How to Know If You Need a Labiaplasty

Some women struggle with labia that are larger than normal and cause discomfort. The labia majora or the labia minora could be causing the issues. In either situation, Dr. Katzen and his team may recommend a labiaplasty for patients who are good candidates.

If you have large labia and find that your condition severely limits your everyday activities or even causes you anxiety, depression, or physical pain, a labiaplasty may be a good solution.

What is a Labiaplasty?

A labiaplasty is a type of vaginal rejuvenation surgery that addresses the shape and size of the labia majora or labia minora, depending on the patient’s needs.

Patients who undergo a labiaplasty have excess labial skin removed to normalize the appearance of the labia. Usually, a labiaplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, health insurance may partially or fully cover the cost for patients who need a labiaplasty due to ongoing rashes or other medical issues.

Labiaplasty may be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on how extensive the surgery is. Typically, labiaplasty procedures take about one to two hours to complete.

If you have additional questions about labiaplasty, we invite you to watch the video below as Dr. Katzen performs a labiaplasty procedure for a very satisfied patient.

Check out this video below on Labiaplasty by Dr. Katzen!

Should You Consider Having a Labiaplasty?

You may want to consider having a labiaplasty if any of the following apply to you:

• Experiencing discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia).
• Wearing tight clothing such as a bathing suit or yoga pants feels uncomfortable.
• Feeling self-conscious or anxious about the size of your labia.
• Experiencing labia twisting during exercise or other physical activities, like bike riding/horseback riding.
• Having ongoing problems with labia itching, and chronic labial rashes and infections.

Some patients have labia that become “tucked” into the vagina during intercourse, which can lead to tearing. Others may experience chafing and irritation of the vulvar skin when they exercise. If you are struggling with either of these issues, your health insurance company may view labiaplasty as a medical necessity.

During your labiaplasty consultation, it is important to document these issues and report your concerns to Dr. Katzen. Dr. Katzen will mention these concerns and include his physical findings in his letter to your insurance company for insurance coverage.

What Causes Large Labia?

Labias come in all shapes and sizes. Some women have labia minora that are larger than the labia majora. In this situation, the labia minora protrudes between the labia majora, leading to physical and cosmetic deformities. Some women are born with or acquire asymmetric labia. These are some reasons for them to seek labiaplasty. Usually, the labia majora (on the outside) is larger and covers the smaller labia minora (on the inside).

The natural aging process, genetics, and hormones may all play a role in causing the labia majora or labia minora to become more prominent than normal. In addition, if a patient has lost a massive amount of weight, that may also cause labia size and shape changes.

Pregnancy, childbirth, and physical trauma may also cause abnormally-sized labia. However, no matter the cause, Dr. Katzen and his team can help women who desire more proportional labia.

What are the Benefits of a Labiaplasty?

Women who choose to have a labiaplasty may experience many benefits, including:

• Improved intimacy with their partners.
• Better sexual satisfaction.
• Increased self-confidence and self-esteem.
• Comfort when performing their daily activities.
• The ability to wear the clothing they love.

Many of Dr. Katzen’s patients state that having a labiaplasty was life-changing.

Labiaplasty Risks

Whenever a patient considers any surgical procedure, it is essential to understand the risks involved. Although labiaplasty offers many benefits, it does also carry risks.

Immediately following your labiaplasty, you will have some discomfort, bruising, and swelling. Some patients experience scarring. However, Dr. Katzen always makes incisions carefully to hide and minimize scars.

Most patients experience some degree of short-term numbness in the vaginal area following labiaplasty. However, that numbness will subside as the area continues to heal. Patients should not be concerned about losing sensations in the clitoris as Dr. Katzen is extremely cautious to avoid damaging this nerve during surgery.

What to Expect Before, During, and After a Labiaplasty

Dr. Katzen and his team will meet with you for an initial consultation to discuss your options and treatment plan. Dr. Katzen will perform a physical exam and offer his recommendations for your surgery that will allow you to achieve your goals. Once your treatment plan is in place, Dr. Katzen’s team will schedule your labiaplasty.

If Dr. Katzen considers your procedure minor, you may only need local anesthesia and may be able to have your labiaplasty at his office. However, if you need general anesthesia, your surgery will be performed at an accredited facility with an anesthesiologist present.

During the labiaplasty, Dr. Katzen will trim any excess labial skin and suture together the remaining skin. Your stitches will dissolve in about seven to ten days. Usually, this area of the body heals very quickly.

Dr. Katzen recommends taking off about a week from work after your labiaplasty. Your recovery should be relatively uneventful. Ice packs and cold compresses will help to reduce the swelling. Dr. Katzen will prescribe pain medication to help with your pain and discomfort. Most patients only need to take pain medication for three to five days.

You will not be permitted to use tampons or engage in sexual intercourse for about four to six weeks after your labiaplasty. You may notice an improvement in the appearance of your labia at around the six-week mark, but it can take up to six months to see the final results.

Are Labiaplasty Results Permanent?

Your labiaplasty results should last quite some time. However, gaining or losing weight or giving birth can impact your results. Dr. Katzen recommends his patients be at an appropriate weight and be finished giving birth before having a labiaplasty.

Consider Body by Katzen for Your Labiaplasty

If you struggle with discomfort during sex or other physical activity, or you feel self-conscious about the appearance of your labia, a labiaplasty may be right for you. Dr. Katzen and his team understand your concerns and can help alleviate them.

Dr. Katzen is currently scheduling initial consultations for patients interested in labiaplasty procedures. In-person appointments are available, and he will also meet with you via Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, and FaceTime if you prefer.

Please contact Body by Katzen at (310) 859-7770 to schedule your appointment.