What are the reasons Of Labiaplasty?
There are many reasons why women might opt for Labia Reduction Surgery and this will always vary among patients. Labiaplasty surgery can alter the size and shape of the labia minora or majora and has several potential reasons patients choose this, including:
- Appearance: Labiaplasty can change the appearance of the labia, addressing concerns related to size, symmetry, and overall appearance.
- Increased Comfort: Women who experience discomfort due to elongated or asymmetrical labia may find relief after Labiaplasty, as it can eliminate irritation and chafing during activities like exercise or wearing tight clothing.
- Restored Functionality: Labiaplasty can assist with functionality by reducing labial interference during physical activities and improving personal hygiene.
- Tailored Results: The surgery is highly customisable, allowing patients to achieve the precise aesthetic and functional outcomes they desire.
It’s essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specialises in Labiaplasty to discuss your specific concerns and goals. They can provide personalised advice and guidance, ensuring you make an informed decision regarding the surgery.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that is typically performed for either cosmetic or functional reasons. The following factors can make someone a suitable candidate for Labiaplasty:
- Cosmetic Concerns: Some individuals may be dissatisfied with the aesthetic appearance of their Labia Minora, such as if they find them uneven, large or asymmetrical.
- Functional Issues: Labiaplasty may be considered if an individual experiences physical discomfort or irritation due to enlarged or hypertrophic Labia Minora. Discomfort can occur during activities like wearing tight clothing, exercising, or sexual intercourse. In such cases a Labiaplasty may help alleviate these issues.
- Realistic Expectations: Candidates should have realistic expectations about the outcomes of Labiaplasty. While the procedure can address certain concerns, it may not necessarily create a symmetric Labia, as individual anatomy can vary.
- Physical Health: Candidates should be in overall good physical health. They should not have any existing medical conditions that could increase the risks associated with surgery.
- Emotional Health: Emotional well being is important as candidates should be mentally prepared for the procedure. It is essential to have a clear understanding of the motivations for wanting a Labiaplasty and to be psychologically prepared for the recovery process.
- Non-Smoker: It is recommended for candidates to be non-smokers or to give up smoking before the surgery, as smoking can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
- Age Consideration: Labiaplasty candidates should be of an appropriate age to provide informed consent for the procedure. Surgeons often prefer to perform the surgery on adults, although exceptions may be made for individuals under 18 if there are compelling reasons.
It is crucial to note that Labiaplasty Surgery is an elective surgical procedure and the decision to undergo it should not be taken lightly. Candidates should thoroughly discuss their motivations, expectations and concerns with a qualified plastic surgeon.
Labiaplasty Labia Reduction in Melbourne VIC Before and After Photos
You can see Labiaplasty before and after surgery photographs, performed in Accredited Melbourne Hospitals by our experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeons when you come into our clinic for a consultation. Due to the sensitive nature of the images we do not show Labiaplasty before and after images on our website.
What should I know about Having a Labiaplasty?
A Labia Reduction should always be performed by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon at either an accredited out patient surgery centre or a Hospital.
There are two main surgical techniques when it comes to Labiaplasty surgery, the trim method and the wedge method.
Trim Method
- The Trim method is sometimes referred to as the strip method.
- This is the most common method for reducing the length of the labia.
- The surgeon will remove excess labial skin along the length (edge) of the labia minora.
- This method is less likely to cause complications and may be a choice for patients looking to remove any darker, longer edges of the labia.
Wedge Method
- The Wedge Method removes a wedge-shaped portion of the unwanted labium which reduces the bulk of the labia minora.
- Removing the wedge of labial tissue does not affect any functioning areas of the vagina
- This method can also help to reduce any excess tissue in those areas as well.
Our surgeons typically perform this procedure while the patient is under General Anaesthetic. Furthermore, your surgeon will use dissolvable stitches. Although this can result in discomfort for a few days as the stitches dissolve it means you don’t need to have your surgeon remove them.
Risks and Potential Complications of Labiaplasty Surgery
Labiaplasty, like any surgical procedure, carries potential risks and complications. It’s crucial to be well-informed about these before considering the surgery. Some of the potential risks and complications associated with Labiaplasty, includes:
- Infection
- Excessive Bleeding
- Poor Scarring
- Asymmetry
- Changes in Sensation
- Chronic Pain.
- Over or Under Resection
- Hematoma
- Seroma
- Wound Separation
- Anesthesia Risks
- Unsatisfactory Results
- Functional Changes
It’s crucial to discuss these risks and complications with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specialises in Labiaplasty. They can provide personalised guidance, inform you about the specific risks based on your anatomy and health, and help you make an informed decision about the procedure. Visit the Risks of Surgery page for more information.
Recovery from Labiaplasty
Recovery from Labiaplasty surgery is an essential aspect of the overall procedure. While the specifics of recovery can vary from person to person, here is a general overview of what you can expect after Labiaplasty:
Immediate Post-Op Period (Days 1-2)
- Pain and Discomfort: It’s normal to experience pain, swelling, and discomfort in the immediate days following surgery.
- Swelling: Swelling is common and is typically most pronounced during the first few days. Using cold packs can help reduce swelling.
- Rest: Rest is crucial during the initial recovery period. You should avoid strenuous activities, including sexual intercourse, for several weeks.
- Pain Management: Your surgeon will prescribe pain medications to manage discomfort. Follow your surgeon’s instructions for taking these medications.
First Two Weeks
- Hygiene: Proper hygiene is essential to prevent infection. You’ll need to keep the surgical area clean, and your surgeon will provide specific instructions.
- Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising typically subside within the first two weeks, but it can take longer for the final results to become apparent.
- Activity: Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that could cause friction or discomfort in the surgical area.
- Return to Work: Most individuals can return to work within a week if their job is not physically demanding.
Three to Six Weeks
- Resuming Normal Activities: You can gradually resume normal activities, but avoid anything overly strenuous or involving significant friction in the surgical area.
- Scar Care: Your surgeon may recommend scar care treatments to minimise visible scarring.
- Intercourse: Many surgeons recommend avoiding sexual intercourse for about six weeks to ensure proper healing.
Longer-Term Recovery
- Final Results: While you’ll see improvement within the first few weeks, it can take several months for the final results to become fully apparent.
- Exercise: You can gradually return to exercise and other activities as you feel comfortable and as your surgeon advises.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon are essential to monitor your progress and address any concerns or questions.
Throughout the recovery period, you should maintain open communication with your surgeon. They can provide guidance, address concerns, and ensure that your healing process is progressing as expected.
Remember that recovery experiences can vary. Following your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions diligently is crucial to optimise your recovery.
Labiaplasty – Labia Reduction Melbourne Cost How much is Labiaplasty Melbourne?
All Surgery is customised and your Surgeon will give you a cost for Labiaplasty depending on the type of procedure you are having, the hospital you attend and the length of your stay.
At your initial consultation, you are given a detailed quote. This will include not only your Melbourne Plastic Surgeon’s fee but also the Anaesthetist fee, Surgical Assistant fee and the hospital fees.
We also provide information on Private Health Insurance, a Labiaplasty payment plan plus ways to pay for Labiaplasty surgery.
Why Choose Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery?
Patients seeking Labia Reduction surgery should always look for a surgeon that belongs to a professional body, for example, a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) who has completed a minimum of 12 years medical and surgical training and education, as well as at least five years of postgraduate training to attain qualifications as a Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
There are a number of questions that you might want to ask your surgeon:
- Their experience at performing Female Genital Surgery
- What is their particular technique? (Labiaplasty has several surgical variations)
- The possible risks/complications and also potential side effects of the procedure. Its also important to ask how these might be managed by your surgeon
- Levels of post-operative pain and how this can be treated
- The general amount of recovery time needed post-surgery
Further Reading Medical References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeon- What is a labiaplasty? Female Genital Procedures
- Aesthetic Surgery Journal- Motivations, Expectations, and Experiences of Labiaplasty: A Qualitative Study
- Patient- Labiaplasties – what are they and are they ever medically necessary?
- Aesthetic Surgery Journal- A Retrospective Study of the Psychological Outcomes of Labiaplasty
What to do next?
Our Patient Liaison Team can assist with any questions you may have when considering a procedure. You can send in an enquiry form below or call our Melbourne Clinic between 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday.
Phone (03) 8849 1400, Email us: reception@cocoruby.com.au with our Patient Liaison Manager or Book a Face to Face Consultation with a Surgeon.
Visit our FAQs page, learn more about your procedure or have a look at our Before and After Photos.
