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Labiaplasty Procedure in Chicago, IL

Labiaplasty Is a Cosmetic Vaginal Rejuvenation Procedure Offered at Center for Gynecology and Cosmetics. Call Us Today at (312) 651-6886 to Schedule an Appointment or Consultation.

 

Labiaplasty Basics

Much like a fingerprint, every woman is born with a vagina and vulva that is uniquely hers, and its appearance can differ from woman to woman. Some women have inner labia that are small, symmetrical, and barely protrude from the outer labia, and other women have a labia that is longer or less symmetrical. For some women, the size and/or shape of their labia cause discomfort and embarrassment.

Labiaplasty is a procedure that is performed to reduce the size and correct asymmetry of the labia minora (the inner lips of the vagina) and in some cases the labia majora (the outer lips of the vagina). Women with excessively large labia may choose to undergo this surgery for aesthetic or physical purposes. Many women report feeling restored confidence and reduced self-consciousness about the appearance of their vagina after having a labiaplasty.

Labiaplasty Procedure

Labiaplasty is a aesthetic vaginal surgery that is typically performed in 1-2 hours in a surgical center. IV sedation is administered along with a local anesthetic to ensure the patient is comfortable and does not feel pain during the procedure.

Labiaplasty is often thought of as a removal of elongated labial tissue and stitching together the edges. In reality, it is a much more complex procedure. The incisions must be extremely precise to remove unwanted tissue while maintaining the structure of the vagina without causing damage to the delicate nerves of the labia. This is a procedure that is best left in the hands of a surgeon who is highly experienced in dealing with female anatomy, such as a gynecologist.

During the procedure, Dr. Rahman will make precise incisions to the labia minora to remove excess tissue and dark, discolored areas. She will then suture the labia at the desired length, leaving a smoother surface. Excess skin may also be removed from the labia majora and then sutured to tighten the skin and create a smoother appearance. Dissolving stitches are used for all sutures and will evaporate in approximately 6-8 weeks.

Who is a Good Candidate for Labiaplasty?

An ideal candidate for labiaplasty is a woman who experiences physical or emotional discomfort due to the size or shape of her labia. An elongated labia may be due to pregnancy, age, weight loss, hormonal changes, trauma, genetics or gravity . Some women choose to undergo this procedure for the sole purpose of improving the appearance of their vagina, but it is a common misconception that this is the only reason to have labia reduction surgery.

A large labia can cause real physical discomfort that can be difficult to manage. Some women experience pain due to constant chaffing of the labia against clothing, especially if it is tight-fitting. Friction from clothing may be especially difficult to endure while running and during other physical exercise. In some cases the labia may also cause irritation and pain during intercourse due to friction and pulling of the skin.

Labiaplasty may also be appropriate for women who suffer embarrassment and self-consciousness due to the appearance of their labia, which may even cause avoidance of intimacy due to fear of judgment. Prior to labia reduction surgery, many patients avoid wearing clothing that may make the size of the labia too obvious. In some cases, this even results in avoiding swimsuits in public for fear that the labia can be seen through the fabric. If your labia is causing you discomfort of any kind on a regular basis due to its size or shape, labiaplasty may be the right choice for you.

Preparing for Labiaplasty

There are several steps you can take prior to surgery to reduce risks and prepare your body for healing. If you are a smoker, you will need to stop at least two weeks before surgery and for a period after. Smoking slows the healing process and can cause complications during and after surgery. You may need to stop taking certain medications for a period before surgery including aspirin and any other medication that affects the blood. During your consultation, Dr. Rahman will discuss medications and supplements you take to determine if any should be avoided prior to the procedure.

You will need to arrange for somebody to drive you home after surgery, as you will still be feeling the effects of sedation when you leave the office. It is ideal to have a friend or family member stay with you for the first day or two to help during the initial stage of recovery.

Labiaplasty Recovery

Swelling, soreness and discomfort are normal after surgery, particularly during the first few days of recovery as the labia heals. These symptoms can be managed with prescription pain medication, antibiotics, and adequate rest, and they will gradually decrease. Full recovery typically takes around six weeks, but may vary based on the patient and the extent of the procedure. After a couple of days, you should be able to walk comfortably, and most women return to work 3-5 days after surgery. The stitches will dissolve on their own, but post-operative visits will be required to ensure proper healing. It is recommended that patients wait at least six weeks after the procedure to resume sexual activity.

Labiaplasty Risks

Complications are rare, but as with any surgical procedure, labiaplasty does carry with it some risk. Risks include infection, bleeding, and scarring. The risk of infection is controlled with preoperative antibiotics. By choosing to have the surgery performed by a gynecologist whose sole specialty is in the inner workings of the female reproductive system, you can rest assured that the greatest care is taken to not only improve the appearance of the vagina, but also the functionality.

For women who are unhappy with the appearance of their vaginal-vulvar area , the decision to have a labiaplasty is not just a choice to change their appearance cosmetically. It is also a choice to take power over the emotional burden of self-consciousness and to emerge confident and empowered in their intimate relationships. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of having a labiaplasty performed by a certified gynecologist in Chicago, contact us today to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Sameena Rahman.