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As with any cosmetic surgical procedure, there are women who want to look better and the object of their dissatisfaction can be any body part, no matter how small or hidden. A labiaplasty can directly and successfully address a variety of intimate concerns relating to an oversized or stretched labia.
Dr. Turkeltaub can help women address the cosmetic and functional issues associated with enlarged labia, which can be both embarrassing and uncomfortable. He is dedicated to delivering exceptional results that can improve both confidence and quality of life.

What Is a Labiaplasty?

A labiaplasty is the surgical procedure that involves the reduction and recontouring of the labia minora, also known as the inner lips of the vulva. It is largely misunderstood by the general public, many of whom consider it to be the ultimate frivolous cosmetic procedure. However, there are many women who have real and significant problems that are directly related to substantially enlarged labia minora. For them, a labiaplasty can be considered to be a vital reconstructive procedure that will alleviate their issues and improve their quality of life.

Labiaplasty can also be incorporated into a custom mommy makeover plan to help women whose labias have become stretched as a result of giving birth renew their comfort and confidence.

Who Can Benefit From Labiaplasty?

Though most people either don’t really think about it or can’t imagine it, abnormally enlarged labia can create real and substantial issues of both a physical and mental nature. Oversized labia minora can be painfully compressed, irritated and stretched during a variety of physical activities such as horseback riding, bicycle riding and sex. There can be significant skin breakdown along with intermittent or chronic infections and other hygienic issues.

Women with enlarged labia minora may have lowered self-esteem and often experience embarrassment as they feel that their anatomy is unattractive. This variant can also adversely impact their sex lives and desire for intimacy, largely from an emotional angle but also to a lesser extent from a physical one as the enlarged labia are often “in the way.” Tight, form-fitting clothes can make their oversized labia quite evident as a noticeable bulge. Some women even have problems keeping them from protruding out of their bathing suits.

What Does Labiaplasty Surgery Involve?

There are several different techniques that are used for labia minora reduction and sculpting with some providing better results on average than others. These can be classified into direct excision (amputation), flap and wedge resections and de-epithelialization reduction.

The direct excision is the simplest, easiest and most direct to perform and involves cutting off the excess labia. It is, in essence, somewhat of an amputation. Though one of the concerns about this procedure involves issues with color along the edges, a far greater problem is the potential to develop a firm, restrictive and occasionally painful scar right along the edge where the suture line was. This could result in experiencing pain or discomfort during a variety of activities including with sex.

Flap and wedge resections and de-epithelialization reduction techniques require more surgical planning and refined techniques by the plastic surgeon—for your benefit. They preserve the free edge of the labia therefore completely avoiding the risk of a painful, restrictive scar here yet allow for the desired reduction.

A labiaplasty is most often performed by plastic surgeons either under general anesthesia or with sedation (twilight sleep) to provide you with maximum comfort for a very sensitive area, though using just local anesthesia is also an option. The surgery can be done either alone or along with other cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.

What Is Recovery Like After Labiaplasty?

Your labia will be moderately swollen and there will be soreness to some extent for several days that is usually effective addressed by oral pain medications. An oral antibiotic is taken following surgery and a topical antibiotic ointment is applied for several days. You can shower the next day.

If you work or go to school, you may be able to return within several days. It is recommended to avoid working out for around two and a half weeks, wearing very tight clothes for around four weeks and vaginal intercourse for approximately six weeks.

Will I Have Labiaplasty Scars?

Most surgical procedures result in some degree of scarring and labiaplasty is no exception. That said, Dr. Turkeltaub understands that many women fear the aesthetic implications of prominent scarring, and he plans out each procedure with the goal of minimizing scarring and optimizing the look, feel and function of the labia.

The precise nature of labiaplasty scarring will depend on the method used during surgery. The wedge resection and de-epithelialization techniques typically result in inconspicuous scars that blend into the natural folds and contours of the labia. The direct excision method, by contrast, leaves open the potential for a more prominent and potentially painful scar along the outer edge of the labia. For this reason, Dr. Turkeltaub prefers the wedge and de-epithelization techniques, as they produce better patient outcomes.

Who Is Most Qualified to Perform Labiaplasty Surgery?

Many cosmetic surgery procedures will often attract individuals who are unqualified, poorly trained, of marginal morals and/or who are in it solely for the money and labiaplasty is no exception. Many of these individuals will engage in slick, alluring marketing including websites dedicated to this procedure that promote them as the sole, well-trained experts in the field. Like many other things, “buyer beware”!

You may think that an obstetrician/gynecologist would be the sensible choice for performing this procedure. After all, they are working in this area much of the time and there are some who may be eminently qualified and technically proficient. Unfortunately, most do not have the combination of training, precise technique and understanding of the implications of wound healing and scarring which can be of utmost importance in an area that may see a lot of action. A painful or restrictive scar in this area can significantly impede, doom or make sexual activity quite unpleasant.

In general, a plastic surgeon experienced in labiaplasty surgery can offer you more refined procedures that help minimize the risk of unwanted complications in an area that is …well, vital and irreplaceable. Combined with precise surgical techniques and wound healing expertise, a plastic surgeon can provide you with the opportunity to obtain the best possible result.

How Much Does Labiaplasty Cost?

According to data collected by RealSelf.com, the average cost of labiaplasty in Arizona is between $4,000-$7,000. That said, this number is based on user submission, and it may not account for fees associated with the operating facility, anesthesia, medications, and other variables. Furthermore, costs for labiaplasty can vary significantly based on the precise details of your treatment plan. During your consultation with Dr. Turkeltaub, he can thoroughly assess your concerns and create a customized plan of action. From there, a personalized price quote can be provided that more accurately accounts for the unique details of your case.

If you are interested in a flexible payment plan for your labiaplasty, we accept third-party financing through CareCredit®, Alphaeon® Credit and various other reputable healthcare lenders. We encourage patients considering these options to reach out to our team so that we can assist you in learning more about the approval process.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Labiaplasty

Q: I just had a labiaplasty yesterday and my labia are very swollen. Is this normal?

A: Yes, it is very normal for your labia to swell for a period of time following labiaplasty. It can take several weeks or longer for much of it to subside.

Q: How soon after a labiaplasty can I have intercourse? My husband wants to know.

A: At minimum, I strongly recommend waiting at least five to six weeks after surgery in order to allow adequate healing to occur, swelling to subside and soreness to largely resolve. Then, you can do it gently as tolerated.

Q: Can I apply ice directly to my labia in order to reduce the swelling?

A: Do not apply ice directly to your tissues—it can cause significant and permanent damage. Instead, I strongly recommend applying a cool pack to the area for five to ten minutes a few times a day in order to decrease the swelling.

Q: How soon can I wear tight fitting jeans after a labiaplasty?

A: Typically, I recommend against wearing tight fitting clothing for at least five to six weeks because you do run the chance of disrupting your surgical repair.

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