woman in bathing suit outside on beach

Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty in Miami, Fl – Gables Plastic Surgery

Childbirth, along with hereditary or hormonal changes, can cause the inner labia, also known as the labia minora, to become enlarged in ways that make women uncomfortable. More than a problem with aesthetics or self-consciousness about their bodies, many women have significant discomfort from irritation and chafing when wearing everyday clothing, during intercourse, or participating in athletic activities. The condition can also become a hygiene challenge, as it can be difficult to keep their labia clean.

Fortunately, a procedure called labiaplasty can alleviate these issues and allow you to live comfortably and confidently once more. Expert Miami labiaplasty surgeon Dr. Jorge de la Pedraja is highly trained in the procedure and prepared to work with you to achieve outstanding labiaplasty results.

Continue reading to learn more about labiaplasty and how it can improve vaginal appearance and function, or contact renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Jorge de la Pedraja in Miami by calling (305) 441-9144 or contacting him online today.

Why Do Women Choose to Have Labiaplasty?

The most common reasons women seek labiaplasty are:

  • Enlarged or stretched labia(majora or minora), the inner lips may be dangling beyond the outer lips dangling beyond the labia majora (outer lips)
  • Feel bulky in a bathing suit or pants, making it feel awkward to wear tight-fitting clothing
  • The labia become chafed, irritated, and rubbed by snug-fitting everyday clothing, exercise clothing, and an active, athletic lifestyle
  • Elongated, large, asymmetrical, or unusually shaped labia

Who is a Candidate for Labiaplasty?

The ideal candidate for a labiaplasty is a woman who wants to reduce the size of her labia which has become enlarged due to the childbirth process, genetics, or hormonal changes. It’s best not to undergo labiaplasty while menstruating or during pregnancy.

Most women are considered candidates for labiaplasty if they are mentally and physically fit and have realistic expectations of their surgical results.

Who is Not a Labiaplasty Candidate?

Women dealing with the following challenges may not be good labiaplasty candidates:

  • Medical problems
  • Sexually transmitted diseases
  • Urinary tract infections

Women who have recently given birth should wait at least 9-12 months before considering labiaplasty or any other cosmetic surgery of the external genitalia. During this time, the labia will continue to shrink and decrease in size.

What is Labiaplasty (Labial Reduction)?

Labiaplasty is a plastic surgery procedure to reduce and balance the size of the labia minora of the female genitals. The result is a more youthful, symmetrical appearance without any protrusions outside the outer vaginal lips.

As an outpatient procedure, labiaplasty is performed under twilight or general anesthesia. During the procedure, the excess tissue is removed from the labia minora. In the process, the edges of the labia are recreated, giving them a natural-looking color and shape. Dr. de la Pedraja uses self-dissolving sutures to close the incisions. These usually dissolve within a week, leaving a scar of about two inches in length, depending on the amount of tissue removed.

Labiaplasty is achieved by following either of the following techniques:

  • Wedge technique removes a small wedge of the labia, preserving the coloring of the edge of the labia.
  • Trim technique removes the labia minora that extend beyond the labia majora, removing the dark-colored edges of the labia, giving a very natural and comfortable size.

As an outpatient procedure, labiaplasty can be performed under either local or general anesthesia. It should result in a more comfortably-sized labia of normal size and thickness and with a symmetrical shape. There is an overall high satisfaction rate for women receiving labiaplasty, and many women report an improvement in sexual satisfaction after their procedure.

Following a labiaplasty, the vulva will appear more rejuvenated as the labia minora no longer protrude beyond the outer lips of the vagina.

Labiaplasty is a procedure to reduce enlarged inner or outer lips of the labia; it does not alter or tighten the vaginal opening.

Why Choose Dr. de la Pedraja for Labiaplasty in Miami?

Dr. de la Pedraja has undergone rigorous training in each of the operations provided at Gables Plastic Surgery. He is fellowship-trained in aesthetic and breast surgery at the prestigious Georgetown University with world-renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Spear. In addition to his considerable training and many years of practice, Dr. de la Pedraja actively seeks out the latest advancements in the field and stays current with the most sought-after techniques.

Dr. de la Pedraja always stresses that his office is not a clinic—he is here for the long run. All patients are considered to be family and are treated as such. Whether during a consultation or any other appointment, Dr. de la Pedraja takes his time with each patient to ensure they are fully heard and given more than enough time to learn about all of their options. You will never be pressured to make a decision at Gables Plastic Surgery and can always approach Dr. de la Pedraja with any questions or concerns.

Dr. de la Pedraja is aware that patients may ask for things that he can’t deliver. He tries to reason with them and explain his thought process. With their health and well-being in mind, Dr. de la Pedraja will turn down patients if he thinks what they want is not in their best interest.

Your Consultation with Dr. de la Pedraja

Your consultation is a crucial part of planning your procedure, where you will have any questions and concerns about labiaplasty answered. Dr. de la Pedraja will also review your aesthetic goals and objectives and discuss the risks and benefits of your labiaplasty and how he handles complications.

Dr. de la Pedraja

Why Choose Dr. de la Pedraja

  • Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
  • Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • Member of Miami Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • Committed to providing the highest quality of care to each and every patient

Why are the Labia Enlarged?

While every woman’s labia have a unique appearance, some women may have large, asymmetric, irregularly-shaped labia that can present a challenge. Some are born with their labia having extra skin, while others experience enlargement during puberty, or stretching may occur during vaginal childbirth.

What Is Recovery Like After Labiaplasty?

Dr. de la Pedraja recommends that the patients avoid vigorous activity for two weeks, after which they should be able to return to their regular work and exercise routine. It is best that patients abstain from sexual intercourse for at least six weeks to allow the labia to heal fully.

Patients are usually up and moving immediately after surgery and should return to work in 3-5 days. Any post-operative discomfort is easily managed with oral pain medications.

Ice packs can help during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling and discomfort, and bed rest the first day or two is recommended to prevent irritation of the area from clothing and walking. For the first week or two, it’s best to wear loose-fitting clothing.

When Will I See the Final Result of Labiaplasty?

You will see improvement in the appearance of the labia immediately after the procedure. However, your final result in terms of appearance will appear after swelling has resolved, which can take 3-4 weeks. It is essential that you arrange for follow-up appointments with Dr. de la Pedraja. 

Partner with One of Miami's Best Labiaplasty Surgeons

Getting the best results from your labiaplasty begins with selecting the right surgeon, Dr. de la Pedraja. Schedule your consultation by calling (305) 441-9144 or contacting us online today. We proudly serve Miami, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, Miami Beach, Pinecrest, and other areas of South Florida.

Miami Labiaplasty FAQs

Approximately 10,000 labiaplasty procedures are performed annually, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. But while the procedure is conducted by many providers, choosing an experienced surgeon is crucial to maintain top-quality results.

Labiaplasty could be the best solution if you are bothered by the enlarged inner or outer labia or experience discomfort while wearing tight clothing or working out.

Pain and discomfort after labiaplasty surgery are usually well-tolerated and easy to manage with over-the-counter pain medication. Mild pain or tenderness is typical in the days following the procedure.

You should be in good health before considering having labiaplasty surgery. Your primary physician should review any pre-existing medical conditions you may have.

Risks are common to all surgical procedures, and these include:

  • Decreased sensitivity
  • Numbness
  • Chronic dryness
  • Scarring
  • Infection and hematoma.

Most women can resume normal activities within one month after getting labiaplasty. However, you should be able to return to work and other light activities within just a few days. Swelling and discoloration can take several weeks to diminish gradually.

Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure, which means you will be able to go home the same day as your procedure. You should plan to rest for at least three days immediately afterward.

Women recovering from labiaplasty are advised to:

  • Wear loose clothing to avoid friction.
  • Take salt baths to relieve discomfort.
  • Avoid rigorous activity.
  • Abstain from sex for at least four to six weeks.

Most swelling can be expected to subside after six weeks, and residual swelling may take six months to abate.

As swelling subsides, the results of your labiaplasty results should become visible around two weeks after your surgery. However, it can take 4-6 months to enjoy your full results as you continue to gradually heal and improve in appearance over time.

The results of labiaplasty are long-lasting and shouldn’t need to be retouched. However, subsequent pregnancies and vaginal childbirth may affect your labiaplasty results if you choose to have children after your procedure. For this reason, it is best to wait before having labia surgery until after you have completed your family.

To learn more about labiaplasty, contact board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jorge de la Pedraja in Miami by calling (305) 441-9144 or contacting him online today. We look forward to hearing from you soon

As labiaplasty is a highly customizable procedure, the cost of your labiaplasty depends on a case-by-case basis. The cost of your surgery is influenced by your overall concerns and the surgical techniques used to resolve them.

After a personalized consultation, Dr. de la Pedraja and our team at Gables Plastic Surgery will provide you with a detailed breakdown of costs regarding your labiaplasty in Miami, FL. This helps you make an informed decision about the surgery and its affordability in your case.

Most patients can typically resume light duties 3 to 5 days following labiaplasty. But if your job involves strenuous tasks, such as lifting heavy objects, you may need to wait for approximately 2 weeks following surgery before returning to work.

By holding regular follow-up appointments after your labiaplasty, Dr. de la Pedraja and our team can further advise you on your plans to rejoin work depending upon your overall recovery.

Since it may take a few weeks for incisions to fully heal and side effects, such as swelling, bruising, and discomfort, to go away, it is advised that you wait at least 6 weeks before engaging in sexual intercourse. This time frame allows you to avoid discomfort while ensuring optimal recovery after your labiaplasty.

After childbirth, your body needs time to heal and recover before going through any other major changes. This also includes surgeries, such as labiaplasty. Typically, you need to wait at least 6 months after childbirth before you schedule your labiaplasty.

However, depending upon your recovery after childbirth, your body may need some more time before you can opt for labiaplasty. After your personalized consultation, Dr. de la Pedraja will advise you on the best time to have your labiaplasty.

 

Vaginal childbirth can influence the results of your labiaplasty. Keeping this in mind, you may want to have the procedure once you plan to not have more children in the future. Otherwise, you may want to consider the possibility of having your future baby delivered via cesarean section (C-section) to maintain the results of your labiaplasty.

To prepare for your labiaplasty, you need to take some time off from work. If your work does not involve physically strenuous activities, you may only require a week off, starting from the day of your surgery. You may also want to arrange for help around your home during the first week after your surgery.

You are also advised to stop smoking at least 4 weeks before and after your labiaplasty. You will also need to stop consuming alcohol a few days before the date of your surgery to ensure you experience an optimal recovery.

After detailed consultations, Dr. de la Pedraja and our team provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for your labiaplasty. You can also ask any questions that you may have regarding preparing for your surgery.