February 18, 2024

What to Expect From Your Labiaplasty Consultation

Written by: Dr. Dahlia Rice. Posted in: Blog

Whether you’re considering having labiaplasty surgery to address cosmetic concerns or have already booked the surgical procedure, the first step is always a labiaplasty consultation with your plastic surgeon.

Cosmetic surgery for the vaginal lips is becoming more and more popular as it helps to boost self esteem in the body from below. Many women notice a significant difference in the outer lips and inner lips of their vagina after giving birth more than once, while others are born with an uneven labia minora and labia majora — among other issues, like discomfort during sexual intercourse or while wearing tight fitting clothing.

Regardless of your reason for wanting labiaplasty surgery, it’s essential to come to your initial consultation prepared.

Table of Contents

What Is Labiaplasty Surgery?

Labiaplasty (aesthetic labiaplasty) is a cosmetic surgery that works to improve the female genitalia. Also referred to as vaginal rejuvenation, the labiaplasty procedure is performed to reshape or resize the vaginal lips, labia minora (inner lips), labia majora (outer lips), or clitoral hood. It also aims to improve discomfort associated with excess skin around the vaginal opening or clitoral hood that interferes with daily activities and sexual intercourse.

Essentially, labiaplasty procedures can include one or several of the following:

Labia majora or minora reduction
Clitoral hood reduction
Labia remodeling or creating symmetry between the labia majora and minora

It should be noted that while labiaplasty plastic surgery is a type of vaginal rejuvenation surgery that can aid in increased sexual satisfaction during sex after labiaplasty, it’s not the same as vaginoplasty. Vaginoplasty is a type of vaginal rejuvenation surgery technique that aims to tighten the female genitalia for increased sexual pleasure. Therefore, a labia minora reduction or clitoral hood reduction will have no effect on internal vaginal sensitivity or the pelvic floor.

What Happens During an Initial Consultation?

During your personal consultation for labiaplasty, your cosmetic surgeon will address your concerns, like excess skin, uneven labial edges, enlarged labia minora, and other issues with the vaginal area, to determine the best personalized treatment plan for you.

The primary goal for the consultation is to ensure that you feel comfortable with your surgeon. It’s also to ensure that you are a good candidate for the surgical procedure you’ll need. This is why it’s essential that you choose a board certified plastic surgeon who has the training and experience to meet your needs.

It should also be mentioned that this is a confidential consultation. You will be discussing your medical history and discussing the reasoning behind your decision to have labiaplasty. However, since this is just the initial consultation, a scheduled exam will follow so the surgeon can look at your labia and create a plan for the reconstructive surgery and aftercare.

Here’s what your surgeon will discuss with you during the consultation:

The Labiaplasty Procedure

The first thing your plastic surgeon will do is cover the types of labiaplasty procedures that will benefit your needs and goals the most. For example, if you’re experiencing labial hypertrophy, your plastic surgeon will likely talk about using a trim technique to address the excess tissue or the other surgical techniques involved.

Since labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure, you can expect to talk about how long the procedure takes and when you can return to your daily life — which is usually within a week or two. Of course, you’ll need to follow the post operative instructions given to you, which will likely include avoiding sexual activity and other strenuous exercises until you get the okay during your follow up visits.

So, from the procedure and general anesthesia to the labiaplasty recovery time, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the plastic surgery at this time.

Your Medical History

Since the labiaplasty procedure involves utilizing some sort of trim technique or wedge technique (often both) on the vagina, it will require local anesthesia to mitigate any pain and discomfort. Plastic surgeons also typically prescribe medications for the recovery period to help with swelling, pain, and discomfort as you heal.

A trusted board certified plastic surgeon will want to discuss your health history to ensure your safety during and after the procedure. They’ll want to know if you have any allergies or have had any reverse reactions to anesthesia or medications in the past to come up with the best possible plan for your upcoming procedure.

Your Current Health

During the initial consultation, the plastic surgeon will also want to address potential labiaplasty risks and the current state of your health and lifestyle. As this is an appearance-oriented plastic surgery, your surgeon will want to ensure that you’re a good candidate by ensuring:

You have realistic expectations.
You have a large labia issue that warrants plastic surgery
You have generally good health for the procedure — you don’t have any conditions that could negatively affect the procedure or your health under anesthesia.
You’re not a smoker or are able to avoid smoking before and after the plastic surgery, as smoking can lead to slower wound healing, more pain, and bacterial infections.

Ultimately, your surgeon will want to make sure that you’re healthy enough to go through with the procedure both physically and mentally for the best possible outcome.

Tips to Prepare For Your the Procedure

Lastly, your surgeon will want to get you as prepared as possible for the surgery and labiaplasty recovery. As mentioned earlier, labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure. This means you’ll go in for the surgery, and you can leave once the procedure is finished as long as you’re not experiencing an abnormal amount of discomfort.

Most likely, your surgeon will tell you the following to insure great labiaplasty results:

Start planning for your labiaplasty recovery as soon as the procedure is scheduled.
To ensure a smooth procedure and recovery process, stock up on the prescribed medications in addition to healthy groceries beforehand.
Arrange for any childcare or pet needs, and plan to take several days off work to rest and speed up the recovery process.
Be sure to stay hydrated, as staying hydrated and eating healthy will also aid in the recovery process.
Avoid any strenuous physical activities — including sexual activities — and adhere to your specific treatment plan to avoid unnecessary discomfort or any other issues as your body heals.
Avoid wearing tight clothing that can cause further discomfort to the vagina and freshly operated upon labia.

Labiaplasty FAQs

How much does labiaplasty cost?

The average labiaplasty cosmetic surgery can cost anywhere between $4,000 and $6,500. The final cost will depend on the procedure itself, so if you have multiple procedures involving trimming the outer edge of the labia, utilizing the wedge technique, etc, you can expect the surgery to cost more. You will need to contact your insurance provider to see is labiaplasty covered by insurance.

How long will the labiaplasty procedure take?

How long the procedure takes will depend on what you have done. Generally speaking, the surgery takes one to two hours to complete.

How long does recovery from labiaplasty take?

Most women experience mild discomfort and swelling after the excess tissue has been addressed during the first week of recovery. As the tissue heals, the feeling in your labia and around your vagina should return to normal. Labiaplasty patients are always advised to avoid strenuous physical activity as well as sexual activities to allow the body to heal quickly.

Can I have a labiaplasty before pregnancy?

Deciding on labiaplasty before pregnancy involves careful consideration. While there’s no definitive answer, opting for it won’t impact fertility or childbirth later on.

Book Your Rejuvenation Consultation Today

Women often choose labiaplasty to correct issues with their labia to gain self confidence. Fortunately, it’s a simple procedure that doesn’t involve much pain and doesn’t take long to heal from. Talking with a skilled surgeon about the process and differences in surgical technique can more than prepare you.

Book your consultation appointment with Dr. Dahlia Rice today to see if you’re a good candidate for the procedure and how it can help you gain more confidence in your body.