As awareness of labiaplasty treatment has expanded, more women are seeking the treatment that enables them to feel more comfortable, more attractive, and more confident in their bodies. Dr. Walden is sought for her expertise and particular sensitivity to women’s concerns related to vaginal rejuvenation. Our patients are treated with discreet and personal care through which they can address areas of concern and lead more fulfilling lives. Call 512-328-4100 today to schedule a consultation in our Austin, TX office!
Visit our before & after gallery to view real patient results after labiaplasty.
What Is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a type of procedure performed on the external genitalia. Labiaplasty reduces and shapes a woman’s external genitalia, the labia minor or labia majora, and can correct other concerns as well. Two common forms of labiaplasty are labia majora reduction and labia minora reduction.
Vaginal rejuvenation is a blanket term that describes a group of procedures developed to address specific concerns many women have. Vaginal rejuvenation may involve laser treatment to restore vitality, circulation, and tightness to the vaginal canal, or it may center on refining the appearance and physical sensations of the external genitalia.
Most patients seeking labiaplasty don’t want the hanging of the labia minora beyond the labia majora (outer lips of the vaginal area). Others feel bulky in pants or a bathing suit to the point of not wanting to wear revealing clothing. Many patients seeking this surgery are active athletes who complain of rubbing when biking or running. Many patients experience irritation or discomfort with enlarged labia minora.
Labiaplasty is a popular procedure because it facilitates a woman’s self-confidence, and because smaller, more proportionate external genitalia are less noticeable and more physically comfortable.
Candidates for labiaplasty are those who are seeking comfort from the above issues and want improve self-confidence. Candidates should be in good overall health. Those seeking vaginal rejuvenation should not plan on having any more children as the birthing process can cause operated-on tissue to re-open.
Labia Minora Reduction
This procedure is also known as Alter Wedge Labiaplasty. The labia minora are the smaller pieces of tissue situated inside the labia majora. Many of the women we speak with express dissatisfaction due to the labia minora extending lower and larger than the “lips” that are supposed to surround them. Labia minora reduction reduces the length and size of this tissue for a more proportionate appearance. Often, clitoral hood reduction is performed at the same time.
How Is Alter Wedge Labiaplasty Performed?
Dr. Walden uses the latest techniques to safely reduce the size of the labia minora (see her expert interview with WebMD). A vertical wedge of labia minora tissue is removed, resulting in a small, nearly invisible scar that doesn’t run the entire length of the labia. The prepuce/clitoral hood is also usually hanging down and needs trimming as well to produce a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing result.
Labia Minora Reduction Recovery
The recovery period involves four to five days of low-level activity, followed by two to three weeks off from the gym. We have experienced a very high patient satisfaction rate with this surgery.
Click here to read one patient’s experience on her blog “The Labia Monologues” about this surgical procedure performed by Dr. Walden.
Labia Majora Reduction
The labia majora are the outer lips located at the vaginal opening. This tissue may grow larger or longer than is comfortable, leading to self-consciousness in certain types of clothing or during times of intimacy. When excess tissue is creating physical or emotional discomfort, labia majora reduction may be an ideal solution.
How Is Labia Majora Reduction Performed?
This procedure involves removal of an elliptical-pattern piece of tissue through a small, hidden incision.
Deflated Labia Majora
In some instances, the outer lips are not elongated, but deflated. Some women address this issue with temporary dermal fillers. Another option for adding volume to deflated labia majora is fat grafting. Fat grafting or fat transfer is done by injection with a small, blunt cannula. Fat is taken by a small amount of liposuction of another body area (often the pubis or pubic area or inner thigh).
Clitoral Hood Reduction
The labia minora are connected with a fold of skin, called prepuce, which surrounds the clitoris. This is also referred to as the clitoral hood. Reduction may be indicated when the prepuce is heavy and redundant, obscuring the clitoris from direct stimulation during sex.
Excess skin around the clitoris can impede function, and also create frustration due to its bulky appearance. It makes sense to reduce the clitoral hood simultaneous to the labia minora, due to proximity. This procedure is very carefully performed in order to preserve vascular tissue and nerve sensation.
Labial Fat Grafting
Most women are aware that fatty tissue is lost from the face and the breasts as age progresses. The same may occur in the pubic area, as well. Because it is common to groom pubic hair by waxing or shaving this area, volume loss, and the subsequent sagging of tissue, can create frustration and discomfort. Some women also cite sagging of the outer lips as a cause of uncomfortable sex.
The soft tissue fillers used to plump cheeks and lips may also be used to re-inflate the labia majora.
For more permanent results, though, women may want to consider micro fat grafting. To restore fullness to the labia majora, Dr. Walden extracts a small amount of fat from an area such as the inner thigh using a liposuction technique. The harvested cells are then introduced into the outer lips.
What Is a Suprapubic Lift?
A suprapubic lift is a procedure that is often combined with a tummy tuck. The objective of this surgery is to improve the contour of the pubis, or pubic mound. Dr. Walden may tighten overlying skin and superficial tissue, and may also recommend liposuction if accumulated fatty tissue is present.
Labiaplasty Recovery
After surgery, patients will experience swelling and mild-to-moderate pain. Painkillers may be prescribed to help with any pain.
Post-operatively, patients will want to engage in only low-level activity for about five days. Exercise may be gradually resumed after two to three weeks.
Sexual intercourse should be avoided until at least 4 to 6 weeks after labiaplasty surgery.
Engaging in sex too soon presents a risk of tearing. Tears may heal on their own, but can be frightening.
Labiaplasty Risks
The risks of labiaplasty are very low due to the highly vascular nature of this part of the body. General surgical risks include infection and issues with wound healing.
Schedule a Labiaplasty Consultation in Austin, TX!
We would be happy to see you in our Austin practice to discuss labiaplasty or vaginal rejuvenation, or both! Call 512-328-4100 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Jennifer Walden. You can also fill out the appointment request form in our contact page, and our staff will help you set up your appointment. Our practice looks forward to serving you!
