Labiaplasty
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Honolulu, HI
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that alters the size and shape of the labia minora or labia majora. Labia that are too long or too large can cause uncomfortable chafing, or bulging beneath tight-fitting clothes or swimsuits. (1) Many women choose to undergo labiaplasty for a variety of reasons, including discomfort during physical activities, dissatisfaction with the appearance of their labia, and more. With advancements in cosmetic gynecology, labiaplasty has become a popular option for those looking to enhance their emotional well-being and physical comfort.
Athena Clinic Plastic Surgery, led by Dr. Daniel Murariu and Dr. Robert Peterson, is one of Hawaii’s most well-regarded plastic surgery centers, maintaining a strong reputation for satisfactory results that improve the lives of our patients. Dr Murariu has written several articles on the topic in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal. They are frequently quoted in plastic surgery literature. If you would like to explore the benefits of labiaplasty, then take the first step and schedule a consultation with either Dr. Murariu or Dr. Peterson. By listening to your goals and concerns in a private meeting, we can plan an effective treatment that helps you achieve the results you want to see.
If you have any questions, please call our Honolulu office at (808) 944-8551 and get the information you need from one of our expert staff members.
Contents
About Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty is one of the fastest-growing procedures requested by women of varying ages and walks of life. While differences in labia size are natural anatomical variations, some women with excessively enlarged labia may experience negative effects as a result. (1) This procedure is also referred to as vaginal rejuvenation, labia minora reduction, inner lip reduction, or labia reduction.
There are a variety of reasons women consider this procedure; some for functional reasons, cosmetic reasons, or a combination of both. Simply feeling good about how you look can build self-esteem and self-confidence. Some patients report an improvement in their sex life as a result of this procedure and comment on the effect it has on their confidence. As discussed by Dr. Murariu in Comparison of Mean Labial Width in Patients Requesting Labioplasty to a Healthy Control, labiaplasty can also help with painful intercourse or relieve discomfort caused by large and/or thick labia, which can interfere with the activities of everyday life. (1) Cosmetic labiaplasty often involves surgically reducing and/or reshaping the intimate areas to enhance or improve the appearance of uneven or asymmetrical labia.
Benefits
Undergoing a labiaplasty procedure offers a wide array of benefits. Some of the improvements we help our patients achieve include:
- Enhanced comfort: Women often experience relief from discomfort during exercise, intimate activity, or even while wearing tight clothing.
- Improved aesthetics: Many women feel greater self-esteem and satisfaction with their appearance after the procedure, leading to enhanced emotional well-being.
- Rejuvenation after childbirth: For women who notice changes in their labia after childbirth, labiaplasty can restore their original appearance.
- Maintenance-free convenience: Unlike some non-surgical treatments, the results from labiaplasty are long-lasting without the need for frequent maintenance.
- Increased sexual enjoyment: Many patients report improved sexual confidence and satisfaction post-procedure.
- Customization: The procedure is fully tailored according to individual preferences and anatomical considerations.
- Emotional well-being: Achieving desired aesthetic outcomes can contribute positively to mental health and overall quality of life.
Candidates
Women who regularly experience discomfort or pain from enlarged or long labia during physical activities or are dissatisfied with the appearance of their genitals may be ideal candidates for a labiaplasty treatment. Patients should also be in good overall health and not have any significant underlying conditions that could lead to complications. It is also recommended that labiaplasty candidates maintain realistic expectations for their results and be willing to openly discuss their goals with either Dr. Murariu or Dr. Peterson.
Personal Consultation
A personal consultation is a key first step in planning your labiaplasty. During this session, your doctor will evaluate your medical history and discuss your aesthetic goals. Additionally, we will educate you on the various surgical techniques and the most suitable approach for your situation.
At Athena Clinic Plastic Surgery, we prioritize understanding your desires and tailoring your surgical plan accordingly.
For focused attention and tailored care, contact us to schedule your consultation by calling (808) 944-8551 or filling out our online form.
Preparation
Once you have scheduled your procedure, it is vital to follow specific preparatory steps for optimal results. Each patient will receive customized preparation steps that meet the needs of their unique medical history. Patients may be required to adjust their medication regimen, especially if they regularly take medicines or supplements that thin the blood. Consumption of alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis should be ceased. Some individuals may be required to fast for a set timeframe and arrange transportation to and from their treatment. (2)
Procedure
Labiaplasty procedures typically occur under local anesthesia. Following anesthesia administration, your doctor will make precise incisions along the labia based on your tailored treatment plan. Labiaplasties are generally performed with either the trim technique or the wedge technique. (3) In a trim technique labiaplasty, your surgeon will gently stretch the labia minora outward and carefully remove excess skin. While this is an effective technique, it may not be ideal for all patients, as explained by Dr. Murariu and colleagues in Comparison of Wedge versus Straight-Line Reduction Labioplasty. Trim labiaplasty is a more aggressive labiaplasty reduction.
Instead of straight-line incisions at the end of the tissue, the wedge technique will remove a triangular piece of tissue from the labia. Once removed, the two sides are sutured together to produce smaller labia that maintain a natural appearance and regular sensation. (3) If volume plumpness is desired in a labiaplasty treatment, you may benefit from a fat grafting procedure or dermal fillers to either/or labia minora and/or labia majora.
Recovery
Patients are provided with specific post-operative care guidelines to ensure optimal healing after their labiaplasty. Most patients experience some swelling and soreness in their labia and after treatment, but this will subside. If you receive prescriptions from either Dr. Murariu or Dr. Peterson, please take these as instructed. You should refrain from sexual intercourse for at least six weeks, or until your surgeon tells you it is safe to resume. Intense exercise and strenuous activities like running, swimming, bicycle riding, and others should be avoided as well. Patients can typically return to normal activity within four to six weeks.
Results
The results of labiaplasty are immediate, although they will stabilize as swelling decreases over time. Patients often express high levels of satisfaction with the enhanced appearance and comfort of the intimate area. These results can significantly contribute to an overall improved quality of life.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
If you are receiving a labiaplasty treatment and are considering other procedures, you may want to consider a customizable mommy makeover procedure. A mommy makeover is an all-encompassing rejuvenation treatment that often incorporates any combination of liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), breast augmentation or reduction, breast lift, and more to rejuvenate the body after pregnancy.
Cost of Labiaplasty in Honolulu
The cost of labiaplasty may vary. A detailed estimate will be provided after you consult with either Dr. Murariu or Dr. Peterson. At Athena Clinic Plastic Surgery, we offer financing plans for our patients as well. If you have questions about pricing, financing, or anything else regarding your procedure, we encourage you to speak with one of our expert staff members by calling our office at (808) 944-8551.
FAQ
How is labiaplasty performed?
Labiaplasty can be performed as an outpatient procedure, usually under local anesthesia. During the procedure, your surgeon will use excisional techniques to precisely remove and reshape excess tissue. The procedure typically takes about 60-90 minutes.
How long does it take to recover after labiaplasty?
Recovery is a gradual process and it will differ from patient to patient. You can get back to exercise about two weeks after the operation and play sports after about four to six weeks. Sexual activity can resume after about four to six weeks depending on your comfort levels. If you have any questions during your recovery, please feel free to call our office to get the information you need.
What are the risks of labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a safe procedure, but like all operations, it has some risks. Bruising will most likely persist for about a week and swelling will decrease over about six weeks. Asymmetry is a possible risk, and scars may also appear visible and detract from the result. Nevertheless, labiaplasty is a procedure with very high patient satisfaction.
Will labiaplasty affect my genital sensation?
Not necessarily. Most patients report either similar or enhanced sensitivity following the procedure.
How long do the results of labiaplasty last?
Results from labiaplasty are generally long-lasting, as the excisional techniques employed by the surgeon will permanently remove excess tissue from the intimate area. However, patient experiences can vary and factors like aging, pregnancy, or hormonal changes may influence the results of labiaplasty. We recommend waiting until after you are done having children to consider a labiaplasty procedure.
References
- Murariu D, Chun B, Jackowe DJ, Parsa A, Nakasone GK, Parsa FD. Comparison of Mean Labial Width in Patients Requesting Labioplasty to a Healthy Control. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2012;129(1):214e215e. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0b013e3182365dec
- Hamori CA. Aesthetic Surgery of the Female Genitalia. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2014;134(4):661-673. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000000516
- Murariu D, Jackowe DJ, Parsa AA, Parsa FD. Comparison of Wedge versus Straight-Line Reduction Labioplasty. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2010;125(3):1046-1047. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0b013e3181cb68a4