Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty at The Intimate Makeover with Dr. Helen Otteno is a specialized procedure designed to enhance both the function and appearance of your intimate area. This surgical intervention focuses on reducing and reshaping the labia minora (inner lips) to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing look. Whether you’re experiencing discomfort in tight clothing, pain during physical activities or intimacy, or simply wish to improve the appearance of your labia, Dr. Otteno’s expertise ensures a personalized approach that meets your unique needs.
Why Choose Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is sought by women for a variety of reasons, ranging from physical discomfort to aesthetic preferences. Some common motivations include:
Comfort and Confidence
Large or uneven labia can cause discomfort when wearing certain clothing, such as tight jeans or swimwear, and can lead to self-consciousness during intimate moments.
Pain During Physical Activity
For active women, enlarged labia can cause friction and irritation during activities like cycling, horseback riding, or running, leading to pain and even chafing.
Enhanced Aesthetics
Many women opt for labiaplasty to achieve a more streamlined and aesthetically pleasing appearance, which can boost self-esteem and confidence.
Our Personalized Approach
The Procedure
Labiaplasty, as performed by Dr. Otteno, is highly individualized, utilizing advanced techniques to sculpt the labia according to your specific anatomy and desired outcomes. The procedure is typically performed in-office under local anesthesia, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience. Depending on your needs, Dr. Otteno may recommend a linear trim or a V-wedge technique, both of which are designed to minimize scarring and preserve natural sensation.
Labiaplasty is often combined with a clitoral hood reduction to ensure a harmonious and natural-looking result. Dr. Otteno’s artistic eye and surgical precision allow for the delicate balance of reducing excess tissue while maintaining or enhancing sensitivity.
Recovery and Results
Labiaplasty recovery is typically straightforward, with most patients able to return to normal activities within a week.
While some swelling and discomfort are normal, these symptoms usually subside within a few days.
Dr. Otteno provides a comprehensive post-operative care kit and detailed instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results. Most women are pleasantly surprised by the minimal pain and quick healing process.
Schedule a Consultation
Labiaplasty may be the right choice for you if you’re looking to enhance your comfort and confidence. A consultation with Dr. Helen Otteno at The Intimate Makeover is the first step toward achieving your goals. During your consultation, Dr. Otteno will discuss your concerns, assess your anatomy, and create a customized surgical plan tailored to your needs. Our priority is to help you feel comfortable, confident, and empowered in your body.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty
How long does it take to recover from labiaplasty and/or vaginoplasty?
Recovery time varies depending on whether the procedure involves external or internal work. For external procedures like labiaplasty or clitoral hood reduction, it’s recommended to take it easy for 4-5 days, staying mostly at home with most patients able to return to basic activities: in 10 -14 days, light activities in 5 days.
Does insurance cover any of this surgery?
Generally, insurance does not cover genital plastic or cosmetic surgery, as it is considered elective and not medically necessary. However, if part of the surgery addresses a medically necessary condition, such as urinary incontinence or certain pelvic support issues, insurance may cover a portion of the costs. If your surgery combines medically necessary procedures with aesthetic enhancements, the medically indicated part may be covered, while the purely cosmetic portion will not be.
How does vaginoplasty and perineoplasty potentially improve sexual function?
Vaginoplasty and perineoplasty can improve sexual function in several ways:
- By repairing and strengthening the perineum and pelvic floor muscles, the vaginal opening’s tightness and angle are enhanced, leading to better gripability and increased pressure during intercourse. This can improve sexual satisfaction by providing more friction and contact with the clitoral complex.
- After childbirth, the upper vagina may become stretched, leading to looseness and reduced friction during intercourse. Vaginoplasty can tighten this area by repairing the fibrous fascia and removing excess vaginal skin, resulting in a firmer grip and improved sexual function.
- Labiaplasty can also enhance sexual function by reducing discomfort and improving the appearance of the labia, which can boost self-esteem and lead to a more positive sexual experience.
What are the risks of genital plastic/cosmetic surgery?
All surgeries carry risks, and the bar is set higher for elective cosmetic procedures. Risks can include poor or protracted healing, incision separation, ongoing pain during sexual activity, or cosmetic results that do not meet expectations.
For vaginoplasty or perineoplasty, additional risks include over- or under-tightening, injury to the bladder or bowel, infection, and abscess formation. It is crucial to follow a post-operative pelvic floor exercise program to maximize the benefits of your surgery.
What if I start my period near my procedure date?
If your period starts close to your scheduled procedure date, there’s no need to worry. Dr. Otteno is a gynecologist and can proceed with the surgery by having you wear a tampon, which she will remove at the end of the procedure. If you do not use tampons, the procedure may need to be rescheduled depending on the amount of bleeding.
How much time should I take off from work or school?
The amount of time needed off work or school varies depending on the type of work you do. Generally, at least one week, two weeks is better.
Can I exercise following the procedure?
It’s recommended to take a week off from exercising to allow your body to begin healing. Most exercises can be resumed 3-4 weeks after the procedure, but you should avoid activities like bicycling, horseback riding, swimming, Pilates, yoga, and wide-leg squats for a bit longer.
Will there be any sensation changes after labiaplasty?
Most labia have little to no sensation, so changes experienced after labiaplasty tend to be positive. Patients typically report no longer experiencing discomfort from their labia being pinched during intercourse. The frenulum, which has some sensation, is carefully preserved during the procedure to avoid any negative changes in sensation.
What are the limitations during recovery?
During recovery, it’s important to avoid soaking in water (such as in baths or hot tubs) for 6 weeks to prevent the stitches from dissolving too quickly. Additionally, refrain from sexual activity and tampon use for 6 weeks.
Do the stitches have to be removed?
No, the stitches used are dissolvable. In rare cases, one or two stitches may persist until your 6-week follow-up, at which point they can be easily removed.