It’s not often talked about, but many women experience discomfort due to the size and shape of their vulva, specifically their labia. For some, it’s embarrassment, worry, and self-consciousness when they are with a partner, but some women even experience physical pain and discomfort caused by irritation and pressure through everyday movements, clothing, or sexual activity along with an increased risk of yeast infections.
What causes women to have enlarged or long labia? This is a condition called labial hypertrophy, in which the inner lips (the labia minor) extend past the outer lips (labia majora) and “stick out.” While some women are born with it, others may develop the condition due to hormone fluctuations like puberty and pregnancy, or even aging.
Fortunately, if this affects you and you’re ready to do something about it, we can help. Board-certified plastic surgeon in Raleigh, Dr. Ortiz, provides labiaplasty, a surgical procedure that reshapes and reduces the size of the labia and allows women to live with comfort.
What is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure that reduces the size or length of the labia minora, the inner portion of the labia, so that it does not hang below the labia majora, the outer portion. While it’s considered a cosmetic procedure, many women experience physical pain and discomfort from enlarged inner labia as it may twist or tug, or the sensitive tissues may be irritated during physical activity, including sex.
Labiaplasty may be performed two ways: either by trimming the excess skin and using dissolvable sutures to close the edges, or by trimming a wedge-shaped area from each side of the labia and joining the sides together to make the area smaller and within the outer labia. Following the procedure, it’s normal to experience swelling and discomfort, but within a week, most patients are able to return to work and engage in light activity. However, it’s generally recommended to wait up to six weeks to have sexual intercourse. Labiaplasty may be performed alone or as part of a mommy makeover or menopause makeover. You can learn more about the procedure by reading our frequently asked questions about labiaplasty, benefits of labiaplasty surgery., and labiaplasty recovery process.
Is Labiaplasty Right for You?
If you feel that the size of your labia is effecting your physical or emotional well being, this can be the solution that’s right for you. Many women who undergo this procedure report that issues of inflammation, chafing, and dryness are minimized while experiencing more pleasure and confidence during sexual activity.
The right candidates for this procedure are women who are in general good health, without conditions that may increase the risks of surgery. It’s also important to not smoke or use products containing nicotine as this can cause complications with healing.
Schedule a Consultation for Labiaplasty Today
If you are considering labiaplasty, we encourage you to contact us today. Dr. Ortiz has helped countless women find relief through this procedure, and during your initial consultation, he will sit down with you to discuss your concerns, what type of incision method may be right for you, and what you can expect during and after the procedure. To schedule your personalized consultation at our plastic surgery center in Raleigh, give us a call at 919-532-2270 or complete our online contact form below.
