Labiaplasty

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Some women are unhappy with the size, shape, or look of their inner labia (inner vaginal lips). Aging, genetics, and childbirth can all adversely affect a woman’s physical comfort and diminish the visual appeal of the labia minora and labia majora. Labia that are enlarged, long, or asymmetrical can cause embarrassment and even physical irritation. Labiaplasty surgery addresses these concerns by removing excess skin and providing a labial appearance and function that allows women to be both comfortable and confident. Clitoral hood excess can also be addressed laterally for harmony with the reduced labia. Columbia, MD Labiaplasty Specialist Dr. Sarah Mess is a board-certified plastic surgeon offering patients in the DMV area personalized care.

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The Labiaplasty Procedure in Columbia, Maryland

Labiaplasty or Vaginal Rejuvenation is a plastic surgery procedure that can be performed with general anesthesia, local anesthesia, or under sedation. We typically use local anesthesia for this procedure and it takes one to two hours to complete. A numbing cream readily absorbs into the labia, and a painless injection of buffered local anesthesia is administered to numb the area completely. Excess tissue is removed from the labia using a wedge-excision technique that preserves the natural borders of the labia, including the color, contour, and texture. The scar will be inconspicuous and is designed to lie in the groove between the labia minora and labia majora. Dr. Mess takes patient input into consideration when placing the incision in order to achieve the desired aesthetics.

Thinking About Having Labiaplasty?

If you have considered labiaplasty, you are not alone—more than Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source 2018 National Plastic Surgery Statistics American Society of Plastic Surgeons Go to Source 10,000 women in the U.S. had labiaplasty surgery in 2018. Benefits of labiaplasty can include:

Exercise Without Irritation
Overly large labia minora may be physically in the way and inhibit your performance during exercise and sports. They may rub against each other, your legs, or your clothing and cause irritation and even rashes. Vaginal Rejuvenation surgery can allow you to participate in physical activities without this discomfort.

Have More Clothing Options
The presence of large labia may be uncomfortable in tight jeans, and women are often embarrassed that elongated labia will be visible through swimsuits or tight clothing. After labiaplasty, you can wear a wider variety of clothing without worrying about protruding labia.

Enjoy Intimacy More
Enlarged, asymmetrical, or otherwise irregular labia may cause physical and emotional discomfort that detract from your satisfaction during intimacy. Some women are embarrassed about the appearance of the labia minora and refrain from sexual intimacy altogether. Others may experience physical irritation of their labia during intercourse. Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Psychosexual outcome after labiaplasty: a prospective case-comparison studys Veale, D., Naismith, I., Eshkevari, E. et al Go to Source Studies show that labiaplasty can improve sexual satisfaction .

Labiaplasty Surgery With Dr. Mess

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Labiaplasty Recovery Timeline

As an outpatient procedure, labiaplasty allows patients to recover in the privacy and comfort of their own homes. Dr. Mess will give you specific instructions to follow to ensure you have the safest and most effective recovery possible.

Day 1 through 3
Results will be immediately apparent, but swelling and mild discomfort will likely exist. Patients should relax and recline with ice packs. After the third day of recovery, most patients can return to work.

Weeks 2 to 3
The absorbable sutures may cause itching as the tissues heal, and the remaining sutures will be removed. Patients may resume exercise but should avoid mechanical rubbing of the labia, such as with bicycle riding, horseback riding, and sexual intercourse.

After week 6
Patients may resume sexual intercourse, strenuous exercise, and other regular activities. Dr. Mess will request a follow-up appointment at six months to ensure optimal complete healing.

How Much Does a Labiaplasty Cost?

We believe patients make better decisions when they understand the options and price ranges for labiaplasty. We are happy to provide a basic price range for labiaplasty, but final costs cannot be determined prior to your consultation appointment with Dr. Mess.

The best way to know about procedure pricing is to come in for a consultation with Dr. Mess. Our Columbia office is conveniently located and easily accessible from both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. Your comprehensive labiaplasty quote will also include the following:

  • All appointments before and after your procedure
  • Surgeon’s fee
  • Facility and supply fees

Price Range for a Labiaplasty- $5,000- $6,000.

FAQs About Labiaplasty

Am I a good candidate for labiaplasty?

If you have concerns with the appearance of your genitalia, including the size and/or shape of your labia (the inner and/or outer lips), you may be a good candidate for labiaplasty. Additionally, you should be in Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Four common questions women have about recovery after labiaplasty American Society of Plastic Surgeons Go to Source good general health and have realistic expectations .

Will I have visible scars from labiaplasty?

The natural folds and skin texture of the labia hides scars very well and after you are healed labiaplasty scars are typically so undetectable that even your gynecologist may not notice them!3

What are the risks of labiaplasty?

All surgical procedures involve some risk of side effects or complications. Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Vaginal Rejuvenation Surgical Options American Society of Plastic Surgeons Go to Source Labiaplasty surgery risks include bleeding, infection, and over-resection which can result in vaginal dryness and pain. Dr. Mess prioritizes patient safety throughout your procedure.

Can I have children after labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty should not interfere with your ability to get pregnant or give birth.

Is labiaplasty part of a Mommy Makeover?

Some women choose to include labiaplasty as part of their Mommy Makeover. If you are interested in labiaplasty in addition to body reshaping cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation (breast implants or breast lift), tummy tuck, and liposuction, you can discuss options with Dr. Mess. Mommy Makeover is a totally customized rejuvenation plan.

Schedule a Consultation For Labiaplasty

If you’re self-conscious or have concerns with the shape or size of your labia and interested in a cosmetic surgery consultation for labiaplasty, please contact our office today.

Trused Source Icon - Checkbox Sources

1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2018 National Plastic Surgery Statistics. Available at: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2018/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2018.pdf Accessed January 7, 2020

2 Veale, D., Naismith, I., Eshkevari, E. et al. Psychosexual outcome after labiaplasty: a prospective case-comparison study. Int Urogynecol J 25, 831–839 (2014) doi:10.1007/s00192-013-2297-2

3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Four common questions women have about recovery after labiaplasty. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/four-common-questions-women-have-about-recovery-after-labiaplasty Accessed January 7, 2020

4 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Vaginal Rejuvenation Surgical Options. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/vaginal-rejuvenation/labiaplasty Accessed January 7, 2020 Accessed January 7, 2020

Dr. Sarah Mess has either authored or reviewed and approved this content. Page Updated

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Rejuvenate Your Face and Body

Many patients come to see Dr. Sarah Mess from the Baltimore, and Washington DC areas because of her ability to provide their face and body with a revitalized look that appears naturally youthful. For all of your cosmetic needs, please call (410) 559-9468 or use the form below to request a consultation.

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