About Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that removes excess labia minora and reshapes it. We’re proud to say that we’re one of the pioneers in the field of labiaplasty here in Kenya and that we’ve developed our very own special surgical technique that creates a natural-looking, symmetric, and tucked-in shape. Through the advocacy, we have done to normalize discussions about labiaplasty and have women feel more comfortable seeking solutions for themselves, it is becoming more popular. It is one of the most common surgeries we perform at AJ Plastic Surgery Centre. In most cases, the procedure is more than cosmetic; it truly improves a woman’s quality of life.
Often women live with discomfort, and embarrassment, avoidance of certain tight-fitting clothing, and feel self-conscious in their relationships because of labial asymmetry, protuberance, or excessive labial show.
In your consultation, we will do everything we can to make you as comfortable as possible. We will discuss what your specific concerns are and develop a customized surgical plan for you. We also specialize in non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation options.
- Before Procedure
- During Procedure
- Results & Recovery
Things You Should Know Before Your Labiaplasty Procedure.
In your consultation, we will review with you your individual anatomy, and together we will help you visualize the size and shape to best accomplish your desired result. We will review with you the special surgical technique we have developed, so you have a complete understanding of what happens in surgery.
Because each woman is unique, both physically and in terms of her desired results, it is important that we go over the desired shape. We encourage you to bring pictures of different labiaplasty examples to your consultation, both ones you like and dislike, so that we can discuss your aesthetic preferences in detail and we can have a better understanding of what you hope to achieve.
What Happens During Labiaplasty Procedure
We perform the labiaplasty surgery under 3.5X microscopic examination in order to create as precise and symmetric results as possible so we need our patients to be completely still for the procedure. To us, even millimeters matter.
What Kind of Anesthesia is Used?
For your comfort and safety, labiaplasty will be performed under general anesthesia.
Every part of the surgical team is essential to having a perfect and smooth surgery, so every part of AJ Plastic Surgery Centre extended team is focused during surgery and pays attention to every detail. We will all ensure that as you enter the operating room and are gently placed under anesthesia, you will feel relaxed and calm, and excited. During the operation, we will all be focused on keeping you warm, comfortable, and cared for. During the surgery, we are gentle and respectful and ensure a positive and calm environment around you. We will also place a numbing solution in your labia so you will not feel pain even though you are under anesthesia.
How Long Does Labiaplasty Procedure Take?
The surgery may take 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on complexity, anatomy, and incision. The shape will be marked in the pre-operative area, and we will review all the incisions with you prior to surgery. Both labia and clitoral hood, if necessary, will be carefully shaped. We take extreme pride in our attention to detail with every single step of this surgery.
Labiaplasty Recovery & Results: What to Expect
We have developed a special technique that has minimal pain and a quick recovery. You may feel some soreness of the labia, and there will be swelling. The swelling lasts about a month. It takes a full 3-4 months for the tissues to see the final results. We have our patients apply antibiotic ointment and ice the area for comfort.
To make sure you have the easiest recovery possible from your labiaplasty procedure, please follow these instructions:
- Ice your labia to reduce swelling but be sure not to let anything stick to the suture line.
- Apply a lot of bacitracin or a triple antibiotic ointment to the suture line for 4 weeks.
- Wear loose cotton undergarments and avoid any undergarments or clothing that is tight or irritating for 4 weeks.
- Wear a thick maxi pad covered in a lot of ointment. Do not let it go between your labia, and avoid those with a mesh that could catch on the suture.
- Do not use tampons, do not have sex, and avoid crossing your legs for 4 weeks after your labiaplasty.
- When it comes to showering after your labiaplasty, you want to be careful not to disrupt any of the sutures. Do not scrub the incision. Pat your labia dry, do not rub. Avoid baths or swimming for 4 weeks. After your showers, apply lots of ointment to the surgery site.
- When you’re sleeping or resting, the best position is with your legs bent up.
- If you experience itching from the healing, the best thing to do is to ice and apply ointment.
How Long Before I Can Return to Normal Activities?
No tight clothing, intercourse, or exercise is allowed for 4 weeks after surgery. You will most likely be able to return to work within a few days, but you will need to avoid any strenuous activity for at least a couple of weeks.
Does Labiaplasty Leave Scars?
Scars take about 3 months to fade completely. In almost every case, the scar is invisible. The incision line is meticulously and precisely closed and results in a nearly invisible scar.
Overall, labiaplasty with or without clitoral hood greatly improves patient comfort, and it is a surgery that truly improves a women’s quality of life.
FAQ
What does labiaplasty do?
Labiaplasty removes excess labia minora and shapes it. It reduces rubbing of the labia in clothing. It reduces pulling and tugging during intercourse. It helps patients feel more comfortable in tight clothing and with exercise.
I need labiaplasty but also bladder lift, does AJ Plastic Surgery Centre do that?
At AJ Plastic Surgery Centre, we do not perform bladder lifts since that is a urologic surgery. However, if you want both surgeries to be performed at the same time, we could perform a joint surgery with another surgeon where we operate at the same time.
What causes enlarged labia?
Labia shape and length is largely genetic. Some changes occur post pregnancy due to hormones or injuries from childbirth. Some patients have lost a lot of weight resulting in excess labia tissues.
Do patients have better sexual sensation after labiaplasty surgery?
Most patients feel significant improvement with intimacy after labiaplasty because removal of excess tissue that pulls or causes discomfort is no longer there. Also for patients who have excess clitoral hood, this excess tissue often blocks the clitoris so reduction helps with sensation and makes it easier for patients to orgasm. Also because patients are more confident with the way their vagina looks the report an improvement in their sex life.
Do you ever remove the clitoral hood when performing labiaplasty or does that reduce/ increase sensitivity once it’s removed?
Our surgeons here at AJ Plastic Surgery Centre often perform clitoral hood reduction with labiaplasty. It is not removed, but rather he trims the excess wrinkles or extra folds in order to create a smoother and more balanced shape.
How does vaginal rejuvenation actually work?
Vaginal rejuvenation is non-surgical and has no downtime. It uses radio frequency to increase collagen to the tissues, tightening it. It also increases blood flow to the vaginal area, which increases moisture and sensation to the clitoris and G-spot, which are two of the specific areas treated.
I have one labia bigger than the other one. Can I do something about it?
Asymmetry is very common – in fact, almost half of the patients we perform labiaplasty on are for the asymmetry. We have patients who range from 16-60 who have this surgery done.
Why do women care about the way their vaginas look anyway?
The vagina is one of the most important parts of the female body. The vagina should be revered- it is where life is created! Feminine power is one of the strongest forces that exists. And when it comes to intimacy, women want to feel confident about the way they look in this area.
They don’t want to have discomfort when performing activities they enjoy, like yoga, spinning, working out, or worrying when wearing tight leggings or jeans from rubbing. Women should be able to embrace loving their vagina and caring for it like the rest of their body.
At AJ Plastic Surgery Centre, we are passionate about breaking down any social boundaries or embarrassment when having conversations about the vagina or labia. Many of our patients have suffered for years with discomfort, afraid to talk about the subject.
Women should be able to feel comfortable talking about and loving all parts of their body.
Does labiaplasty improve sexual feeling?
Most patients feel significant improvement with intimacy after labiaplasty because removal of excess tissue that pulls or causes discomfort is no longer there.
Many patients have excess folds of clitoral hood that sometimes blocks the clitoris when trying to orgasm. For these patients, we also perform a clitoral hood reduction to trim these extra folds that help many with sensation or make it easier to orgasm. The incision is not on the clitoris, rather it removes the excess tissue around the clitoris, so none of the nerves are negatively affected. This is one reason why it is extremely important to have this surgery done by a labiaplasty specialist to ensure it is done as safely and as meticulously as possible.
Do you stitch the labia after cutting extra skin?
Over the years, having done hundreds of labiaplasty surgeries, our surgeons have developed a unique and personal technique that involves artistic and meticulous shaping and suturing. The surgery takes us 3-3.5 hours, and we use magnifying lenses for extra precision. Millimeters matter to us! If you inquire about labiaplasty, make sure to ask about the technique. Like everything else, it’s extremely important.
Can you drive after labiaplasty?
You should avoid driving or anything that involves sitting directly on the surgical site the first few weeks after your procedure. Driving may be uncomfortable due to the remaining swelling so it is best to take it easy and listen to your body.
Will my future sexual partners be able to tell I had this procedure done?
No. They will not be able to tell you ever had surgery done! As AJ Plastic Surgery Centre surgeons perform many vaginal rejuvenation procedures, we often see our post-op patients many times after surgery, and honestly, we can usually not find the scar.
We believe that in such a sensitive area, it is critical that it not look like surgery was ever done. There is also no post-op pain and a quick recovery. With the technique our surgeons have developed, our patients are able to achieve unparalleled results.
Are any of the women you’ve encountered having these procedures to feel more sexually appealing? Or is it something different?
We believe that with plastic surgery, there is always not only a physical change but also an emotional change. Through changing one’s physical appearance, women often feel more confident, more in alignment with what they find to be aesthetically beautiful, and that confidence often manifests itself as being sexier.
So, when you ask if they feel more sexually appealing – the answer is yes, because they feel more comfortable with themselves and more confident.
Is labiaplasty painful and how long is the recovery?
At AJ Plastic Surgery Centre, we have developed a gentle technique that has little to no pain and quick recovery. Patients usually do not require pain medication after surgery.
The labia do get swollen after surgery so we have patients apply ointment and ice.
Patients cannot have sex or wear tight clothing for 1 month.
Can labiaplasty fix asymmetry?
Many women have asymmetry of their labia minora – it is very common. In some cases, one side is much longer than the other, or they have different shapes.
At AJ Plastic Surgery Centre, we perform labiaplasty surgery to help create a symmetric tucked-in shape.
Can liposuction be performed in the mons pubis or FUPA?
Yes, at AJ Plastic Surgery Centre, we often perform liposuction in this area. It helps reduce the bulge or fullness that can sometimes be seen in clothing.
Do the surgeons do the “wedge” labiaplasty technique?
We have developed a special technique that precisely shapes the labia and clitoral hood if necessary. The “wedge” technique takes a pie-shaped piece out of the labia which leaves behind the dark wrinkly edge that most women don’t like. Also, the wedge technique produces a suture line that is horizontal to the natural curve of the labia that makes it very visible and often pulls apart.
At AJ Plastic Surgery Centre, we have performed many revisions on wedge labiaplasty surgeries.
Does it hurt or burn while peeing or period?
At AJ Plastic Surgery Centre, we have developed a special technique that has little to no pain. Most patients don’t take pain killers. If you google on the internet, there are horror stories of labiaplasty recovery being excruciating or having bleeding for a month, but it doesn’t have to be this way. It does not hurt to pee or have a period because of the water-tight closure.
Why is labiaplasty and vaginal rejuvenation important?
Many women seek labiaplasty, so they feel more comfortable in tight clothing. Less rubbing and pain with exercise, so there is less pinching with various activities and intercourse. Many women want to have their labia symmetric tucked in shape for aesthetic reasons or to feel more confident.
Vaginal rejuvenation helps restore collagen after childbirth or aging and helps increase sensation, tightness, moisture, and smoothness of the skin.
Why is it important? Vaginas are important! Vaginas are the gateway to life. We should cherish it as we cherish the rest of our body.
I’m always having to tuck in my lady parts. Does labiaplasty help with this?
Yes. Our labiaplasty patients tell us that they feel like they always have to tuck in the excess labia when they are wearing yoga pants, swimwear and leggings.
It is not just for aesthetics, it significantly helps make women feel more comfortable without rubbing, tugging, pulling constantly on the excess labia.
I saw other doctors “after” and it looked weird with bumps. Yours look pretty and natural. Why?
At AJ Plastic Surgery Centre, we’ve done a lot of revision labiaplasties on patients who have had this surgery elsewhere and we understand and know what you mean by the bumps. The bumps have to do with irregular and large suturing of the edge.
We have developed a special labiaplasty technique that creates pretty and natural results. The surgery itself takes anywhere from 3 to 4 hours. We think it is super important to make it look like nothing was ever done, the suture line is invisible, and it looks natural.
Is the surgery painful? Does it hurt to pee after?
At AJ Plastic Surgery Centre, we have developed a special labiaplasty technique that is really gentle and has little to no pain. Most of our patients take one, maybe two tylenol. We have a special way of closing the edge that is watertight, so it does not hurt to pee.
Do you ever remove the clitoral hood when performing labiaplasty or does that reduce/ increase sensitivity once it’s removed?
At AJ Plastic Surgery Centre, we perform clitoral hood reduction with labiaplasty. It is not removed, but rather we trim the excess wrinkles or extra folds in order to create a smoother and more balanced shape. The incision is not on the clitoris, rather it removes the excess tissue around the clitoris, so none of the nerves are negatively affected.
This is one reason why it is extremely important to have this surgery done by a labiaplasty specialist to ensure it is done as safely and as meticulously as possible.
Does labiaplasty help remove saggy labia majora?
It does not. Labiaplasty only removes excess labia minora and sometimes clitoral hood. In addition to being a specialist in labiaplasty surgery, we also perform vaginal rejuvenation procedures on our patients which use radio frequency technology to tighten the tissues, build collagen to the tissues improving the appearance, and increase blood flow to the tissues which increases sensation and moisture.
While labiaplasty removes tissues and reshapes the labia minora, non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation treatments will improve the remaining tissue and tighten the tissues that have stretched over time. ThermiVA builds collagen and promotes collagen production, so the tightening effect can be felt for up to a month or two after the treatment.
Studies have shown that this procedure increases the number and intensity of orgasms on the clitoris and G-spot. Many of our patients do a combination of labiaplasty surgery as well as vaginal rejuvenation procedures to achieve their optimum results.
Is Labiaplasty covered by insurance?
It depends on the insurance coverage but from what we have seen most consider this to be an elective cosmetic procedure.
Also, this surgery is more than just cutting off the labia – to produce perfect aesthetic results there is a significant amount of artistry and technique involved.
Is labiaplasty about vanity or low self-esteem or is it something else entirely? What are women trying to accomplish by having this surgery?
Most of the AJ Plastic Surgery Centre patients who get labiaplasty Surgery do it for improved comfort, greater confidence, and also improved aesthetics. For many women, excess labia tissue or long labia causes pinching, discomfort, or creates a bulge in swimwear or tight clothing that they don’t like. Some women have long extensions that rub or get caught or are painful during sex or intimacy. Some have asymmetry where one side is longer, or they have tears from childbirth.
However, women have labiaplasty with us for aesthetic reasons and we have developed a special labiaplasty technique that creates a beautiful tucked-in, symmetric, natural-looking shape. It’s hard to describe what a significant difference it makes for women – truly, the only way is to see the results.
After having their labiaplasty surgery, women tell us they feel a sense of peace and confidence. They no longer have to constantly adjust themselves to prevent rubbing or pain. They can confidently wear clothing without having to worry about tucking in the labia that show.
Many of AJ Plastic Surgery Centre patients report they no longer have pain with intercourse. Just not having to worry about or think about their labia or have constant discomfort greatly improves their quality of life. They also feel an increase in pleasurable sensation with intercourse and also that they feel more confident and freer in intimate situations.