Like facial features and skin color, the physical appearance of the vagina varies from one person to the next. Contrary to popular belief, there’s no “standard” or “normal” aesthetics. However, some women have distinct differences they might want to address.

Labial hypertrophy is a common condition that refers to the size of the labia or vaginal lips. It’s a term that describes noticeable vaginal asymmetry. While the labia aren’t perfectly symmetrical in most women, hypertrophy is when one or both lips are more prominent than usual. This form of hypertrophy is usually not a serious issue. 

Symptoms of Labial Hypertrophy

Vaginal aesthetics are a nuanced topic, and symptoms can vary from one woman to the next. That said, most hypertrophy issues are apparent with a brief visual inspection. As a result, it’s often a source of self-consciousness for many women.

Hypertrophy is possible on both the labia minor and the labia majora. However, it’s most likely to change the appearance of the labia minora or inner lips. The tissue becomes noticeably enlarged or thickened. In some cases, the tissue can protrude and create a visible bulge through clothing.

Beyond the cosmetic side of things, hypertrophy can cause severe irritation or discomfort. Tenderness is worse with an enlarged labia minora, as the inner lips are more sensitive than the protective outer lips.

The excess tissue can rub on clothing, leading to sensitivity due to prolonged friction. Meanwhile, the enlarged lips can cause uncomfortable pressure on the genitals during physical exercise or sexual activity.

With extra skin and folds to contend with, some women even suffer from hygiene problems. Hypertrophy often leads to frequent bacterial and yeast infections.

RELATED: Answers To Your Questions About Labiaplasty

Causes of Labial Hypertrophy

There are many potential causes for hypertrophied labia. The reason why these physical changes occur is unknown. Like the transformation of breast size and shape, it’s the body’s way of evolving with age and shifts in hormone production.

Many women experience hypertrophy as they get older. The tissue may elongate as estrogen production dips as they approach menopause. The same goes for those going through puberty. Several biological changes occur with hormonal fluctuations, and the growth of the vaginal tissue is one of them.

Pregnancy can cause hypertrophy, too. More blood flow to the vagina sometimes results in enlargement and overall heaviness.

If it’s not a product of biological changes from within, hypertrophy could be down to genetics. It’s not uncommon for women to have enlarged tissue from birth. In those cases, hypertrophy is usually evident long before puberty.

RELATED: Facts And Myths About A Loose Vagina

Labial Hypertrophy Treatment

It’s important to remember that labial aesthetics are entirely subjective. There are no “standards” to compare to or special tests to perform. No official measurements to diagnose a hypertrophied labia exists. Every woman’s vagina is different, and some degree of asymmetry is standard.

Excess tissue is typically not harmful to your overall health or well-being.

That said, there are several options for those who want treatment for discomfort or cosmetic reasons. Doctors will diagnose hypertrophy with nothing more than a physical examination. Again, matters of aesthetics are up to personal preference. While hypertrophy might not be a medical issue, whether or not it’s something worth addressing is between you and your doctor.

The most common way to treat hypertrophy is with labiaplasty. During a labiaplasty, surgeons work to remove excess tissue and achieve the desired look.

There are a couple of different types of labiaplasty procedures. The first is the trim technique. Surgeons utilize a linear cut to reduce the size of the labia while also removing any hyperpigmentation along its edge. The final result is petite tissue with a more youthful shape and color.

The second option is the wedge technique. To remove tissue, surgeons make a triangular keyhole-shaped cut in the center of the labia. The unique incision leaves two cut edges that tighten and shrink the tissue when sutured together. The wedge technique offers a smooth transition to the clitoral hood without altering the natural contours of the labia.

Both labiaplasty procedures can address hypertrophy. The proper course of action depends entirely on the characteristics of the tissue and your needs.

RELATED: Will Labiaplasty Affect Sensation? Urogynecologist’s Advice

As a urogynecologist with more than two decades of experience helping women in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, Dr. Michael Tahery is very familiar with labial hypertrophy and the available treatments. To learn more and go over your options, give Dr. Tahery’s office a call and schedule a consultation.

The post What is Labial Hypertrophy? appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

Labiaplasty surgery is highly personalized, catering to your needs and desires. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Every woman’s vagina is different, calling for different methods to achieve the desired result.

There are two primary surgical approaches available. These include trim and wedge techniques.

Trim Labiaplasty

Trim labiaplasty is the most common of the two. It’s the method of choice when addressing a myriad of cosmetic concerns.

The trim procedure is relatively straightforward. Surgeons create a linear cut along the outer edge of the labia. It’s particularly effective at reducing the size of the labia minora. The process involves removing excess tissue to achieve a more petite look. Once healed, the labia minora becomes less prominent as it sits inside the natural folds of the labia majora

There are a couple of advantages to trim labiaplasty. The first is a drastic reduction in length and size. Trimming can instantly remove excess length, which addresses cosmetic issues and discomfort.

Secondly, the trim technique removes dark pigmentation on the tissue’s edge. Hyperpigmentation is quite common in this area. Removing it leaves healthy pink tissue on the labia’s edge, which is more desirable for most women. 

Due to the nature of the incision, the clitoral hood is not affected. Surgeons can address clitoral hood tightening within the same procedure, but the trim technique alone will not achieve those results. This type of labiaplasty may also require more finesse around the tissue near the clitoris. If left untouched, the tissue may form an extra tab of skin that doesn’t follow the labia’s natural contours.

RELATED: What is Labial Hypertrophy?

Wedge Labiaplasty

Wedge labiaplasty is a little more complex. It serves similar purposes to the previous trim method. However, it achieves slightly different results.

As the name would imply, this method involves removing a wedge of tissue. Surgeons cut a v-shaped section of tissue from the center of the labia. This results in a triangular “keyhole” shape with two cut edges. Stitching the edges together tightens the entire labia.

The wedge technique can address asymmetry between the two sides and excess length in the central third of the labia.

Not only that, but it helps to achieve a smooth transition from the labia to the clitoral hood but does not treat excess clitoral hood skin. Unlike the trim technique, the wedge method does not alter the natural contours of the lips. 

Now, because most of the edge is not touched, it does leave behind the hyperpigmentation that the trim technique removes. Surgeons may use other techniques to care for that concern, but it is not part of the standard wedge labiaplasty.

RELATED:  Recovery After Labiaplasty Surgery 

Which Labiaplasty Technique is Right for You?

The right surgical approach for you will depend entirely on your cosmetic, comfort, and vaginal health needs. Generally, trim labiaplasty is ideal for those who are prioritizing cosmetic issues like excess tissue and hyperpigmentation. Meanwhile, wedge labiaplasty is best for women who want natural tightening and minimal scarring.

Ultimately, your goals will dictate which procedure your surgeon utilizes.

Contact the offices of Dr. Michael Tahery today to schedule your consultation. Dr. Tahery is a urogynecologist in Los Angeles who is an expert in both labiaplasty techniques. He will work closely with you to determine the best course of action for your needs.

The post Trim Labiaplasty Vs Wedge Labiaplasty appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

Even though results are seen immediately after the labiaplasty surgery, full healing and final result take time. Like any other surgical procedure, women will require some downtime to recover after a labiaplasty. The recovery process will vary from woman to woman. However, most will follow a basic timeline after surgery. Knowing what to expect can prepare you for the challenges to come, ensuring a smooth and safe recovery process.

Recovery During the First Week

Directly after a labiaplasty surgery, swelling is common. The labia minora and labia majora are very vascular and increased blood flow and a rush of repair cells to the surgical area occurs after the repair. This is the natural body’s healing process and this flow of blood to the area of surgery results in swelling.

This response is completely normal. Surgeons may recommend using a cold compress for up to 15 minutes at a time. Not only does this help to reduce swelling, but it can alleviate any pain or discomfort. Limit the compress to no longer than 15-minute intervals, as prolonged use could lead to skin irritation.

The swelling will continue throughout the first week of recovery. It may increase in the days following the labiaplasty surgery, but it will eventually subside as the incisions heal.

Surgeons often prescribe medications and topical ointments. Medications might include supplements to alleviate swelling and bruising. Pain medications, numbing agents, and antibiotic ointments might come into play as well. Use these products as directed, paying close attention to the condition of the surgical site.

Significant discharge of fluid after the surgery is also very common. The discharge usually has a yellowish consistency and is often tinged with blood. This is also a normal reaction of our body and is part of the healing process and later on, in the healing process, it occurs as the sutures dissolve.

It’s important to wear loose-fitting underwear and take things easy during the first week. Excessive friction can irritate the wounds and slow down recovery. Washing with water and then dabbing dry is sufficient in the first week after the surgery. Follow your surgeon’s cleaning instructions for the best results.

Dr. Tahery uses sutures in his repairs of the labia that are very thin and delicate and they create minimal scarring. It is important to avoid manipulation and excessive pressure on the suture line.

When urinating, it’s normal to feel slight stinging. Typically, surgeons recommend spraying clean water onto the incision to dilute the urine and lessen the stinging. Urine is usually acidic and may irritate the incision. Drinking more water helps dilute the urine and helps with any discomfort.

RELATED: Will Labiaplasty Affect Sensation? Urogynecologist’s Advice

Labiaplasty Recovery in the 2nd and 3rd Week

At this point, the healing process is well on its way. While things will be easier moving forward, there is still lots of repair that is going to happen.

At this point, most women can return to work and continue doing many activities. Swelling may still occur, but it is likely less noticeable than the days following the labiaplasty surgery. Women should still take their prescribed anti-inflammation and bruising medicines to promote continued healing.

In terms of pain, slight tenderness may occur with pressure. However, it should be manageable and not require much pain medication. Some slight itchiness and mild discomfort are common as well as the process of healing is occurring. But again, both issues are manageable and easy to address with proper care and hygiene.

By the third week, the incisions start healing. Absorbable stitches will start disappearing as the vagina slowly improves.

RELATED: Answers To Your Questions About Labiaplasty

4th to 6th Week Recovery

These are the final weeks of recovery. Chances are, you’ve met with your surgeon a couple of times since the labiaplasty surgery. They should be able to monitor your recovery and make recommendations based on your needs.

By the 4-week mark, things are almost back to normal. It’s the final stretch of healing. The incisions aren’t quite 100 percent just yet, so avoiding strenuous activity is paramount. Steer clear of tampon use and sexual activity until after the full six weeks pass, and you get the all-clear from your surgeon.

These final weeks will see the vagina’s swelling die down. The outcome becomes more apparent as the incisions heal and the lips start to look normal again.

If any extreme pain, significant discharge, or foul odors occur at any point during the recovery process, make sure to contact your doctor for assistance.

Recovering from labiaplasty surgery is a relatively straightforward process. While bacterial infections and complications are possible, usually very unlikely and most women heal without any problems. The key is following your doctor’s recovery plan and monitoring the process. If any issues occur, notify your doctor as soon as possible.

To learn more about labiaplasty surgery and the recovery process, contact Dr. Tahery’s office to schedule your consultation. Dr. Michael Tahery is a urogynecologist with over two decades of experience performing vaginal reconstruction and cosmetics procedures.

The post Recovery After Labiaplasty Surgery appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

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.