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It is possible to be dissatisfied with any aspect of your appearance. For a number of women, it is the look of their most intimate area that causes them the greatest deal of concern. Many people refer to having or wanting a ‘tidy vagina’, but in fact, in most instances, it isn’t actually the vagina itself that they are talking about, but the flaps of skin that cover it and in particular, the darker-colored, inner ‘lips’ of tissue that are located on either side of the vaginal opening, known as the labia minora. For women who are embarrassed about the appearance of this part of their body, a labiaplasty could be the solution that they are looking for.

Dr. LoTempio understands the needs of her female patients and prioritizes these when performing labiaplasty.

What is a Labiaplasty and When is it Needed?

A labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that is carried out with the purpose of reducing the size of and/or reshaping the labia minora, improving it overall.

There are two main reasons why women choose to undergo a labiaplasty. The most common is that the patient is unhappy with the appearance of their labia. All parts of the female body, irrespective of their location, come in all shapes and sizes. The labia are no exception.

While some women will have very small, tight flaps of skin covering the entrance to their most intimate area, others will find that their flaps are larger, or more wrinkled or perhaps not completely symmetrical. In some instances, they may hang outside of the labia majora which are the larger areas of skin and tissue that usually cover the entire feminine area when your legs are closed. If you are concerned about the appearance of your labia minora, you may wish to consider plastic surgery to reduce their size or to reshape them.

Although less common, the second reason why some women opt for labiaplasty is that they suffer from discomfort. This can happen when the soft, sensitive skin of the labia minora protrudes beyond the walls of the labia majora, rubbing on panties or swimwear and causing pain and discomfort.

What Happens During a Labiaplasty?

A labiaplasty is a fairly straightforward surgical procedure that can be carried out using a local anesthetic, sedation, or a general anesthetic if you prefer. The procedure usually takes no more than a couple of hours and you should be able to go home the same day.

Once under the effects of the anesthetic, your Dr. LoTempio will access the inner labial folds and will trim away any parts that protrude and make any adjustments needed to ensure that they are as even and symmetrical as possible. Any open areas will be closed using ultra-fine, dissolvable sutures so that you don’t need to have them removed at a later appointment. Your procedure will then conclude. If you have had a general anesthetic, you will need to stay in our recovery suite until the effects of the anesthetic have worn off enough for us to allow you to go home.

Recovering From Labiaplasty

As you would expect, it is natural to experience some swelling and pain in your intimate region after your procedure. Most patients find that over-the-counter pain relief is usually adequate, but if you are struggling with postoperative discomfort, we may be able to prescribe you something stronger. You will need to keep the area clean by having a daily bath or shower, and you should wear loose clothing and a panty liner in the first few days after your surgery.

Dr. LoTempio will advise you to abstain from any vigorous physical activity for two weeks, and you should avoid vaginal intercourse for two to four weeks. You may also need to take a few days off of work in the initial phase of your recovery. We will be happy to provide any additional advice and support you may need during your labiaplasty recovery.

If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your most intimate area and would like more information on labiaplasty or to arrange a confidential consultation, please contact our discreet and knowledgeable team at LoTempio Plastic Surgery for Women in New York, NY by calling 347-434-8600.