Posted: March 23, 2018
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure designed to improve comfort and enhance the appearance of the vagina. During labiaplasty, excess tissue in the labia minora, the inner folds of skin surrounding the vagina, is removed, restoring a smooth and appealing appearance while greatly improving physical comfort.
Women with protruding or saggy labial skin may experience serious discomfort during intercourse, while working, while exercising, or even when walking around town. Through labiaplasty, board-certified Indianapolis plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Fata can restore comfort by eliminating this redundant skin. In the process, this can improve clothing options by restoring a feminine appearance when tight clothing or a swimsuit is worn, making it a popular procedure among women who prefer more form-fitting options.
Labiaplasty Techniques
The two labiaplasty techniques are:
- Trim – the most common labiaplasty technique, a trim labiaplasty involves “trimming” excess skin along the length of the labia minora. This technique allows for removal of darkened vaginal skin, but requires an incision along the entire length of the labia minora, which can leave a significant scar
- Wedge – Less common and more complex, wedge labiaplasty involves removing a V-shaped wedge from the central part of the labia minora. After removal, the front and back of the labia minora are stitched together to produce complete symmetry. Wedge labiaplasty will not remove the darker skin from vaginal lips. However, the scar with this labiaplasty technique is much smaller and it eliminates the risk of an “amputated” labia.
Dr. Fata only performs the central wedge labiaplasty technique. While pigmentation variations are not addressed with this type of labiaplasty, it preserves the natural boarder and contour of the labia minora, which cannot be surgically recreated after trimming.
For a natural-looking result that eliminates the risk of excessive labia minora removal, wedge labiaplasty is the most effective option. During your initial consultation, we can discuss this in greater detail to help you better understand why we have chosen to not offer the riskier trim method.
Labiaplasty Recovery
Full recovery from wedge labiaplasty can take up to six weeks, but initial recovery should be completed within just a few days. Most women are able to resume working and moderate activities within 48 to 72 hours, but advanced exercises, sex, and activities that place pressure on the vagina, like bike riding, will need to be avoided for at least a month.
Included in the cost of your labiaplasty are all postoperative visits with Dr. Fata. During these visits, Dr. Fata will listen to any concerns you may have, carefully assess your healing process, and make recommendations as needed to improve your comfort and speed recovery. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have during your postoperative visits, allowing us to provide you with the most rewarding experience possible.
If you live in Indianapolis, Carmel, Noblesville, or surrounding areas of Indiana and would like more information about Dr. Fata’s central wedge labiaplasty technique, please call Renaissance Plastic Surgery at 317-575-9152 and schedule a consultation today.
