A woman’s vaginal area can change a great deal over the course of a lifetime. While some women naturally have large, asymmetrical, or long labia from the time that they’re born, other’s become this way as a result of childbirth, weight fluctuation, or the natural aging process. If you’re feeling self-conscious about the appearance of your vaginal area and are interested in undergoing a labiaplasty, don’t settle for less than the best care. eSSe plastic surgery’s Dr. Laura Sudarsky is an extensively trained, female plastic surgeon who has years of experience performing labiaplasties.
Located in Fort Lauderdale FL, eSSe Plastic Surgery is committed to delivering our clients precise, high-quality, and comprehensive patient-centered services. For more information about our practice or any of the services we offer, contact us today.
What is a Labiaplasty Procedure Like?
This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in the comfort of our Fort Lauderdale office. Typically, it takes 1-2 hours to complete. During surgery, we concentrate on three main types of aesthetic alteration: labia minora reduction, labia majora reduction, and clitoral hood reduction.
- Labia Minora Reduction: This involves removing excess tissue from the inner lips of the vulva. It usually also involves reshaping the area.
- Labia Majora Reduction: This form of labiaplasty focuses on reducing excess tissue in the outer lips of the vagina. It typically also includes some reshaping of the area.
- Clitoral Hood Reduction: This part of labiaplasty is necessary if the clitoral hood is too large. During surgery, excess skin is trimmed away to expose more of the clitoris.
At eSSe Plastic Surgery, there are two primary techniques that we use during Labiaplasty: Trim Technique and Wedge Technique.
Trim Technique
The trim technique is exactly what it sounds like. It is an approach whereby the excess tissue at the edges of the labia minora are cut away—“trimmed” to a more desirable shape and size.
I recommend the trim technique to patients whose labia have uneven or discolored outer edges. I also recommend it to patients coming in for combination labiaplasty and clitoral hood reduction, because one incision can be used to complete both procedures at once.
The trim technique can be a very effective way of reshaping and renewing the labia minora. However, when performed by an inexperienced surgeon, this method can lead to loss of sensation, stiffness, and discomfort at the incision.
Wedge Technique
The wedge technique involves removing a wedge-shaped section of tissue from the middle third of the labia and then stitching the top and bottom sections of the labia back together.
I recommend the wedge technique to patients whose labia are asymmetrical or have an excess of tissue (and do not have issues along the labial edge)
This technique preserves the labial edge (making for more natural-looking results), keeps the tissue color aligned and since the incision is an interior one, less stress is placed on the stitches as the patients heal, which reduces the potential for post-surgical complications. The wedge is a more elegant form of labiaplasty. However, if the closure breaks down—which sometimes happens—it can cause a gap in the labia that will have to be addressed through a second surgery.
Ultimately, as you can see, the labiaplasty technique you choose should be selected based on both your unique anatomy and your desired results. As a plastic surgeon who performs an average of two to three labiaplasties per week, I have the knowledge to help you choose the technique that’s right for you—and the experience and skill to get you the fantastic results you deserve. To learn more, check out our videos on the eSSe Plastic Surgery channel on youtube.com!
Am I a Candidate for a Labiaplasty?
Women usually undergo labiaplasties for one of two reasons: cosmetic or functional. While some women are simply unhappy with the external appearance of their vagina, others experience a great deal of physical discomfort because of the size and shape of their labia. This discomfort can affect their normal quality of life, as well as their sexual experiences. Patients interested in receiving a labiaplasty for either of these reasons are welcome and encouraged to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Sudarsky.
Interested in undergoing this exciting, life-changing treatment? Don’t hesitate — contact eSSe Plastic Surgery today. We can answer any questions you may have about the procedure, and set you up with a consultation appointment to see if you’re a candidate. We look forward to hearing from you!