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Vaginas and external vulva come in many normal shapes, sizes, and colors, but some women want to improve their appearance, function, or both. We address concerns regarding the look or feel of the tissue around the vagina with the common but not-frequently-talked-about procedure, labiaplasty. By reshaping and contouring labia tissues, we can help you feel more confident about your appearance, treat irritation and pain, and improve sexual function.
At the women-owned and women-led medical practice of Aviva Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, GA; we strive to help women see labiaplasty as a common procedure that can improve quality of life, comfort, function, sexual satisfaction, and confidence. We are excited to join you on your wellness journey–and want to help you love the way you look and feel!
I had felt uncomfortable and self-conscious {about my labia} for years, and you took away my discomfort in a matter of hours. I feel so much more comfortable after my {labiaplasty} treatment, and feel I should have done this years ago. This was one of the best things I had done for myself.
While vaginal concerns (such as dryness and laxity common after pregnancy, menopause, and chemotherapy) are best addressed with vaginal rejuvenation, labiaplasty is an aesthetically-driven surgical procedure that corrects elongated, enlarged or uneven labia minora (the inner lips of tissue surrounding the vaginal opening) or labia majora (the outer lips which are covered by hair-bearing skin). For most women, the labia minora are for the most part covered by the labia majora (outer lips). In others, however, genetics, puberty, aging and pregnancy can cause the inner lips to extend beyond the outer lips. Some women can experience pain and irritation with too long labia minora, leading to discomfort in clothing, during exercise, and with sexual relationships, while other women may be bothered by the appearance of the labia. Some women may no like the appearance of what they feel is excessively long labial tissue, or a darkened or brown border to the labial edges. Less commonly, some women may feel unhappy with the wrinkly or deflated appearance of the labia majora, or outer lips, after pregnancies or menopause. Labiaplasty treatments can address these concerns through a carefully thought out and customized treatment approach.
Even though the vulva and labia are body parts not usually visible to most individuals, they can impact several aspects of life. Some women do not like the labia minora (inner lips) protruding beyond the labia majora (outer lips); and even though this anatomy is absolutely within the normal range, some women may feel it looks similar to a penis, and may be highly bothered by this. Discomfort with the appearance of the labia can make patients feel uncomfortable showing this part of their body to their partner, impacting sexual relationships. Some women feel self-conscious about showing excessive labial tissue through tight clothing or swimwear, or having to “tuck in” the labia into undwear. Elongated or enlarged labia minora can also feel uncomfortable; for some patients, the large size of the lips can make otherwise simple activities such as exercising, horseback riding, or riding a bicycle uncomfortable and even painful.
Confidence in appearance and healthy function helps our patients look and feel their best every day, and this feeling extends to our patients’ professional, personal, and intimate lives. In addition to improved self-confidence, labiaplasty treatment brings:
Every body is unique and normal labia come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. As such, not every woman who thinks she needs labiaplasty should get one. Body dysmorphia and social media-generated unrealistic body standards of what a “normal” vagina or vulva look like can push patients to request labiaplasty when they don’t need it. Speaking with our trusted women’s wellness experts about the reasons why you’re considering the treatment and sharing your concerns is an important step in your treatment journey. Together, we can craft the right wellness strategy that ensures you reach your goals while retaining your individuality.
As with any other treatment, labiaplasty is an excellent treatment option for some patients. Often, these are women who experience the following:
While approximately 10,000 women undergo labiaplasty treatment yearly in the US, this procedure is rapidly becoming more common. As women grow more comfortable in discussing their intimate health concerns, the idea of labiaplasty is becoming more acceptable in the medical community, and our staff has treated many women with this procedure. Labiaplasty requires extensive training and expertise for best outcomes, and we recommend meeting with our women’s wellness experts if you are interested in this treatment. Trained in plastic and reconstructive procedures, Dr. Fishman has completed an aesthetic gynecology fellowship focusing on labiaplasty and other women’s wellness treatments; a woman, mother, artist, and plastic surgeon, she brings an unparalleled expertise to a procedure not frequently discussed but commonly sought out.
Recovery after labiaplasty tends to be surprisingly easy and straightforward for our patients. We most commonly perform labiaplasty surgery in our luxurious and state-of-the art office, with the help of relaxing medications, laughing gas, and injectable numbing medicine. You are released home after labiaplasty, frequently taking a long nap after treatment. During their recovery, most patients take 1-2 days off working remotely, and 5-6 days off in-person work and school. About 2 weeks following labiaplasty surgery, patients return to Aviva Plastic Surgery for a follow-up appointment with our staff. During this visit, we remove any remaining or visible absorbable sutures, assess your healing progress and provide an updated timeline for recovery and return to exercise and sexual activity. Most patients are able to return to all strenuous exercise and sexual intercourse 5-6 weeks after surgery. Post-labiaplasty pain is frequently little to none, and the vast majority of patients remark they had done surgery sooner and not let fears of pain or extensive recovery hold them back.
Labiaplasty risks include bleeding, bruising, infection, changes in sensation, and asymmetry of the labial tissues. A small amount of bloody drainage is normal for the first 2-3 days after surgery; however, significant bleeding is rare, as are infection and permanent numbness. The risk of a hematoma (deep bruise or blood collection under the skin) is 1%, and has not been a part of our experience. Resulting significant asymmetry of the labial tissue is uncommon; this may require a revision or touch-up procedure.
The risk of nerve damage or decreased sensation after labiaplasty is incredibly small, and has not been a part of our experience. Studies looking at the experience of women getting labiaplasty notes not only a lack of decreased sensation, but a surprisngly common reports of increased labial sensitivity. More than half the women polled after labiaplasty treatment report more intense orgasm strength and increased frequency.
Most commonly, labiaplasty treatment is a cosmetic procedure and is not typically covered by insurance. Our practice is not in network with insurance plans; and all labiaplasty treatments are self-pay at our practice.
We offer lots of excellent financing options for women’s wellness treatments. Please inquire with our staff about this at the time of your consultation.
Every patient has individually different anatomy and aesthetic goals; because of this, we encourage individuals interested in labiaplasty treatment to schedule a consultation with our women’s wellness expert in order to receive custom-tailored treatment recommendations and pricing information. On average, a surgical labiaplasty combined with a clitoral hood reduction and performed in our office starts around $6,800, while a non-surgical labiaplasty (also called FemTite or the Aviva procedure) starts around $5,700.
Healing after a labiaplasty covers the immediate post-treatment period as well as long-term healing and results. For the first 2 days after surgery, we encourage you to take the anti-inflammatory medications Tylenol and Motrin and use cold compresses to help minimize swelling and discomfort. We ask you to avoid prolonged sitting and standing for 5 days after labiaplasty. Most patients return to in-person work after a week’s recovery. We ask you to expect swelling resolution over the course of 6-10 weeks. Most women note complete resolution of swelling, softening of incisions, and return of sensitivity after 6-12 months of healing, and at this point, we consider you fully healed after labiaplasty.
Yes, it’s ok to have labiaplasty surgery while you’re on your period. We encourage you to wear a pad or liner for 2-3 days after labiaplasty surgery as there is a small amount of expect post-operative bloody drainage. We also ask you to avoid tampons, menstrual cups, and anything else in the vagina for 6 weeks after labiaplasty; even if you get a period a week or two after your surgery, we recommend a pad during this time. Another period-related point is planning: because our bodies are in a pro-inflammatory state the week before and week of our periods, it is best to plan labiaplasty surgery outside of this window to help decrease swelling. However, because periods can be unpredictable for some, we usually proceed with labiaplasty treatment in the setting of a period.
Yes, absolutely. Our preference is to do labiaplasty under local anesthesia with by-mouth relaxing medications, as this allows patients a shorter and more easy recovery. We recommend general anesthesia for labiaplasty when combining this procedure with others, like rhinoplasty or facelift surgery.
We recommend avoiding labiaplasty surgery while pregnant. Labiaplasty is an elective treatment, and while safe, it is best performed ~6 months after childbirth or delivery to allow the labial tissue the best opportunity for healing without pregnancy-associated changes and swelling.
We treat women with labiaplasty if they appropriate candidates, and have a good understanding of treatment, recovery, and risks, and our patients include teenagers. Some women develop labial hypertrophy during puberty, and well-before sexual activity, pregnancy, or childbirth; and these patients do very well with labiaplasty to improve symptoms of irritation or discomfort. Minors, or individuals under the age of 18 years, must have the permission of a parent or guardian for treatment, as with any other elective treatment.
Surgical labiaplasty involves contouring and reshaping of labial tissue. The labia minora may be excessive, asymmetric, or affected by scar tissue from childbirth; the tissue around the clitoris, called the clitoral hood, may be overly long or stretched also. These factors, as well as any other anatomic findings, are carefully considered during the surgical planning of a labiaplasty treatment. Given the sensitivity of the surgical area, the treatment requires high technical expertise, extensive training and experience of the surgeon, and great compliance with treatment instructions of the patient. Ensuring patients are fully prepared to undergo labiaplasty starts by building a close, trusting relationship with each patient.
At Aviva Plastic Surgery, your intimate wellness journey begins with your initial consultation with our women-led women’s wellness expert staff, during which we want to hear all about you, your concerns, and your goals. After this, our staff performs a thorough examination, develops a customized treatment plan, and explains all available options to help you determine which approach will help you achieve your goals while fulfilling your needs.
In some instances of surgical labiaplasty, excess labial tissue is surgically removed in a length-wise manner along the free border of the labia minora; this is the curvilinear or trim labiaplasty technique. Another popular option is the wedge technique, during which a wedge of excess tissue is removed and the natural border of the labia minora remains intact, with the labial tissue becoming lifted and no longer excessive or bothersome. Each technique has its own drawbacks and benefits. We commonly combine labiaplasty with clitoral hood reduction for a more balanced appearance.
Unlike other surgeries, labiaplasty is a women’s wellness treatment which is often done as an outpatient procedure and completed in about 1-2 hours. We commonly performs labiaplasty in our luxurious, state-of-the-art office, using the help of relaxing laughing gas (also known as ProNox) and injectable numbing medicine (also known as local anesthetic). In certain cases, we combine labiaplasty procedures with other treatments in the operating room and with the help of general anesthesia. Dissolvable stitches are used to seal the surgical site, and patients return home to rest shortly after completion of treatment.
At Aviva Plastic Surgery, we are strongly invested in both a highly effective treatment and uncomplicated recovery for our patients. We work with you before and after your labiaplasty treatment to ensure that you are comfortable with the treatment plan and are thoroughly educated about the best before and after treatment care.
We recommend reviewing the Pre- and Post-Treatment Labiaplasty instructions several times prior to and after your treatment. We want to provide you with the information and tools you need to have an excellent treatment experience. Please contact our office should you have any questions or concerns about these instructions, your preparation for surgery, or post-treatment recovery. We are here to help!
Please read and familiarize yourself with these instructions before and after your labiaplasty. By following them carefully you will assist in obtaining the best result from your surgery. If you have questions or concerns, please contact our office.
Shave the treatment area completely 2-3 days prior to the procedure.
Do not take any anti-inflammatories or multivitamins starting 7-10 days prior to your procedure (see list of anti-inflammatory medications below). Avoid alcohol 48 hours prior to and 48 hours after your procedure.
Immediately following labiaplasty you should remain as flat as possible for the first week.
Apply ice packs to the treated area every 1-2 hours for the first 72 hours while awake, placed over a thin minipad. Ice packs should never be applied directly to the skin. Using ice packs for the first week as much as possible will greatly help your healing process, and reduce the amount of post-operative swelling and discomfort.
It is normal to have swelling and bruising of the labia. This resolves over the first 2 weeks after surgery.
Let soapy water wash over the incision sites at 24 hours after treatment. Do not scrub. Then apply antibiotic ointment to the incision points twice daily for one week. Tiny scabs may appear during the healing process. Please do not pick at the scabs.
Use a peri bottle (clear plastic bottle provided for you) to clean the treated area with warm water after using the restroom; avoid wiping, as this can cause discomfort and bleeding. Use the peri bottle for 1-2 weeks after treatment.
Limit physical activity and exposure to excessive heat (including fires) and UV light for 2 weeks.
Avoid swimming and submerging in water the treated areas for 6 weeks after treatment.
Do not shave the treated area for 2 weeks after treatment.
Dressings
The surgical dressings can be removed anytime they are saturated and then replaced with a sanitary napkin or maxipad. There will be bloody or blood-tinged drainage for a minimum of 1- 2 weeks following your labiaplasty.
Apply antibiotic ointment to the incisions twice a day for 14 days. Please apply a thin coating only; excessive amounts of ointment are not necessary.
You may switch to an Aloe Vera ointment after 2 weeks.
Pain Medication
Take Ibuprofen 800mg every 8 hours with food for the first 3-5 days after treatment. This can be alternated or combined with 2 regular Tylenol (325mg) every 8 hours. Both medications will help to reduce swelling and decrease your overall need for stronger pain medications.
Activities
Most patients will experience relatively minor discomfort after a labiaplasty. However, some patients do experience moderate to severe swelling that can cause much discomfort. Diligent post-operative application of ice packs may reduce swelling thereby reducing pain.
Patients who experience minimal swelling and bleeding should be able to resume sedentary work activities within a few days, resume light exercise at one week, and have few restrictions after 2 weeks (following your postoperative visit).
Patients with more excessive swelling and discomfort may want to limit their activities until they feel comfortable and gradually progress to their normal activities.
Avoid sexual intercourse for 6 weeks post-procedure.
Sexual Activities
As a general rule, you may resume sexual activity 6 to 12 weeks after surgery. This is totally patient-dependent. We will let you know when you are sufficiently healed to resume sexual activity.
Healing of sensory nerves
The skin of the labia may be partially numb for several months while the wounds are healing. Permanent numbness is very rare.
Our mission at Aviva Plastic Surgery is simple – help you achieve greater confidence and your best health. By offering labiaplasty in a welcoming and receptive, professional environment, we have helped many women understand that labiaplasty is a common procedure that can make life better in many ways. If you are ready to make your wellness a priority, we want to partner with you–and we aim to make your treatment experience amazing in our bespoke women-led practice. To learn more about labiaplasty and other women’s wellness procedures, review our patients’ labiaplasty before and after photos and call our clinic at 678-974-8435. We look forward to taking care of you!
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