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While there is no “right” shape of the female anatomy, when the labia minora is a little bit longer than usual, it can cause uncomfortable or painful chafing. Even if you are not experiencing physical discomfort, self-consciousness can occur in intimate settings or when wearing tight clothing. With a labiaplasty and Dr. Andrews’ expertise, you can address those issues and finally feel comfortable in your own skin.
What is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces the length and size of the labia majora (outer lips) and labia minora (inner lips) to relieve twisting, tugging, chafing, and other physical discomfort during exercise or sexual intercourse. The labial tissues are the flaps of skin on either side of the vaginal opening. During the procedure, Dr. Andrews will carefully trim excess skin and reduce asymmetry so you feel more comfortable and confident about your intimate areas.
Who is a Good Candidate for Labiaplasty?
While labiaplasty can be beneficial for many people, some specifications make some people better candidates for the procedure, including:
- Experiencing discomfort or chafing due to the length of your labia
- Being at least 18 years old
- Being in generally good health
- Having realistic expectations and a positive outlook
- Having tears in the labia due to childbirth
- Feeling uncomfortable when exercising, having sex, or sitting
- Being self-conscious about the size of your labia
Before receiving labia surgery, you will meet with Dr. Andrews so that he can assess your medical history, anatomy, and goals and ensure this will be a safe and effective procedure for you.
DR. KAHLIL ANDREWS
Dr. Kahlil Andrews is a board-certified plastic surgeon from Los Angeles specializing in plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
At his location in Coralville, Iowa, Dr. Andrews’ academic and technical achievements are only exceeded by his commitment to patient care. Whether they are seeking reconstructive breast surgery, outpatient injectable treatment, or a full-blown mommy makeover, Dr. Andrews gives his full attention and focus on achieving excellent patient outcomes.
MEET DR. ANDREWSThe Labiaplasty Procedure
Labiaplasty is considered a minor surgical procedure and can usually be performed with local anesthesia plus sedation or general anesthesia. Once that takes effect, Dr. Andrews will make an incision in the tissues of the labia minora. There are a couple of types of techniques that Dr. Andrews will discuss with you prior to surgery, including the trim procedure and the wedge procedure. During planning, the choice between Local Anesthesia and General Anesthesia is discussed to keep you comfortable throughout surgery.
For the edge-trimming technique, the excess labial tissue along the edges is trimmed away, and the loose edges are sewn with dissolvable stitches. With the wedge technique, a pie-shaped piece of excess tissue is gently removed from the labia minora to preserve the natural border. In select cases, clitoral hood reduction may also be performed. A thin scar is placed in the groove between the labia minora and labia majora, so it will be almost invisible. This technique usually provides a more natural look.
Which technique is used depends on what you’re looking for. In total, the whole procedure is an outpatient procedure that typically takes 1-2 hours, and you’ll be able to go home the same day. You will need someone to drive you home.
Recovery & Post-Operative Care
After surgery, Dr. Andrews will provide instructions on how best to care for the treatment area and what to avoid. Good post-operative care includes keeping the surgical area clean and following Dr. Andrews’ instructions closely. Most patients tend to take one to two weeks off work. During this period, you will experience some swelling and discomfort, which can be alleviated by applying ice packs for twenty minutes at a time.
During recovery, you’ll want to avoid using tampons and having sex for four to six weeks. You’ll also need to keep the area as clean as possible, wear loose clothing and underwear, and avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks. A follow-up visit is usually scheduled within the first week so Dr. Andrews can check the surgical wound and healing.
After a few weeks, most initial healing is complete, though some swelling can remain. Any residual swelling should completely disappear after six months. At this stage, you will be able to see the full results. Many women enjoy a boost in self-esteem and sexual satisfaction following this vaginal rejuvenation surgery.
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Schedule A Consultation
Are you struggling with a long labia minora that is causing chafing or even pain when you move or perform certain activities? In fact, many women seek labiaplasty to reduce discomfort from exercise or wearing tight clothing and to address concerns about appearance. You may be a perfect candidate for labiaplasty. A consultation can also cover candidacy, risks, recovery, and labiaplasty cost. Why not take the first step today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery today? Call our Coralville, IA office at (319) 220-4644 or use our online scheduling form.
