Are you considering a vaginal rejuvenation surgery? There are a number of different procedures with a number of different techniques that can be used, depending what the patient is looking for and how the doctor thinks is the best way to get those results. I believe that the best way for you to decide if vaginal rejuvenation is for you, and then move forward with chosing the right treatment, is to educate yourself. Know what results you are hoping for. Know what you are getting yourself into. Know what the risks are. And by all means, discuss all thses things with your surgeon.
Speaking of surgeons, finding the right surgeon is just as important if not more important than educating yourself. It is important that you find an experienced surgeon who you trust and are comfortable with.
Labiaplasty is a genital plastic surgery procedure. It’s purpose is to reduce the size of the labia minora. The goal is to have smaller inner lips than outer lips of the vulva.
Tips for Before Your Labiaplasty Procedure
- Schedule a consultation with you cosmetic surgeon.
- Don’t schedule your procedure unless you have been cleared by your family doctor.
- If you are a smoker, it is essential to quit at least 6 weeks before your procedure.
- The week before: Don’t take aspirin, ibuprofen or any other medication or supplement. These could possibly increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.
- 1 day before: Take any antibiotics your doctor may have prescribed to you.
- The morning of: Enjoy a nice long shower and cleanly shave your genital area.
During Your Procedure
- You will be given a local anesthetic to numb your pelvic area.
- A general anesthetic will be administered prior to your surgery.
- Your surgeon should mark the area to be removed.
- There are three labiaplasty options, depending on your case and your sergeon:
Amputation
Amputation is the most simplistic method. The inner lips will be cut down to a smaller size with either a scalpel or a laser.
Central Wedge Resection
This technique allows for the patient’s natural edge to remain enacted. A “wedge” of excess tissue is removed from the middle of the labia.
De-epithelialization
De-epithelialization also removes excess tissue from the middle of the labia. However, unlike central wedge resection, de-epithelialization removes the epithelial (or outer-most) layers of tissue on both sides of the labia, rather than all of it.
After Labiaplasty
All surgeries are different and each patient’s recovery is unique, but in general, the following can be expected:
- Most patients need 3-4 days to recover at home after labiaplasty.
- It is advised to take Tylenol or any pain medication given to you by your plastic surgeon as prescribed. This will help relieve any discomfort. DO NOT take aspirin or ibuprofen because they can increase bruising and bleeding.
- You can and should shower the day after labiaplasty.
- Cleaning the incision site with hydrogen peroxide and putting antibiotic ointment on daily will help the healing process.
- Your stitches should dissolve about 2 or 2 ½ weeks after labiaplasty.
- Any swelling or tenderness should disappear within 6 weeks.
- It takes between 6 months to a year before you will see the final results.
Read the full article HERE.
If you have further questions or want to schedule a consultation with Dr. Usha Rajagopal at the San Francisco Plastic Surgery & Laser Center, call us today! (415) 392-3333