional discomfort. To determine the best method to recontour the labia, Dr. Bottger will assess your physical condition and discuss with you personally the type of results you would like to achieve. He will walk you through every step of your procedure in person, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident with the goals of surgery.
Labiaplasty can be performed in-office under local anesthesia, or at our outpatient surgery center using either IV sedation or general anesthesia, depending on each patient’s needs and comfort level. The procedure takes about an hour to perform. Sutures are dissolvable, and healing is usually complete by about two weeks, allowing most activities at that point.
Many Philadelphia women who opt for labiaplasty also combine their procedure with other body contouring procedures to achieve optimal results. During your consultation, Dr. Bottger can answer questions you may have and discuss the benefits and limitations of your specific procedure.
What is Recovery From Labiaplasty Like?
While recovering from labiaplasty surgery, you may experience swelling and itching in the treated area(s). These reactions generally peak around two to three days after surgery and resolve as the healing process progresses. Cold compresses can control any discomfort in the meantime, with most swelling and itching subsiding after one week. Most patients can make a full return to their normal routines two to four weeks following their procedure, although individuals should refrain from sexual intercourse until their labiaplasty scars are fully healed—generally, after six to eight weeks.
Labiaplasty is often considered a very rewarding procedure for patients who have had to contend with uncomfortable symptoms related to excess labial tissue. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), labiaplasty maintains a satisfaction rate of 90 percent. While the effects of the aging process will continue, most women are content with their labiaplasty results for a lifetime.
How Much Does Labiaplasty Cost?
The cost of labiaplasty starts approximately at $6,745 , which includes fees for the anesthesia, surgical facility, post-operative care, and other related expenses. Since there are several techniques that can be employed to achieve a patient’s goals during vaginal rejuvenation surgery, the factors that ultimately inform the price of labiaplasty include the complexity of your procedure and your unique needs. Labiaplasty costs also vary widely in different locations across the country. Rest assured that a member of Dr. Bottger’s team will provide you with an accurate cost estimate after your labiaplasty consultation. Plastic surgery financing plans through CareCredit® may be an option for patients who would rather pay for their surgery in low monthly installments rather than a lump sum—qualified individuals can simply select from a variety of flexible, low- to no-interest payment plans for the most ideal arrangement. Please call our practice if you have any other questions about the cost of labiaplasty.
What are the Risks of Labiaplasty?
Every surgical procedure has risks, but diligently selecting a well-trained board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your labiaplasty is the best way to minimize the likelihood of potential complications. In general, the risks of labiaplasty include bleeding, hematoma, infection, and over-resection. Some women desire a sizable reduction in the tissue of the labia minora, but over-resection can often lead to dryness, pain, or scarring near the vaginal opening. For your safety and well-being, labiaplasty should only be performed by a qualified plastic surgeon with intimate knowledge of how to recontour enlarged or stretched labia.
Contact Dr. Bottger Today
To find out how labiaplasty can change the way you feel, contact Dr. David Bottger at 610-227-6114 to schedule your confidential consultation with an experienced Philadelphia cosmetic surgeon today.