The American Society of Plastic Surgeons began tracking labiaplasty statistics in 2015. The organization’s 2016 statistics revealed a 39% increase in labiaplasty that year compared to 2015. Labiaplasty’s popularity grew and is expected to keep growing in 2017.
Perhaps you have heard about this procedure and are considering it for yourself. Wondering about the next steps? Rely on the experienced, compassionate team at Grossman | Capraro Plastic Surgery to provide all of the information, guidance, and suggestions that will you need. To arrange a consultation in Denver, please call us at 303-557-4972.
Your Consultation at Grossman | Capraro Plastic Surgery
The first step is to discuss what your goals are. What are the reasons that you are interested in labiaplasty? Some of the most commonly addressed issues are:
- The shape or size of the inner or outer lips of the vulva
- Concerns about other areas of the vulva
- Sexual discomfort, exercise discomfort, and/or other problems that you think may be associated with the labia
- Concerns about the appearance of the labia or other parts of the vulva
Once our plastic surgeons understand what you would like to change, what results in you want, and what you do not want, they can then make recommendations for treatment. If you are a good candidate for labiaplasty, then one of the following procedures – or a combination – will be chosen by you and your surgeon:
- Labia minora reduction
- Labia majora reduction
- Labia majora augmentation
- Clitoral hood reduction
As you can see, labiaplasty is capable of addressing more than elongated inner labia alone. It can re-shape and resize various parts of the vulva. The end result is not only aesthetically pleasing but also ensures that you can exercise, be active and engage in intimate activities without the discomfort caused by certain anatomical issues related to the vulva. For women who have been living with this type of discomfort, it can be life-changing.
The Right Technique for Your Goals
Labia minora reduction is the most commonly requested labiaplasty technique. It involves carefully excising labial tissue in order to make the labia smaller. The surgeon uses a scalpel to do so. It is important to choose a plastic surgeon experienced in the procedure so that you will have a natural result.
At Grossman | Capraro Plastic Surgery, we most commonly use the “wedge” technique. So-called because a wedge of tissue is excised from the middle of the labia minora. Then, the two sides on either side of the gap are stitched together, creating a smaller, shorter labia. This technique is favored by our surgeons because it looks the most natural. We do not use the “trim” technique, which is simply a linear cutting away of the top of the labia. This technique tends to create artificial-looking results and does not preserve the natural anatomy of the vulva.
Labia majora augmentation may be completed with a fat transfer or by other means. This type of labiaplasty is often requested by mature women who are experiencing fat depletion of the outer lips of the vulva (fat and volume loss is a common result of aging). Restoring fullness creates a rejuvenated appearance.
Clitoral hood reduction reduces the tissue covering the clitoris. For some women, the tissue in the area can be quite bulky and heavy. This technique de-bulks the area.
The Surgery Itself
During your consultation, our plastic surgeons will discuss what you can expect from the surgery, based on the technique chosen. It can be performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be fully asleep until the procedure is completed. But oftentimes you can choose local anesthesia instead, which allows you to remain awake but temporarily numbed to any sensation in the treatment area.
With local anesthesia, labiaplasty can be completed at our Denver practice, instead of at the hospital. Both the hospital and our surgical facility are safe, state-of-the-art facilities. Many people prefer the idea of coming straight to our office and dealing only with our staff. In either case, you can rest assured you will have a private, confidential experience.
Healing and Recovery
It takes about 10 days to recover. You should be able to return to work and other activities within a few days. Sexual intercourse and strenuous physical activity may need to be delayed for up to six weeks.
Our team will make sure you have all of the aftercare instructions that you need; regarding things like showering, antibiotic creams, what to do and what not to do, etc. Riding a bicycle, running, weight lifting and some other types of exercise will be restricted for about four to six weeks.
Long-Term Results
Labiaplasty results are long-lasting! The new shape and size of the labia will not be affected by childbirth or any other natural causes, although the natural aging process will most likely cause subtle changes.
Labiaplasty does not change sexual sensation or function. Your results will be natural, just an improved version of what they were before. Statistics show that labiaplasty patients are highly satisfied with their results, even years later.
Excess labial tissue can create painful, embarrassing problems. For instance, some women report problems with the labia getting caught up in their running shorts, or twisted painfully during sexual intercourse. Labiaplasty eliminates these problems from your life. It can be a very freeing procedure in terms of exercise, physical activity, and body confidence.
Arrange a Consultation in Denver
Ready to discuss labiaplasty and to find out if it can accomplish what you have in mind? To arrange a confidential consultation with one of our experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons, please call Grossman | Capraro Plastic Surgery at 303-557-4972. We are proud of the results we achieve for our guests every day. Whether you are from Denver, Littleton, or one of the surrounding areas, we hope you will visit our state-of-the-art practice to discuss your goals.
