Questions about labiaplasty surgery:
What is labiaplasty?
Why do women get labiaplasty?
How much does labiaplasty cost?
Do I have to see my gynecologist before?
Do I need anesthesia for this?
Is labiaplasty surgery painful?
When can I go back to work?
When can I swim, exercise, or have intercourse after labiaplasty?
I am from out of town. How many days do I need to spend away from home?
Will labiaplasty reduce sexual sensitivity?
How risky is this procedure?
Don’t see your question listed? 
Ask board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Usha Rajagopal at: info@labiaplastysurgery.org
Okay Dr. Rajagopal, let’s start with the basics, what is labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is the reduction of the labia majora (outer lips of the vulva) or labia minora (inner lips of the vulva). The process involves reduction of elongated labia or the modification of asymmetrical labia. When labia and vagina are created where there are none, the procedure is called vaginoplasty. Hoodectemy is another type of surgery in which the clitoral hood is reduced or removed in order to increase sexual function in women who have trouble having orgasms.
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Why do women get labiaplasty?
Women get labiaplasty for different reasons. In my experience, the number one reason for a labiaplasty is the desire to reduce pain or discomfort experienced while wearing tight clothing (such as jeans or yoga pants) or playing sports (especially bike riding or horseback riding) or engaging in other physical activities. The second most common reason for labiaplasty is shame or embarrassment about the way the genitals look and the desire to change their appearance. Other times, women want to increase sexual function– a reduction of the labia or clitoral hood can provide greater exposure of the clitoris, allowing for increased stimulation. Occasionally, a woman’s labia are damaged during childbirth, and the procedure is restorative.
How much does labiaplasty cost?
(This question was answered by the founder of labiaplasty surgery.org)
Labiaplasty surgery typically ranges anywhere between $3,500-$5,000. Most plastic surgeons should be able to provide an exact estimate if you send photos. Also, the price depends on if you are getting a labia majora reduction, labia minora reduction or both a labia majora & minora reduction (both procedures range $7,000-$10,000) Don’t assume that just because a surgery costs more that it is “better.” The surgeon who performed my surgery, has over 20 years experience and graduated from one of the best universities in the country, but what she charges is relatively “cheap” compared to other surgeons (around $3,400). Make a decision by reading my guide to choosing a plastic surgeon.
Do I have to see my gynecologist before?
Usually I recommend that you are in good health before the surgery, i.e. You have had recent PAP smear etc.
Do I need anesthesia for this?
The procedure can be done under complete anesthesia or light anesthesia. In my experience, complete anesthesia is more common. I’m not sure why other than (male) doctors probably feel more comfortable performing an operation in such a personal area when patients aren’t conscious. I personally perform the procedure under light anesthsia, because patients recover immediately after surgery, many patients prefer to be awake, and it eliminates the risk involved when complete anesthesia is used.
Most patients will requires pain medication after surgery. I provide vicodin for 2-3 days after surgery.
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When can I go back to work?
I have patients ice the area and rest for 3 days to help with swelling. After that they may return to a sedentary job.
When can I swim or exercise after labioplasty?
Usually by 3 weeks the area is healed well enough for you to safely resume all activities including swimming/biking/dancing/intercourse.
I am from out of town. How many days do I need to spend in San Francisco?
We have a lot of out of town patients. Usually we can do a phone consult and have patient emails us their pictures. The patients come in the day before surgery so the doctor can examine them. The day after surgery the patient can travel home.
How did you get involved in labiaplasty surgery?
As a woman, I know that perhaps no part of our bodies is so closely tied to our self esteem. Elongated labia can cause shame or embarrassment with sexual partners and sometimes cause pain or discomfort. I appreciate the opportunity to help women overcome these problems in their lives. It can make a huge difference in a woman’s life to feel better about the way her body looks. There aren’t many female plastic surgeons and given that many women feel more comfortable having this procedure performed by a woman, I felt it was important that I offer this procedure in my practice.
I’m going to ask the question that’s on everyone’s mind– will labiaplasty reduce sexual sensitivity?
If tissue around the clitoris is reduced, it may improve access to the clitoris and sexual sensitivity. Keep in mind that proper surgical technique is critical for the tissues around the clitoral area to heal correctly. The American College of Gynecology states that in cases in which the procedure has not been performed correctly, the tissue around the clitoris appeared disfigured.
How should I choose a qualified surgeon?
Make sure to check their credentials, before and after photos, as well as how many times they have performed the procedure. See also how to choose a plastic surgeon.
How many times have you performed the procedure?
I do approximately 2-3 procedures per week. Since 1999 I have done over a 1000 procedures.
Whenever you are going to have any type of surgery, of course you want to choose your doctor very carefully! In the hundreds of surgeries I’ve performed, I’ve never had any problems in my practice. Nationwide statistics report very low percentages of women who experience any complications with the procedure. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis – women can go home after their surgery.