Will Labiaplasty Affect Sensation? Urogynecologist's Advice

Labiaplasty is a potentially life-changing procedure that helps women feel more confident in their skin. Like other cosmetic procedures, it aims to improve aesthetics safely. It involves changing the physical appearance of the labia minora and labia majora.

While many view labiaplasty as a purely cosmetic endeavor, many women seek it for comfort, too. Excess tissue can cause pain during sexual intercourse or discomfort when wearing tight-fitting clothing. For this reason, many women choose to combine labiaplasty with clitoral hood reduction for a complete vaginal makeover.

Despite all of the benefits this procedure has to offer, there is one common concern among women interested in this procedure. Does labiaplasty affect sensation?

Sensory issues are a legitimate concern. The tip of the clitoris alone has over 8,000 nerves! That’s not counting the labia nerve endings and receptors.

So, does a labiaplasty affect sensation after recovery? Luckily, it does not. During this procedure, surgeons remove only tissue. The tissue doesn’t have any nerve endings. While there are always risks involved, a decrease in sexual sensation shouldn’t be one of them with a skilled surgeon. In fact, you may experience more if you pair labiaplasty with a clitoral hood reduction.

This procedure reduces the size of the clitoral hood by removing excess tissue. It exposes the clitoris to more sensation.

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The Labiaplasty Procedure

The process all starts with a consultation. Every woman’s needs are different. Surgeons take the time to discuss your expectation in great detail. They can determine the amount of correction and types of surgical methods best suited for the job.

There are a few types of labiaplasty procedures available. One of the most common is called a “Trim” or “Edge” labiaplasty. With this technique, surgeons perform a vertical incision with a laser or scalpel. The cut occurs on the free edge of the labia minora to remove excess tissue. It is especially useful to remove areas of discoloration as well as the excess tissue. 

The second option is the “Wedge” technique. Best for women concerned about visible scarring, this technique involves removing tissue from the thickest part of the inner labia. Surgeons remove a wedge-shaped section and stitch the cut edges together. The process instantly reduces the length and modifies the shape of the labia.

Finally, there’s the “De-Epithelialization” technique. This method is similar to the “Edge”. However, the difference here is that the surgeon removes an oval-shaped section of the epithelium tissue lining the inner labia. The process avoids labia nerve endings and alleviates sensory worries.

Despite the significant change they create, a labiaplasty and clitoral hood reduction are relatively straightforward. Both procedures are performed in an outpatient setting and take roughly two hours to complete depending on the correction level required. After about two or three days, most women can return to their standard routine. There are some physical restrictions with exercise and sexual intercourse in the beginning. But, a full recovery will only take about four to six weeks.

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Labiaplasty in Los Angeles

A Labiaplasty is a transformative procedure that can improve aesthetic, comfort, and sexual confidence. 

Dr. Tahery, as a urogynecologist, has in-depth knowledge about female sexual and reproductive anatomy. The subspecialty covers both gynecology and urology, leading to a deeper understanding of the intricate inner workings of the pelvic organs. 

Contact the offices of Dr. Tahery today to learn more about the labiaplasty procedure and to book your consultation.