What is labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is the surgical alteration in the appearance of the labia minora or the smaller and thinner lips of the vagina. This can be done with sharp excision, laser, cautery, radiofrequency devices.

Why do the labia grow?

There are many reasons why labia grow. Some women are born with larger or uneven labia, and some grow during puberty as the hormonal environment as the body changes. labia can change during and after pregnancy with increased blood flow to the genitalia as well as hormonal changes. Vaginal delivery can cause tears in the labia and sometimes poor healing can change the appearance of the labia. Age can also result in some sagginess and extension of the labia. Even recurrent rubbing of the labia by clothing can cause overgrowth. Darkening color of the labia can also occur with these changes. 

Can sex result in labia growth?

No. 

RELATED: Does Sex Cause Elongated Labia?

What is normal labia?

Labia minora, like our other body parts, can be large or small, even or uneven, short or long, and light or dark color. As long as they are acceptable to the person’s body and not causing any issues then they are normal. 

Why is labiaplasty done?

In the majority of cases, labiaplasty is done to alter the shape of the labia as per patient’s desires or correct significant discrepancies in size and shape between the two lips. It is also done to remove the darkened portions of the labia or to repair a delivery scar. Then there are cases where the overgrowth of the labia minora is uncomfortable, causes recurrent vaginal and vulvar infections, causes pain during intercourse, or gets irritated with tight clothing. Labiaplasty is also performed when the enlarged labia make wearing a bathing suit and lingerie visually unappealing to the person. 

RELATED: What is Labial Hypertrophy?

What can I expect during the consultation with Dr. Tahery?

Our many years of experience have shown that one size does not fit all. During the consultation, a detailed evaluation of the vulva is performed and patient concerns are fully discussed. Size, color, symmetry, and tissue quality are evaluated. Once the patient’s concerns are fully understood and the scope of the patient’s desires are clear then treatment options are discussed in detail.  Surgical and medical recommendations are made by Dr. Tahery and patient input is requested at every level for an optimal treatment plan. Risks, benefits, and medications are discussed. The next step is to schedule the procedure and create the results the patient is looking for. 

How is the labiaplasty performed?

Many techniques and sometimes a combination of techniques are used to achieve the best aesthetic and functional results for the labia and the best results are achieved in the hands of an expert. Dr. Tahery has performed labiaplasty surgeries for over 20 years and has developed many techniques for creating the best results. 

Prior to the operation the area of the operation is marked and reviewed with the patient. This procedure is usually performed with local anesthetic but sometimes general anesthesia can be used as well. Once the perfect anesthesia is achieved meticulous technique is used to redesign the labia to the patient’s expectations. Very fine suturing with self-absorbing sutures are used to leave the least trace of surgery to close the edges of the labia. 

At the end of the operation, discharge instructions are reviewed and the patient is discharged home.

RELATED: Trim Labiaplasty Vs Wedge Labiaplasty

Where does Dr. Tahery perform labiaplasty operations?

Labiaplasty procedures are performed in our Glendale and Los Angeles locations. Our surgical centers are equipped, certified, and designed for cosmetic vaginal procedures. They are also easily accessible by patients from nearby areas such as Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Brentwood, Hollywood, Pasadena, North Hollywood, and Studio City.

How long is the recovery from a labiaplasty?

Most women can return to their usual activities within a few days. Restrictions are avoiding any activity that could potentially disrupt the suture lining. Full healing occurs in 6 weeks at which time a patient may engage in all activities. 

RELATED: Recovery After Labiaplasty

Can labiaplasty be performed with other cosmetic procedures?

The best results are sometimes achieved by also reducing the clitoral hood and a perineoplasty. Sometimes the best solution is also to perform a labia majora puffing to create symmetry. One size does not fit all. Dr. Tahery, as an expert surgeon, can design and recommend a perfect solution for your cosmetic needs. 

Why is Dr. Tahery the best surgeon to perform a labiaplasty?

Dr. Tahery as a urogynecologist, practicing cosmetic and complex vaginal reconstruction repairs for more than 20 years, is the perfect surgeon to help you achieve the best cosmetic labiaplasty results possible. 

The post Answers To Your Questions About Labiaplasty appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

Why do the labial tissue become wrinkled or prolapse and look deflated?

Our skin gets wrinkled when we age or when we lose weight. Also as hormonal changes occur as in menopause, it affects the connective tissues supporting our skin. Unfortunately it’s a fact of life that we can not avoid. Exercise helps tighten the muscles, hydration helps avoid dryness, and a good diet and vitamin supplements is essential for healthy skin. None however can overcome the ravages of aging. 

Genital tissue is not immune to the ravages of aging. Loss of volume in the labia majora from loss of supportive fatty tissue, as well as damage to the connective tissue in the vulvar skin creates sagging and wrinkles. 

What are the complaints women have when labia become deflated and wrinkled?

In my practice as a urogynecologist, over the past 25 years, I have heard many complaints as a result of the changes in the labia. Frequently women complain of discomfort, loss of sensation, and dryness, in addition to loss of healthy and young appearance. It adds to the gaps in the vaginal opening that may also increase the risk of recurrent vaginal infections. It gives the labia majora a deflated appearance and can make obstetric vaginal injuries more pronounced.

RELATED: Does sex cause elongated labia?

What can be done to address these problems?

For this and many more other personal issues women complain about there are fillers. In the past fat transfers were very common and still being performed. This technique uses liposuction from an area such as buttock or the pubic area to obtain the necessary fat which then used to add volume to the labia majora. The downside to fat transfer is the extended recovery, cost, and potential risk of infection, hemorrhage and damage to other organs. 

Is there a more simple and safer alternative to fat transfer?

Use of fillers containing hyaluronic acid has been very effective for the right patient to add fullness and resolve wrinkles in the vulvar skin. This is also known as labial puffing. This is an off label use of fillers as FDA has not approved fillers for this purpose. 

How is labial puffing using hyaluronic acid performed?

The procedure is simple and outpatient with minimal down time. The area is normally washed with an antibacterial soap the night before and that morning. Two hours prior to the procedure a numbing cream is applied by the patient to the area to be treated. 

Once in the office, working with the patient, the area of treatment is marked off to achieve the best possible result. The optimal amount of hyaluronic acid is injected in the areas to be treated slowly and methodically. A very small cannula or needle is used to deliver the filler. Rarely local numbing injection may be necessary to achieve patient comfort.

RELATED: When do you need vaginal rejuvenation?

What are the precautions after the procedure?

Once the procedure is completed, the patient is instructed to avoid rubbing or putting pressure on the vulvar area, to avoid intercourse, and to follow the prescribed hygiene regimen. Patient then returns to the clinic in one week to evaluate results. 

Can this be combined with other surgical procedures?

This procedure can be combined with other medical or cosmetic procedures such as incontinence procedures, labia minora reduction, perineoplasty, G spot injection, and other vaginal tightening procedures. 

As a urogynecologist, Dr. Tahery has years of experience treating women with functional and cosmetic issues of the female organs. We look forward to answering any questions you may have and recommend treatment options that meet your needs.

The post Frequently Asked Questions About Labia Majora Puffing appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.