Labiaplasty in Scottsdale, AZ
Although it’s not discussed a lot, many women worry about the appearance of their labia, which can cause them to feel less confident. Our board-certified plastic surgeons help such patients feel more comfortable and attractive with vaginal rejuvenation (labiaplasty) surgery to normalize the size and shape of the vaginal lips. This highly personalized procedure can also reduce physical discomfort caused by chafing, irritation, or tugging during exercise, intercourse, or while wearing tight clothing.
Table of Contents
What Is Labiaplasty?
The labia, which are the lips of the vaginal area, can look oversized or have loose skin created by genetics, pregnancy, childbirth, or a physical trauma. A labiaplasty surgically decreases the size of the labia minora and/or majora to create a more normal look. This may minimize irritation and discomfort while raising sexual pleasure and confidence.
Come in for a consultation at Forma Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ, to learn more about the benefits of labiaplasty and see if you are a candidate for the surgery.
Before & After
Labiaplasty Techniques
Trim Technique
The trim technique is one of the most commonly used labiaplasty methods. It involves removing the outer edges of the inner vaginal lips to create a neater, more symmetrical appearance. This approach is ideal for patients who want a smoother contour along the genital area and a reduction in pigmentation or unevenness along the outer edges.
Wedge Technique
The wedge technique addresses excess labial tissue by removing a small, V-shaped section from the thickest part of the inner lips. This method, known as wedge resection, maintains the natural edge and color of the labia while still achieving a smaller, more balanced look. It is a preferred option for women seeking subtle reshaping with minimal disruption to the natural anatomy.
Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation, our surgeon will discuss your concerns about the appearance or comfort of your inner labia, outer lips, or other areas of the female genitalia. A physical examination will assess the skin surrounding the labia and evaluate the patient’s anatomy. This information will help our surgeon create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals while ensuring a safe and natural-looking outcome.
Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation, our surgeon will discuss your concerns about the appearance or comfort of your inner labia, outer lips, or other areas of the female genitalia. A physical examination will assess the skin surrounding the labia and evaluate the patient’s anatomy. This information will help our surgeon create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals while ensuring a safe and natural-looking outcome.
What to Expect From Labiaplasty Surgery?
Surgery for the labia can benefit women who feel self-conscious about the shape or size of their vaginal area, which may appear abnormal because of childbirth, genetics, or trauma. Irregular vaginal lips may cause pain, discomfort, irritation, or itching during sex and exercise. A labiaplasty can also help if you avoid wearing certain clothes (like bathing suits, leggings, or yoga pants) because of the size of your vaginal lips. While a labiaplasty should not affect your ability to get pregnant, we recommend waiting until you no longer want children to avoid undoing your results.
Anesthesia
Labiaplasty is can be performed using local anesthesia to keep the patient comfortable while minimizing recovery time and potential side effects associated with general anesthesia. But, in some cases, sedation may also be offered to help patients feel more relaxed during the procedure.
Correction of Labia Minora
A labiaplasty is generally performed with a trim technique to cut away excess tissue, then the remaining skin is stitched together. Another method is the wedge method, which cuts away a triangular area of tissue and extra folds from the clitoris before stitching the skin closed. The choice of technique depends on the patient’s anatomy and desired outcome.
Closing Incisions
As an outpatient procedure, labiaplasty does not require an overnight stay. The incisions are carefully closed with dissolvable sutures to promote healing and reduce visible scarring. Patients are given post-operative instructions to help protect the area and ensure a smooth recovery.
Add-On Procedures
Clitoral Hood Reduction
Clitoral hood reduction is a surgical procedure often performed alongside labiaplasty to improve the appearance and comfort of the clitoral region. By removing excess folds of skin around the clitoris, this procedure can enhance symmetry and reduce bulkiness, potentially increasing sensitivity and comfort during physical activity or intimacy.
Labia Majora Reduction
Labia majora reduction targets the outer vaginal lips, which may appear enlarged due to aging, genetics, or weight changes. This procedure reduces excess tissue and improves skin tone to create a smoother, more proportionate appearance, often helping patients feel more confident in tight clothing or swimwear.
Recovery After Labia Reduction
It usually takes around a week to recover, and you may experience some discomfort and swelling. If needed, we recommend applying ice packs or cold compresses to help with swelling. Following your procedure, you should not engage in sexual activity or use tampons for at least 4-6 weeks. Patients generally see visible results in about six weeks with final results occurring six months after the treatment.
Who Is a Candidate for Labial Reduction?
The best candidates for labiaplasty are healthy women who have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery. Most patients who choose to undergo a labiaplasty do so because they feel embarrassed due to the appearance of their labia and want to improve their self-esteem. Women may also opt for this procedure if they experience discomfort when wearing tight clothing or during physical activities like cycling and horseback riding due to the excess skin. Our professionals at Forma Plastic Surgery assess each patient thoroughly before moving forward with a custom treatment plan.
What Are the Benefits of Labiaplasty?
If you are bothered by the size and appearance of your labia, you do not have to deal with self-consciousness in certain clothes and during sex. Labiaplasty surgery performed by one of our board-certified plastic surgeons can address this problem effectively.
Benefits of labiaplasty include:
- Removing unwanted labial tissue
- Reducing feelings of self-consciousness about a larger labia
- Minimizing irritation while wearing certain types of clothing or participating in physical activities
- Improving sexual sensation and confidence
- Making the inner and outer labia consistent in appearance
- Customization of the procedure for your aesthetic goals
- Multiple surgical techniques are available
Cost of Labiaplasty in Scottsdale, AZ
The cost of labiaplasty in Scottsdale typically ranges from $4,000 to $7,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the surgeon’s experience. Factors that can influence the price include whether additional procedures like clitoral hood reduction or labia majora reduction are performed at the same time. Consultation fees, anesthesia, and facility charges may also affect the overall cost.
Our surgeons offer personalized quotes after an initial evaluation to ensure the treatment plan fits the patient’s goals and budget.
Schedule a Consultation Today!
If you are considering a labiaplasty procedure, a thorough consultation is the best way to determine the right approach for you. Our experienced surgeons provide personalized care, carefully evaluating your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals to create a treatment plan tailored specifically to you. Take the first step toward renewed confidence and comfort by scheduling your consultation today!
Labiaplasty FAQs
Should I choose a plastic surgeon or OB/GYN?
When researching surgical vaginal rejuvenation, you will find that many obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs) perform labiaplasty. While many OB/GYNs are capable of performing a labiaplasty, they may not be your best choice. An OB/GYN will be able to remove excess skin from your vaginal lips, but a skilled plastic surgeon like the members of our team will focus on the aesthetics as well. We will ensure scarring is minimal, and that the final contour, color, and symmetry all look and feel natural.
Will vaginal rejuvenation surgery cause insensitivity?
Like most surgeries, there may be short-term numbness in your vaginal area after the procedure is completed. This is usually temporary as your skin and vaginal lips heal. For those concerned about sexual sensitivity, it is essential to realize that labia rejuvenation addresses the vaginal lips and not the nerves of the clitoris. Experienced surgeons at Forma Plastic Surgery who have performed numerous labiaplasties will avoid the clitoris so that a loss of sensitivity does not occur.
What is the recovery process like after a labiaplasty?
Prior to your procedure, our team will explain what to expect following your labiaplasty as well as suggestions to speed your recovery. You should expect some bruising and swelling in the treated areas plus a certain amount of discomfort right after your surgery. You need to stay home for at least a week before resuming light activities. We will assess your recovery during your follow-up appointments and tell you when you are able to resume exercise and sexual activity.
Are there nonsurgical vaginal rejuvenation treatments?
There are non-surgical options that may help to improve small amounts of looseness in your vaginal area. However, vaginal rejuvenation surgery is better for significant improvements to tighten and re-shape your labia. During your consultation with your surgeon, they can discuss your surgical and nonsurgical treatment options and make recommendations based on your goals.
Will labiaplasty address physical discomfort and make sexual intercourse more enjoyable?
Labiaplasty reduces discomfort caused by enlarged or uneven labia that can interfere with daily activities like wearing tight pants or cause irritation during intimate situations. While many women seek labiaplasty for cosmetic reasons, the procedure can also address functional reasons by alleviating pain or chafing. If you are experiencing any of the following issues, our Scottsdale office can help you explore whether labiaplasty is the right option to improve both comfort and confidence.
Is labiaplasty an outpatient procedure?
Yes, labiaplasty is generally performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day. Techniques such as wedge excision are commonly used to reshape the labia with minimal downtime. Your surgeon will discuss the expected outcomes and recovery process during your consultation to ensure you clearly understand what to expect.
Can labiaplasty be performed under general anesthesia?
Most patients undergo labiaplasty using local anesthesia, but the procedure can be performed under general anesthesia if preferred or medically necessary. This allows the patient to be fully unconscious and comfortable during the surgery, which targets the vulva to improve appearance and function. Your surgeon will help determine the best anesthesia option based on your health and comfort.
Comfortable and Confident
Every vagina is not exactly alike, and many factors may play into the appearance of your labia. If you are not confident or comfortable because of the shape and size of your vaginal lips, find out more about a labiaplasty. Talk to one of our caring plastic surgeons about your needs and concerns so we can create your custom labiaplasty surgical plan. We encourage you to schedule a consultation at Forma Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale to hear more about vaginal rejuvenation with labiaplasty.
