Labiaplasty

There are various reasons for enlarged labia, such as childbirth, aging and genetics. Women start considering labiaplasty for a few reasons. First is functional benefits when electing for a labiaplasty. Many women with an enlarged labia experience difficulty with exercise, hygiene, urinary tract infections, sexual activity and other physical activity.nnAdditionally, with certain clothing choices such as yoga pants, workout pants and swimming suits, enlarged labia can make it difficult to wear such clothes. Some of our patients report tugging of the labial tissue with running and exercise. Some women also feel self-conscious with intimacy with their partners. These are some of the top reasons women choose to get labiaplasty.

Dr Fichadia performs labiaplasty with local anesthesia. A labiaplasty can be done in office with numbing medicine or local anesthetic. It typically takes 1.5 hours to perform the actual procedure. Dr Fichadia recommends planning on 2-2.5 hours for the procedure to allow the numbing medicine to work. If the surgery is done in the operating room under general anesthesia, it is around 1.5 hours of surgery time.

Overall, labiaplasty is a very safe procedure. Like any other surgery, there is a risk of bleeding, infection, and wound separation. If excess tissue is removed, there can be scarring which can result in painful sex. Dr Fichadia recommends a conservative excision of skin to ensure great results with minimal risk of painful scarring.

With Dr Fichadia, a labiaplasty can be done with local anesthesia in the office. However, many of our patients feel comfortable being put to sleep, and therefore, this option is also available to our patients.

Usually, labiaplasty surgery is not covered by insurance. If you have a referral from your gynecologist documenting repeated infections, and long standing physical symptoms from enlarged labia, Dr Fichadias office can submit for insurance authorization.

We recommend against driving yourself after a labiaplasty. For patients who undergo this procedure in office under local anesthesia, Dr Fichadia prescribes Xanax or other such sedative. Driving is not recommended after taking these medications, as well as after general anesthesia.

You can go to the bathroom like usual after a labiaplasty. It is important to wash the area and pat it dry after every visit to the bathroom. Detailed instructions on wound care are given at the time of your pre-surgical visit.

If you have enlarged inner labia that are bothersome to you, you may be a candidate for labiaplasty.

Dr Fichadia recommends resting as much as possible for the first week after a labiaplasty. Lying on your back, and icing the area reduces swelling, pain and ensures smooth recovery. You may be able to do remote online work in this time. Riding bikes, running and other physical activities will need to be avoided until you have been released, which is usually in 4 weeks. Premature return to the activities can exert pressure on the wound and will unnecessarily delay the healing process. You should not wear tight clothes or undergarments as they cause friction against the wound for the first 2 weeks. Also, Dr Fichadia recommends avoiding vaginal penetration for at least 6 weeks.