Labiaplasty San Francisco

Labiaplasty Explained

Congenital causes, pregnancy, or childbirth may result in elongated labia minora, the lips that surround the vaginal opening. Women with prominent labia minora may experience pain during intercourse, bicycling, yoga or other activities. They may also be dissatisfied with the way that they look in and out of clothing.

Through labiaplasty, our doctors can resolve this condition for San Francisco women. This common surgery reduces the size of the labia minora so they are not as protuberant and it helps reduce the discomfort that patients may have lived with for years. Frequently excess skin around the clitoral hood is also removed so the entire area remains in balance.

The doctors of Plastic Surgery Associates are board-certified specialists and international leaders in labiaplasty procedures. They have published many articles and book chapters on labiaplasty treatment, trained plastic surgeons around the world in their techniques, and received professional awards for their work in this area. Learn more about what to expect in their care.

Dr. Furnas International Publications on Labiaplasty

Benefits of Labiaplasty

Patients choose treatment with Plastic Surgery Associates for a variety of reasons:

Before & After Photos

If you are unsure of whether a labiaplasty will improve the look and feel of your labia, view our before and after photo gallery to see how this plastic surgery procedure enhances an individual’s labia minora.

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Labiaplasty Photos

Am I a Good Candidate?

If you are considering a labiaplasty, here are some things to determine whether you are an ideal candidate for this procedure. Generally, we ask that our patients are in good health and do not have any underlying health conditions that may put them at risk during or after the procedure.

Labiaplasty is Great For

Labiaplasty performed by an experienced surgeon can help women feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies. A labiaplasty is great for you if you desire:

• Greater Comfort – If you experience discomfort, irritation, or pain related to your labia minora, a labiaplasty can remove excess skin and improve your quality of life.
• Improved Aesthetics – If you feel embarrassed or self-conscious about the way it looks, a labiaplasty can help you achieve a younger, more compact labia.
• Better Sex Life – Do you experience pain or discomfort during intercourse due to tugging or tearing? A labiaplasty can remove excess skin to help you enjoy sex again.
• Enhanced Hygiene – Address any hygiene issues due to an elongated or drooping labia with a professional labiaplasty.

How Old Do I Have to Be?

With a parent’s written consent, you can have a labiaplasty as young as 16. However, we recommend our patients be fully developed before undergoing this procedure. This is generally around the age of 18 or older.

The Procedure Process Explained

The Consultation

During your labiaplasty consultation, your doctor will ask questions to learn more about your aesthetic goals and examine your labia minora to determine if this procedure is right for you. Then, he or she will discuss the procedure with you in detail so you can better understand how it works and what you can expect.

Additionally, your surgeon will discuss what you can expect during the recovery period, as well as any pre-and post-operative instructions they may have.

Furthermore, your labiaplasty consultation is the best time to ask any questions or address any concerns you may have regarding the procedure.

What Should I Do in Preparation?

In preparation for your labiaplasty, it is important to take care of your health and ensure you have everything you need at home for an optimal recovery period. Your labiaplasty preparation to-do list may include:

• Arranging for transportation to and from the clinic
• Taking time off work to prioritize healing.
• Eating healthy, staying active, and drinking enough water.
• Getting enough sleep and rest to boost your immune system.
• Avoiding alcohol and any nicotine products.
• Stopping all medications that may increase bleeding.
• Filling all prescriptions.
• Preparing your home by getting enough groceries and light cleaning.

For more pre-operative and post-operative instructions, consult with your doctor.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

On average, it takes one to two hours to complete a labiaplasty, depending on the extent of the treatment. Before your procedure, your surgeon will give you a time estimate, so you have a better idea of what to expect.

What is Surgery Like?

During a labiaplasty, your plastic surgeon resizes and reshapes your labia minora using one of two techniques: the trim technique or wedge technique.

The trim technique involves trimming and removing excess tissue from the outer edge of the labia minora, strategically contouring the edge, and stitching the tissue to ensure it looks symmetrical with the labia majora.

The wedge technique involves cutting a V-shaped wedge of tissue from the thickest part of the labia minora. This preserves the outer edge for a more natural appearance. Then, your surgeon will stitch the edges with sutures.

How Long After Surgery Can I Start Having Sex?

You will need to avoid sexual intercourse for at least one month after your labiaplasty. However, this varies depending on the extent of the procedure and an individual’s healing level. Therefore, you should not restart sexual intercourse after a labiaplasty procedure until your plastic surgeon clears you for sexual activity during one of your post-op appointments.

What Should I Expect in Terms of Recovery?

In most cases, you can have labiaplasty performed under local anesthesia at our San Francisco practice. Our surgical facility is AAAASF-certified, a credential that demonstrates our commitment to the highest safety standards.

During your labiaplasty recovery, you can expect significant swelling and discomfort for two to three days after the procedure. You will also likely be instructed to wear bandages and compression garments for the first week.

Regarding hygiene, it is important to avoid showering or bathing for the first 24 hours after the procedure. And for clothing, we recommend avoiding all tight clothing, which may irritate the surgical site.

In the two to six weeks following your labiaplasty, you can expect a decrease in swelling and itching. You may still be instructed to wear bandages and compression garments, which are important for optimal healing.

After six or so weeks, your labia minora should heal nicely, and you can resume your daily activities, including sexual intercourse. However, it is important to wait until your surgeon gives you the all-clear.

How Long Will My Results Last?

You can expect to see the final results of your labiaplasty around the four to six-month mark following the procedure, after all the swelling, bruising, and redness has cleared, and your surgical site is completely healed.

Generally, the results of a labiaplasty are permanent. This means that when the extra labial skin is removed, it will not grow back. You can revel in your new, beautiful results for the long term.

Other Things to Consider Before Getting a Labiaplasty

Will I Need to Request a Lot of Time Off from Work?

While it can take a couple of months for the skin to fully heal after a labiaplasty, we recommend at least one week off work following the procedure. This depends on your job, however. If you have a strenuous or physically demanding profession, you may want to take more time off work to prioritize healing.

Can Labiaplasty Be Performed in Combination with Other Procedures?

Often, patients benefit from other procedures at the same time as labiaplasty, which only addresses the labial skin. These procedures include:

• Clitoral hood reduction, which revises the skin around the clitoris.
• Vaginoplasty, which tightens the interior walls of the vagina.
• Perineoplasty, which repairs damage to the area between the vagina and anus.
• Labia majoraplasty, which reduces the size of the labia majora (the hair-bearing folds that enclose the labia minora) and can help with what is known as “camel toe.”

Labiaplasty Costs in San Francisco

Factors that affect the cost include:

• Whether the labiaplasty is done on one side for symmetry (unilaterally) or both sides (bilaterally).
• The areas addressed. For example, many women benefit from clitoral hood reduction during the labiaplasty surgery.
• Whether patients have vaginoplasty or perineoplasty at the same time as labiaplasty.

The result of surgery should be a more compact, youthful appearance. Patients should be able to enjoy intercourse and other activities without irritation or pain and should enjoy a better overall quality of life.

Does My Insurance Cover the Procedure?

In most cases, health insurance will not cover labiaplasty. However, if you and your surgeon can prove that it is medically necessary, then your insurance may cover the procedure. We recommend you consult with your insurance provider to learn more about your coverage.

If you are considering a labiaplasty in San Francisco but need assistance in paying for the treatment, we offer financing options at Plastic Surgery Associates. Contact us to learn more.

You’re In Good Hands with Plastic Surgery Associates

If you are interested in getting a labiaplasty, trust the experienced plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Associates in San Francisco. We have years of experience and countless patients that are happy with their labiaplasty results. Schedule your consultation today at (707) 504-3277 to learn more about how we can help improve the look and feel of your labia.