What Is the Purpose of Labiaplasty Surgery?

Ask most women and they’ll say childbirth was a beautiful experience. However, the toll childbirth takes on their bodies isn’t always as wanted or attractive. While every woman responds differently to this process, many experience unwanted changes to their labia minora and labia majora— the inner lips and outer lips of the vagina. Often, the labia minora and majora stretch, leading to both emotional and physical discomfort.

Even if you’ve never given birth, your labia changes due to the aging process and hormonal changes. And if you’re unhappy with the look and feel of your labia, you’re not alone. In fact, more and more women in Southern California and across the U.S and world are choosing labiaplasty to boost their self-confidence.

What Is Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces the size and reshapes the labia minora for a more pleasing appearance and to reduce discomfort.

While this can be chosen for aesthetic reasons, many women turn to the procedure to address physical concerns and discomfort. Not only can enlarged labia show in tight clothing, they can also cause rubbing and chafing. Many physical activities, such as bike riding, horseback riding, and even sex can be uncomfortable or downright painful due to this excess.

How Is Labiaplasty Performed?

While there are two popular ways to perform labiaplasty (labia minora reduction), Dr. Alter prefers the wedge technique, a surgical procedure he invented to bypass some of the most common complications associated with other labiaplasty surgeries.

Also called “central wedge”, “wedge”, or “V” labiaplasty, the Alter labia contouring removes a pie-shaped wedge of tissue from the most protuberant part of each labium, which disconnects the top from the bottom labium. The labium is then sutured together, which preserves the natural coloration and edge and avoids the long scars associated with the trim method (which removes tissue from the entire edge of the labium).

The scars from the wedge are internal, cross the edge, and go along the outside of the labium. The wedge technique also helps to prevent over-resection of labial tissue. Usually, the darkest portion of the labium is removed in the wedge. The Alter labia contouring with his wedge technique provides greater symmetry and a natural look.

Is Labiaplasty the Same as Vaginal Tightening?

While labiaplasty improves the look and feel of the labia, it is not a vaginal tightening procedure.

Usually, vaginal tightening is performed to increase sexual pleasure and/or decrease pain, as well as to improve conditions like incontinence.

Not every woman experiencing issues with pleasure or discomfort chooses vaginal tightening, but there are procedures you can choose to feel happier if you’re seeking an alternative. Let’s discuss those now.

Alternative to Vaginal Tightening

STEMVagé+

STEMVagé+ is a pioneering treatment that utilizes stem cells and platelet rich plasma (PRP) to help improve comfort and intimacy. It can improve or eliminate incontinence and improve sensation. Women choose it because it’s minimally invasive and usually effective. During the procedure, fat cells are harvested from another part of the body via liposuction and platelet rich plasma is obtained by a simple blood draw.

This stem cell-rich tissue and PRP are then injected into the G-spot, clitoris, and vagina to activate the body’s natural regenerative process.

Additional Ancillary Procedures

Top Beverly Hills plastic surgeons offer a number of female genital surgery alternatives so you can feel and look your very best.

Clitoral Hood Reduction and/or Clitoropexy

Another way to improve appearance is via surgical clitoral hood reduction. This has the added benefit of reducing irritation that can happen when excess clitoral hood skin rubs against clothing.

The procedure can be performed with or without a clitoropexy, a repositioning of the clitoris that reduces its length, width, and protrusion of the clitoral hood.

Labia Majora Remodeling

The labia majora (outer lips) can be reshaped by filling the labia with fat, reducing fat in enlarged labia, and reducing stretched skin.

Are You a Candidate for Labiaplasty or Other Vaginal Surgery?

Women of all ages seek labiaplasty. You may be a candidate for surgery if:

• You are unhappy with the look of your vaginal lips
• You experience irritation in certain clothing
• You experience embarrassment in certain clothing
• Weight gain or loss has changed your labia majora
• You want to look and feel younger
• You have urinary incontinence
• You have a loose vagina after childbirth

Want to Learn More About Labiaplasty and Alternatives to Vaginal Tightening?

Dr. Alter specializes in labiaplasty and vaginal surgery techniques to help women who are unhappy with the look or feel of their vaginal area.

To discuss what you can expect from your labiaplasty or to talk about alternatives, fill out our online consultation form or call us at (310) 275-5566.