Vaginal rejuvenation has become more popular in the last decade. The most skilled physicians to perform this surgery are plastic surgeons, cosmetic gynecologists or urogynecologists who have a true interest in the overall aesthetic wellness of female patients.
The increased interest in vaginal rejuvenation and labiaplasty has occurred naturally as women have come to realize that this area of concern is valid and not off-limits and due to the active lifestyle women are enjoying. Easy access to images of attractive female genitalia on the internet, the ubiquity of Brazilian waxing (with more visibility of the female genitalia) and increased media attention to procedures such as labiaplasty have contributed to our ever-changing aesthetic of the attractive female genitalia.
This area of cosmetic surgery is now at the forefront of the most intimate areas of a woman’s sense of self-improvement.
Many patients who experience normal aging and hormonal change or changes after pregnancy or weight loss frequently experience the common symptoms of excessive labial tissues. The age range of these patients is quite broad, ranging from teens to seniors. Younger patients may be concerned with protrusion and asymmetry. Older patients may have healed labial tears and laxity issues of the labia and vaginal canal, and this excessive or hypertrophied tissue may cause self-consciousness or interfere with sexual intercourse. Athletes may seek labiaplasty due to rubbing during activities like cycling, running or horseback riding, or due to one’s appearance in revealing clothing such as lingerie, bathing suits or athletic wear. For many women, these symptoms may create a loss of self-esteem or be a source of embarrassment. Labial reduction can greatly improve the aesthetic appearance of the abnormally enlarged labia.
Many factors contribute to one’s overall sense of self-confidence, sexuality, femininity, and overall health and hygiene. None is more personal and private than a woman’s genitalia.
The most common forms of vaginal rejuvenation surgery are labia minora reduction, labia majora reduction, clitoral hood reduction, labia majora augmentation and vaginal tightening or reconstruction.
The most-requested procedure is labia minora reduction, which consists of reducing the protrusion of the labia minora or inner lip of the tissue just outside the vagina.
Reduction of the labia majora may also be performed if the tissue referred to as the outer lip is enlarged as well.
The labia majora may become deflated or lax with age, pregnancy or weight loss, making the labia minora appear enlarged. These patients may benefit from labia minora reduction with labia majora enhancement utilizing injections of fat; alternatively, hyaluronic acid (Juvederm, Voluma, Restylane) or Sculptra may be injected. Lastly, nonsurgical skin tightening treatments may be recommended using radiofrequency, ultrasound or laser devices.
Clitoral hood reduction refers to resecting excess tissue overlying the clitoris. This is typically for patients who describe a feeling of fullness or bulkiness interfering with sexual activities.
Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure done under local anesthesia with ProNox (nitrous oxide) or under IV sedation in our fully Quad A accredited in-suite surgical facility. Dr. Samuels is very sensitive to each patient’s needs and uses a topical numbing cream prior to injection of local anesthetic. The procedures may take 45 minutes to 2 hours to perform, depending on the techniques being utilized. Dr. Samuels recommends a period of 2-3 days of bedrest to reduce overall swelling and bruising before resuming normal daily activities, and 6 weeks before resuming aerobic exercise and strenuous physical activities, like running, biking and sexual activity.
Common concerns with labiaplasty involve location of incisions, sensation in the operated areas, future childbirth issues and whether sexual satisfaction is adversely affected. Incisions are well-concealed within the natural folds of labial tissues, all sutures are dissolvable and within several weeks, the incisions are barely discernible. In cases where excess clitoral or labial tissue is removed, sexual satisfaction is often improved, with less discomfort in the area. Labiaplasty does not affect future childbirth or delivery.
In cases where there is asymmetry or a minimal amount of redundancy, the labial tissues may be corrected and tightened using energy devices such as Forma V, Ultra Femme 360, Aviva and co2re Intima, one of the best nonsurgical alternatives.
For more information about labiaplasty surgery or to see if you’re a good candidate for this procedure, schedule a consultation with Dr. Samuels at 502-897-9411.
Our practice serves Louisville, KY and the surrounding areas.
