Labiaplasty

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Pittsburgh, PA

Dr. Anna Wooten of Beleza Plastic Surgery performs Labiaplasty procedures for Pittsburgh women who wish to reshape their labia. Labiaplasty is a plastic surgery procedure designed to reduce the size of the inner labia and outer labia, which are the folds of skin surrounding the vulva. This procedure has also been called Labiaplasty or vaginal rejuvenation. Dr. Wooten has taken meticulous steps to master the most current Labiaplasty techniques and practices.

Dr. Anna Wooten has helped men and women from Pittsburgh to Cranberry Township and beyond look and feel their best with cosmetic surgery. Contact us online today or call 724-759-7777 to schedule your Labiaplasty surgery consultation.

Patients feel comfortable with Dr. Wooten both because she is a female plastic surgeon, and also because they feel confident in her ability to attain excellent results for her patients.

Why is a Labiaplasty Performed?

Labias come in many shapes, colors and sizes. Furthermore, factors, such as aging and childbirth can influence the appearance of your labia. Sometimes a doctor may recommend a Labiaplasty procedure for medical reasons. These cases are usually due to an enlarged labia that may make certain activities like sex or exercising painful. Vaginal rejuvenation surgery may also be performed simply for aesthetic reasons.

There are several conditions which Labiaplasty surgery can resolve:

  • Congenital defects
  • Abnormalities like vaginal atresia ( absence of vaginal passage), intersex conditions (female and male sexual characteristics) or Mullerian agenesis (wrong formation of fallopian tubes and uterus)
  • Natural aging
  • Stretching and tearing caused by childbirth

Dr. Wooten can perform Labiaplasty under local anesthesia, general anesthesia or conscious sedation. You will discuss these options further with Dr. Wooten during your consultation.

 

Labiaplasty Techniques:

Edge Resection Technique

The original technique of this procedure is a simple resection of the tissues on the free edge of the inner labia. This method is used by many plastic surgeons because it is the easiest to perform. Another advantage of this technique is the ability to conceal the darkened, irregular labial edges with linear scars.

Central Wedge Resection Technique

This technique involves removing and cutting the full wedge of tissues from the thickest part of the labium. This approach preserves the wrinkle-free edge of the outer labia.

De-epithelialization Technique

De-epithelialization involves cutting of the epithelium. This can be done either with medical laser or scalpel. This approach can reduce the excessive vertical tissues and preserve the corrugated free edge of the outer labia. Thus, it also preserves the erectile and sensory attributes of the inner or outer labia.

Labial Reduction with Clitoral Unhooding

Oftentimes, this procedure involves the resection of the clitoral hood, especially when the skin’s thickness interferes with the sexual response. The surgical approach of clitoral unhooding includes the soft tissues’ V to Y advancement. This can be achieved through suturing the hood of the clitoris to the pubic bone.

Recovery

After a labial reduction procedure, you will experience minimal pain. Our patients leave the hospital or office on the same day, and are able to quickly resume their normal activities. We provide our patients with a specialized cooling pack for the area.

In consultation, Dr. Wooten will inform you that soon after the operation the reduced labia may swell, but this swelling will dissipate shortly.

Post-Op Care Instructions

You will be instructed on proper post-operative care by our office. Instruction includes the following tips:

  • After the appropriate amount of time, properly bathe the area, so as to prevent infection.
  • Take your medication on time. Use only products recommended by our nurses.
  • Rest. Take it easy for three to four days.
  • Call our office immediately should you be concerned about unusual pain or swelling.
  • Allow time to heal; refrain from sexual activities for several weeks after the Labiaplasty.

Medical risks or complications due to this procedure are not common. However, there are some cases where women may experience infection, bleeding, poor-wound healing, labial symmetry, overcorrection or under correction.

How Much Does Labiaplasty Cost in Pittsburgh?

Labiaplasty costs at Beleza Plastic Surgery vary depending on the needs of the client. Dr. Wooten will give you an exact quote for the surgery during your comprehensive consultation. This includes all consultation appointments, aftercare visits, and any products and services associated with the labiaplasty procedure.

Labiaplasty FAQs

What are the risks of Labiaplasty?

Typically, complications with this procedure are uncommon. Because general anesthesia isn’t necessary, many risks typically associated with cosmetic surgery are eliminated. Of course, it is a surgical procedure, and should be taken seriously. However, other than a few weeks of compromised sensation, you should not have any long-term side-effects.

Why has Labiaplasty become so popular?

Some have called it the “yoga pants” effect. Perhaps because this part of a woman’s anatomy is more visible than it was before, we are simply more conscious of it. The increase in Labiaplasty procedures can also be attributed to the safe and straightforward nature of the surgery. Recovery period is relatively short and pain free.

I’m a virgin; will Labiaplasty affect this?

No. The procedure is purely cosmetic in nature and will not interfere with the inner parts of your anatomy.

Will Labiaplasty change my sensitivity?

When Labiaplasty is performed by a qualified and experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon it should not cause any permanent change in sensitivity. The procedure does not affect the nerves responsible for sensitivity, and the clitoris (the area from which many women derive sexual pleasure) is left untouched. The genital tissues may feel sore, swollen or tender for a few weeks after surgery, but those sensations should resolve on their own.
As with any surgery, nerve damage can be a risk, however Dr. Anna Wooten minimizes this risk by using the ‘wedge resection technique’ when she performs Labiaplasty. This method of performing the procedure means that the risk of compromised sensation is minimal.

Will it affect sexual experience?

Labiaplasty usually has a positive effect on a woman’s sexual experiences because it increases self-confidence and personal comfort. Women who feel self-conscious of the way their genitals look or find their long or prominent labia to be physically uncomfortable, often believe that it interferes with sexual intimacy. Labiaplasty enhances the appearance of the vaginal area and trims long or asymmetrical labia, boosting self-confidence and personal comfort. These factors enable many women to enjoy a very satisfying sex life after surgery.

Is Labiaplasty permanent?

The results of Labiaplasty are considered to be permanent. Dr. Wooten’s patients typically do not require any further surgery.

What is my recovery after Labiaplasty?

You will experience minimal pain after a Labiaplasty procedure. Take your pain medications as directed by Dr. Wooten. For the first four days, you will rest and refrain from any activity. After four days you may return to light duty or desk work without excessive walking. At three weeks, you can return to the gym and to your normal activity level. At six weeks you can have sexual intercourse, use a tampon or engage in activities like riding a bike.
Remember, this procedure has a very low risk of complications. As long as you follow the 4-3-6 rule, you should do very well.

How long does it take for the stitches to dissolve?

How long does it take for the stitches to dissolve?Dr. Wooten will place two types of sutures during your Labiaplasty procedure.  The superficial layer of sutures will be visible and palpable (you can feel them) on the surface of your incision like a fine hair. These sutures will start to dissolve around 2-3 weeks. It is normal to experience itching during this period as this is part of the normal healing process. Dr. Wooten will place deeper sutures that you will not see but you may feel them. They will feel like knots or bumps until the swelling subsides in approximately 4-6 weeks.  The deeper sutures may take 2-4 months to absorb.

How do I go to the bathroom during the healing period?

Infections are uncommon. Use only water to cleanse the area and pat it dry. There is no need to use soap or other disinfecting products. You will be instructed to apply antibiotic ointment to the surgical area. You may have some stinging with urination. Use a spray bottle filled with water to squirt on the incisions as you urinate. This will dilute the urine and reduce the stinging sensation. Additionally, it gives the added benefit of keeping the surgical area clean after urination.

How long will I be swollen for?

Everyone heals differently. Typically, swelling may be present for a few weeks and peak at 2-3 days. As you increase your activity, you may notice more swelling. During this time, wear loose-fitting clothing for your comfort.

When can I have sex and why do I have to wait 6 weeks?

For a period of six weeks, patients will have to abstain from sexual intercourse. You will also have to avoid wearing tampons, masturbation, or any activities that could impede healing. The incisions are fresh and can open with aggressive friction. Your incisions need adequate time to heal. It is advantageous to follow Dr. Wooten’s instructions closely in order to get the best result with the least amount of recovery time.

How long should I keep applying ice to the area?

Apply ice packs for 15 minutes, remove for 15 minutes, then reapply for 15 minutes to avoid skin damage. Continue the icing process until the swelling and pain have diminished. Do not apply ice packs directly on bare skin.

Will I still be bleeding from my incisions when I leave?

Mild blood-tinged drainage from your incisions is normal. Excessive or continuous bleeding is not. After Labiaplasty, discomfort, tenderness, and swelling are to be expected.

How long do I have to wait to go swimming or take a bath?

Patients are instructed not to submerge their incisions in water (such as in a bathtub, pool, hot tub or ocean) for up to 3 months.

Will I have a scar?

Any incision on the body will leave a scar. Labial scars will appear red/pink for several weeks. After that, they will gradually fade and soften. Labiaplasty scars are located along the labia minora, labia majora or clitoral hood.