Labiaplasty FAQs
News outlets have recently reported that the number of women seeking labiaplasty — a surgical procedure to reshape and resize the inner and/or outer lips of the vagina — is rising dramatically. The reasons for pursing surgery are as varied as the women themselves: certain women dislike the appearance of their labia; others experience pain related to their external genitalia; and some want to improve sexual satisfaction. Whatever the reason, Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha is happy to speak to women from Albany, Schenectady and beyond about labiaplasty. He thought it would be helpful to compile a list of the most frequently asked questions about labiaplasty.
Do I need labiaplasty?
The best way to tell whether you need labiaplasty is to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Kayastha for a consultation. Suitable labiaplasty candidates are generally women who experience the following because of their external genitalia:
- Self-conscious feelings
- Discomfort during physical activity (e.g., bike-riding)
- Labia that become easily chafed or pinched
- Pain during intercourse
- Discomfort when wearing tight-fitting clothing
How can I prepare for labiaplasty?
You may be asked to undergo some pre-operative testing, including a pregnancy test. You will need to quit smoking and stop taking any blood-thinning medications, including aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs, a few weeks before surgery. Other than that, you should eat well, exercise and get plenty of sleep in the days leading up to surgery.
What happens during labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is generally performed on an outpatient basis and takes approximately one to two hours, depending on the extent of the procedure. Dr. Kayastha can use several different techniques to trim and reshape the labia. Small incisions are made and excess tissue and skin is excised to reconfigure the inner and outer lips of the vagina. Tiny sutures are used to close the incisions.
What is the labiaplasty recovery like?
The genital area is usually sore, swollen and bruised after surgery; these side effects last a few weeks. Oral medication is prescribed to reduce pain and discomfort. Most women return to work a few days to a week after surgery. Strenuous exercise and sexual intercourse must be avoided for three or more weeks, per Dr. Kayastha’s instructions.
How much does labiaplasty cost?
The cost of labiaplasty depends on the case; not all patients are alike and some require slightly different procedures than others. Dr. Kayastha can provide more detailed information about labiaplasty cost during a surgical consultation.
To schedule a labiaplasty consultation with Dr. Kayastha, please call (518) 346-3125 or send us an email today.
