Should I Go to a Cosmetic Gynecologist for Labiaplasty or a Plastic Surgeon?

What Is Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that modifies the size and shape of the labia minora, which is sometimes called the inner “lips” of the vagina. Different women have different expectations for their labiaplasty, but typically, the goal is to either reduce the size of the labia or correct an asymmetry.

It is important to emphasize that the typical female external genitalia include two sets of labia. There is the labia minora as well as the labia majora. The labia majora references the outer lips, which are typically formed by hair-growing skin; the labia minora denotes the inner lips, delicate and typically hairless. A labiaplasty procedure addresses those inner lips only.

What are the Benefits of Labiaplasty?

Women choose to get a labiaplasty as a way to reduce excess skin and tissues, tightening the labia and making it appear more youthful and compact. Sometimes, this is to address the effects of childbirth. In other instances, it is simply to address skin laxity that happens as a result of aging.

There are a number of benefits that women can gain from their labiaplasty procedure, some of which are aesthetic in nature while others are more practical. Some examples include:

Improved Comfort

When the labia has excess skin and tissue, it can get caught in underwear or bikini bottoms, leading to a sense of irritation.

More Pleasure During Sex

One of the most popular reasons to get a labiaplasty is to decrease discomfort while enhancing pleasure experienced during sexual intercourse. Specifically, labiaplasty can address friction or chafing experienced during sex.

Better Hygiene

Women with longer labias can often experience personal problems such as odor or increased risk of vaginal infection. A labiaplasty can address these concerns.

Easier Time Finding Clothes

A labiaplasty can also provide greater confidence when wearing tight-fitting clothing.

A More Youthful Appearance

Finally, having your labia resized or reshaped can cause it to look more compact and more youthful. And as such, it can also help you feel more confident about yourself.

Why Choose a Cosmetic Gynecologist?

As you consider your options for labiaplasty, our recommendation is that you consult with a cosmetic gynecologist who can answer any questions you may have about the procedure or about your own eligibility. 

What is Cosmetic Gynecology?

Cosmetic gynecology is a field of medicine that is devoted to improving the appearance and/or the functionality of the vagina or the labia. Typically, the cosmetic gynecologist’s goal is to help their patient experience increased sexual pleasure while also rejuvenating their genitals to make the body appear younger.

Cosmetic gynecologists often perform aesthetic procedures for women who have experienced childbirth, or who are dealing with natural effects of the aging process. In some instances, cosmetic gynecologists may perform reconstructive surgeries for women who have been burned or injured in traumatic accidents.

Reasons to Choose a Cosmetic Gynecologist

Why, then, might a woman choose to see a cosmetic gynecologist over a more general plastic surgeon?

The short answer is that cosmetic gynecologists possess the specialized knowledge, equipment, and experience needed to perform procedures involving the female genitals. Indeed, most cosmetic gynecologists focus the vast majority of their practices on performing labiaplasty and vaginoplasty procedures. As such, they have the skills required to properly evaluate patient needs, recommend the most suitable procedure, and promote the patient’s comfort and safety during the procedure.

By contrast, plastic surgeons typically focus on procedures such as facelifts, tummy tucks, breast augmentation, and butt lifts. While some plastic surgeons do offer procedures involving vaginal rejuvenation, this is rarely their top focus or primary practice area. Plastic surgeons tend to be generalists, but when it comes to delicate areas like the labia or vagina, most women feel more comfortable working with a specialist.

Something else to consider is that plastic surgeons are focused primarily on aesthetics. Certainly, when you get labiaplasty, you want the end result to look compact, youthful, and appealing. With that said, you may also want to increase your sensation of sexual pleasure. Cosmetic gynecologists are experienced not just in vaginal aesthetics, but in the mechanics of female intimacy. They are well-equipped to help enhance your intimate life through a carefully performed labiaplasty.

What to Expect from Labiaplasty

Assuming you do choose to see a cosmetic gynecologist for your labiaplasty, the first step will be a consultation. This might involve both a physical assessment as well as a conversation about your medical history and your surgical goals.

During this consultation, your cosmetic gynecologist will work with you to make sure you are a good candidate for a safe and successful labiaplasty procedure. Generally speaking, ideal candidates for labiaplasty:

• Experience discomfort or embarrassment due to excess labia skin
• Are in good overall health 
• Do not have any untreated vaginal infections
• Do not have any underlying conditions that would prevent them from healing
• Have talked with their provider and have clear expectations about the procedure

While qualifying you for labiaplasty, your cosmetic gynecologist may recommend alternative, non-surgical methods to help you achieve your desired results. For example, some patients may get the results they want from something like EmFemme 360, which does not require surgical intervention, anesthesia, or downtime.

If you do need labiaplasty, your procedure will be performed while you are under anesthesia, preventing any pain or discomfort. Your surgeon will use precise tools to trim away some of the excess skin from your labia. For most patients, the surgery takes about an hour to complete.

Following the procedure, you will likely have some swelling and bruising around the treatment area, which typically lasts no more than two weeks. You will also experience some spotting for up to a month and should wear pads. You will need to abstain from intercourse and strenuous exercise for about six weeks but will likely be ready to return to work within three or four days.

Talk with a Cosmetic Gynecologist About Getting Labiaplasty

For women who want to increase their self-confidence and sexual pleasure, labiaplasty is a viable option. A cosmetic gynecologist can assist in providing an optimal experience while aiming for highly satisfying outcomes, although individual results may vary.

If you live in the Houston, TX area and have questions about labiaplasty, we would love to hear from you. Dr. Evans is a cosmetic gynecologist and board-certified OB-GYN with 20+ years of experience performing labiaplasty procedures. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Evans, reach out to Sugar Land Medical Spa at your next opportunity.