Labiaplasty is a body contouring surgery in which a plastic surgeon either reduces or increases the size of the labia. The surgery is also sometimes called a “vaginal rejuvenation” or “aesthetic genital plastic surgery,” and generally involves adjustments to the labia minora and labia majora.
When you are considering labiaplasty in Houston, we encourage you to call our office and schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Olivier Deigni to discuss how we can rejuvenate this important part of your body.
There are several reasons people get a labiaplasty procedure, including for physical, emotional, and cosmetic reasons, and during gender confirmation surgery. The labia minora are typically the focus of a labiaplasty. They can become oversized for several reasons, including pregnancy and childbirth, changes in weight, genetics, and hormonal changes that occur during menopause and puberty.
This growth in tissue causes the labia minora to extend beyond the edges of the labia majora, and the excess tissue can get caught in clothing during exercise and cause pain and discomfort. It can also cause itching and irritation or produce pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse.
Women may choose a labiaplasty to help improve hygiene, because excess tissue can make it more difficult to clean and increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). While every person’s labium is different, you can choose to have a labiaplasty in Houston to reduce an uneven shape, such as when one side is longer or shaped differently than the other.
This surgery is a big decision for you. In most cases, insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures, including labiaplasty, but when the excess tissue is causing pain or increasing your risk of a urinary tract infection, your insurance provider may help cover the cost.
It is important to discuss this with your insurance provider before surgery and gather all the necessary documentation they need for prior authorization of the procedure.
Labiaplasty is requested most frequently in people between the ages of 18 and 50. Children under age 18 may have a labiaplasty, but only when it is done to correct problems that interfere with activities and daily function. In some cases, because the tissue continues to grow until age 18, the procedure may need to be repeated.
Labiaplasty in Houston is typically an outpatient procedure and takes less than two hours to complete. Depending on whether it is done alone or in combination with another cosmetic procedure, such as during a mommy makeover, the surgery may be done under either local or general anesthesia.
After the procedure, Dr. Deigni will give you specific post-operative instructions that must be followed carefully to help reduce the potential risk of complications, including infections and poor healing.
Generally, it is important to keep the area dry and avoid long showers or baths after the surgery. The incision should be patted dry immediately and not scrubbed or rubbed.
Dr. Deigni may prescribe antibiotics to help reduce inflammation and prevent infection. The genital area is very sensitive, so recovery can be challenging and may require you to have extra help at home during the initial few days. All physical activities must be avoided until you have been released from restrictions, including riding bikes, running, and sex.
Returning to these activities prematurely can add pressure to the incision, delay healing, and increase the risk of an infection. You should also avoid wearing tight undergarments or clothing that increases pressure on the incision.
When you have pain or discomfort during exercise or sex because of excess tissue in the labia minora, contact our office today online or at 281-721-4373 and schedule a consultation to discuss a labiaplasty in Houston. Dr. Deigni will answer your questions and offer recommendations to help you achieve your goals.
Before or after your consultation at Deigni Plastic Surgery, consider approaching your insurance provider to determine if there is coverage for the surgery when it is being done to correct excess tissue that is increasing your risk of urinary tract infections or causing pain and discomfort.
