Labiaplasty
IN PHILADELPHIA AND NEW JERSEY
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that resculpts large labia to a smaller natural appearance. Labiaplasty surgery can enhance your comfort, confidence, self-esteem, and quality of life. Women usually say that the surgery was “life-changing” for them and they “wish they had done it sooner!”
Request a consultation Photo GalleryWhat is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a procedure that makes large labia minora smaller to a normal size improving the cosmetic appearance. The labia minora (inner lips) is the skin that covers the vaginal opening on each side. When there is too much labia minora skin, women can feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or insecure when it comes to intimate relations, exercise or wearing clothing. Labiaplasty restores the size and shape to a smaller more proportionate look to correct these concerns enhancing your confidence, self-esteem, and quality of life.
ARE YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE
FOR LABIAPLASTY?
You may be a good candidate for labiaplasty surgery if:
- Your labia are too large and protrude beyond your labia major.
- Your labia are thickened or darker in color (hyperpigmented).
- Your right and left labia are uneven or asymmetric.
Reasons to have labiaplasty surgery:
- You do not like the look of your labia, they are too large, thickened, darker in color or uneven
- You have difficulty with tight fitting clothes (i.e. exercise clothing, tights, labia showing or falling out in thongs or swimwear)
- Your labia causes discomfort (i.e. rubbing with bicycling and horseback riding are common issues)
- You have problems with hygiene or frequent infections
- You feel embarrassed about the look of your labia and it is affecting your intimate sexual relations
ARE TEENAGERS Candidates
FOR LABIAPLASTY?
Although Dr. Lo does not normally recommend labiaplasty for teenagers there are situations where labiaplasty would be recommended. For example, when one labia is much larger than the other, this can lead to severe embarrassment and the teenager feeling self-conscious about their labia appearance. Another situation is when the labia are very large which can lead to issues with clothes fitting, hygiene, and activities such as riding a bicycle. Labiaplasty trims the large labia to a normal size restoring a normal appearance and relieving any functional symptoms. Labiaplasty surgery in a teenager must be considered carefully and in consultation with the parents (or legal guardian) about the benefits and risks of labiaplasty surgery.
WHAT DOES LABIAPLASTY INVOLVE?
WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY LABIAPLASTY CONSULTATION?
A consultation with Dr. Lo is essential before your labiaplasty. During your consultation, Dr. Lo evaluates your labial anatomy and will discuss how labiaplasty surgery will improve the cosmetic appearance of your labia and relieve the discomfort you may be having. Dr. Lo uses different surgical techniques for labiaplasty depending on your individual situation. In any labiaplasty surgery, the labia should be at the level of the labia majora or slightly below but there can be personal preferences. Based on Dr. Lo’s experience, he will evaluate your situation and make recommendations on the appropriate labial surgery technique that will give you the best results.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF LABIAPLASTY SURGERY?
Dr. Adrian Lo uses advanced and specialized labiaplasty surgical techniques to minimize scars and pain. Your labiaplasty surgery may be performed with local or twilight sedation anesthesia. General anesthesia is usually not required. Based on your individual situation, Dr. Lo will recommend the best labiaplasty surgery for you.
LABIAPLASTY – Makes the inner lips (labia minora) smaller. This is the surgery most requested by women. Dr. Lo performs two main techniques: Edge Trim or Wedge and will recommend which technique is best for you.
CLITORAL HOOD SKIN REDUCTION – Reduces the loose skin around the clitoral hood area. This labiaplasty procedure will improve the overall appearance and proportions.
LABIA MAJORA SKIN REDUCTION – Removes the loose hanging skin around your outer lips or labia majora. This labiaplasty procedure will improve the overall look of your labia area.
Dr Lo’s Fast Facts*
Procedure: Outpatient. Home the same day
Anesthesia: Local or twilight sedation anesthesia
Length of Procedure: 45 min
Quick recovery: 2-3 days
Back to the Gym: 10 days
Sexual Intimacy: 3-4 weeks
Incision: Minimal / hidden scars
Patient Satisfaction: Extremely high
Pricing: $5,750 – $9,000**
* General guidelines, may vary based upon each patient’s situation
**Disclaimer: includes surgeon fees, hospital and anesthesia fees, fees subject to change
Psychology of Labiaplasty Surgery:
A recent study has shown that women having labiaplasty surgery are happier with their genital appearance and report improved self-esteem and confidence, better self-image and sexual satisfaction (Aesthetic Surgery Journal Oct 2016).
Many women report that their dissatisfaction with their labial appearance have affected their sex lives negatively prior to surgery. Women are anxious about their partners seeing or touching their labia, particularly during oral sex and nervous about beginning new relationships. After labiaplasty, women report being more comfortable, relieved, less anxious and “free”. Obviously if there are deeper psychological issues with sexual relationships, labiaplasty will not help.
Most women who have had labiaplasty surgery have done research on the procedure, compared their labial appearance to other women (by internet pictures) thought about their goals, wishes and expected look after the surgery and are realistic.
Labia come in all shapes and sizes, but it only matters how you feel about your labia. Often, women who come to Dr. Lo have had negative comments from sexual partners about the size or appearance of their labia. Other women report to Dr. Lo that their partners did not mind the large labia or “flaps” but ultimately it is the women’s personal feeling about their labia that convinces the women to have labiaplasty surgery.
Women who have labiaplasty surgery report both functional reasons and cosmetic appearance reasons for seeking surgery. Difficulty with tight fitting clothes, labia showing or falling out in thongs or swimwear, rubbing with bicycling and horseback riding are common issues. Often women may be hesitant or embarrassed to acknowledge that the main reason for seeking labiaplasty surgery is to improve the look or appearance. Dr. Lo believes that you should be true to your feelings and not be embarrassed if your main reason to have labiaplasty is to improve the look of your labia.
Satisfaction after surgery is very high with many women reporting “I love it, couldn’t be happier”, “why didn’t I do this sooner? Their confidence and self-esteem improved immensely.
For many women, labiaplasty surgery can be very rewarding. Dr. Lo advises all patients to have realistic expectations and that your situation can be improved significantly more to your liking but do not necessarily expect “perfection”.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY LABIAPLASTY SURGERY RECOVERY?
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER LABIAPLASTY SURGERY?
Labiaplasty is outpatient surgery, and you go home the same day. After surgery there will be some swelling and bruising. You will receive a prescription for pain relief medication and antibiotics, as necessary. You may use an ice pack and a feminine pad for any drainage. You will clean the area as instructed. The stitches dissolve by themselves and the cuts or surgical incisions will heal in 1-2 weeks.
HOW WILL MY LABIAPLASTY SCARS HEAL?
Usually, the cuts or scars heal well, and you can barely see the scars.
WHEN CAN I GO BACK TO WORK AFTER LABIAPLASTY?
Most women go back to work in 2-4 days after the surgery, depending on how comfortable they feel. Most women do not have a lot of pain after this surgery but of course the amount of pain varies from woman to woman.
WHEN CAN I RESUME SEXUAL RELATIONS AFTER LABIAPLASTY?
Usually when all the incisions are healed and all discomfort from the surgery is gone, then sexual relations may be resumed at 4-6 weeks post surgery.
WHAT PROCEDURES ARE COMMONLY PERFORMED WITH LABIAPLASTY?
CLITORAL HOOD SKIN REDUCTION
Clitoral Hood Reduction – This is often performed at the same time as labiaplasty if there is too much skin covering the clitoris. The excess skin often makes a woman feel embarrassed or causes problems with sexual stimulation. If there is excess skin in the clitoral hood area, Dr. Lo will recommend that a clitoral hood skin reduction be performed with your labiaplasty to give you a better overall look.
Post Labiaplasty Clitoral Hood Deformity – It is important that the clitoral area be examined carefully before surgery. In Dr. Lo’s experience if labiaplasty is performed without considering the clitoral area, the clitoral area can still have loose skin, look too bulky and not in proportion. This is called Post Labiaplasty Clitoral Hood Deformity. This may lead women to be unhappy with the result of their labiaplasty.
To avoid this condition, Dr. Lo will assess your clitoral area for excess skin or bulk and may recommend removal of the extra skin in this area. This is called clitoral hood skin reduction and would be performed with your labiaplasty procedure. This is a safe procedure with minimal scarring that will improve the overall cosmetic appearance of your labia. There is no disturbance of your clitoris and will not affect sexual arousal.
LABIA MAJORA (OUTER LIPS) SKIN REDUCTION
The labia majora or outer lips may also require surgery to improve the overall proportions and result of your labiaplasty surgery. If there is loose or hanging skin, then Dr. Lo may recommend a labia majora skin reduction be performed with your labiaplasty surgery. The removal of the extra skin is done through a hidden incision or cut on the inside of your labia majora or outer lips. This incision or cut heals very well and can barely be seen.
Occasionally, if the labia majora is too large or full, then liposuction of the labia majora may be recommended. It is important to consider labia majora (outer lip) surgery to improve the overall look of your labial area and to help with any functional issues.
MONSPLASTY
Monsplasty or Mons Pubis Surgery – The mons pubis is an important area for aesthetics and may be unattractive, uncomfortable or both, for many reasons.
- Fatty Mons pubis – If you are overweight, or have gained weight, the fat may accumulate in the mons pubis area. Often, this area will still stay fatty or “puffy” even if you lose weight. The recommended treatment is advanced liposuction to remove the fat and to shape and contour the mons pubis.
- With age – the skin of the mons pubis may relax and sag. There can be weight gain with age causing fat to accumulate in the mons pubis. This may result in a “puffy” and saggy mons pubis area that can show in jeans and clothing. The recommended treatment is a mons pubis lift with advanced liposuction for sculpting and contouring.
- With weight loss – the skin of the mons pubis may become loose and hang. The recommended surgical treatment to correct this is a mons pubis skin reduction with lift.
- With tummy tuck surgery – Dr. Lo always evaluates the mons pubis area. A patient may need mons pubis surgery in combination with a tummy tuck to improve the overall cosmetic look. In many situations, Dr. Lo will perform advanced liposuction to shape and contour the mons pubis as part of the tummy tuck surgery. In more severe situations, a mini mons pubis lift may be recommended.
- With severe weight loss – such as patients who have had gastric bypass, lap banding or similar procedures, the mons pubis often is very saggy and puffy at the same time. It can be very unattractive and these are some of the most severe cases that Dr. Lo has seen and treated. The recommended treatment is a combination of an extended mons pubis lift, direct fat excision and advanced liposuction to give the best result possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What Should I Expect from Labiaplasty Surgery?
Most women are pleased with the outcome of their labiaplasty surgery. Most women report being pleased with the cosmetic appearance of their labia, increased self-esteem and enhanced sex life. The majority of patients also had complete improvement of their functional symptoms.
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WHY DO I HAVE LARGE LABIA MINORA (INNER LIPS)?
Most women have always had enlarged labia, in other words, they were “born with it” or the large labia developed during puberty and the teenage years. Other women may have large labia after trauma, pregnancy or just with the normal aging process. Stretching of the labia skin may happen with time or constant irritation may also cause large labia. Occasionally, large labia may be result of hormonal stimulation.
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WHY DO I HAVE LARGE LABIA MAJORA (OUTER LIPS)?
Large labia majora can be caused by childbirth, weight gain with subsequent weight loss, or a woman can be born with large labia majora.
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AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LABIAPLASTY IF IT IS JUST ONE SIDE THAT APPEARS ‘NOT NORMAL’?
Yes! Many women, choose to have labiaplasty surgery for uneven or asymmetric labia. Having one labia larger than the other may be the result of trauma, previous surgery or one may have always been larger. Labiaplasty may be performed on one side to restore the symmetry and normal appearance. Often, Dr. Lo may recommend performing labiaplasty surgery on both the right and left labia to give you the best cosmetic appearance.
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WILL LABIAPLASTY OR LABIAL REDUCTION SURGERY HELP ME WITH MY HYGIENE?
With large labia, women may have problems with keeping the genital area clean, tampon placement, urine stream and urinary tract infections. Bilateral reduction labiaplasty is recommended to improve these issues.
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WILL MY SEXUAL PARTNER NOTICE A DIFFERENCE AFTER MY LABIAPLASTY SURGERY?
Usually, your partner will notice that sexual relations are improved after labiaplasty, with the labia looking more pleasing, proportioned and no longer causing possible irritation during intercourse.
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WHEN CAN I RESUME EXERCISE AFTER LABIAPLASTY?
Strenuous exercise such as aerobics, treadmill, spinning and weightlifting may be started at 4 weeks post-surgery. Light exercise may be started at 2 weeks.
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CAN I STILL HAVE LABIAPLASTY SURGERY IF I DON’T HAVE CHILDREN YET?
Yes, having labiaplasty surgery will not affect your ability to have children in the future.
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WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF LABIAPLASTY SURGERY?
With any surgery, there are risks. This surgery is relatively simple but there are risks such as bleeding, infection, healing problems, asymmetry, bad scars and chronic pain. The risks don’t happen often, however, Dr. Lo will discuss these risks with you.
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WHERE IS LABIAPLASTY PERFORMED?
The surgery is performed at Pennsylvania Hospital Tuttleman Surgery Center, Pennsylvania Hospital or other accredited surgery centers, under twilight sedation or general anesthesia, depending on what is needed and also your wishes.
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WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF LABIAPLASTY AND MONS PUBIS SURGERY?
- The cost of labiaplasty surgery ranges from $5,750 to $9.000 depending on which labiaplasty procedure is recommended. This cost includes Dr. Lo’s fee and the hospital and anesthesia fees.
- The cost of mons pubis surgery averages $6,200 depending on whether mons pubis liposuction, mini mons pubis lift or an extended mons pubis lift is recommended. This cost includes Dr. Lo’s fee and the hospital and anesthesia fees.
- Various forms of payment are accepted. Financing is available through PatientFi, Carecredit.com or Alphaeon.com.
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HOW SHOULD I CHOOSE A PLASTIC SURGEON FOR LABIAPLASTY SURGERY?
Before choosing your plastic surgeon for labiaplasty, you should consider the following:
- Is your surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)?
- How often does your surgeon perform labiaplasty?
- Does your plastic surgeon listen to and understand your goals and objectives?
- Do the surgeon’s before and after photos show the results you want for yourself?
- Do you feel comfortable with your plastic surgeon?
Selecting your plastic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you can make during your plastic surgery journey. Plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This certification ensures that the surgeon has met rigorous academic, professional, and ethical standards and is therefore highly qualified to perform your surgery. Before choosing a plastic surgeon for your labiaplasty, you should do your research and ask questions to ensure that you feel comfortable with the decision. Ask to see a surgeon’s before-and-after labiaplasty images to make sure that you are happy with the results you see.
Dr. Adrian Lo is a top board-certified plastic surgeon and a top labiaplasty specialist in Philadelphia, PA, Marlton and Cherry Hill, NJ, and the surrounding suburbs. Dr. Lo is highly accomplished and an expert in labiaplasty surgery. He is a member of the Aesthetic Society (ASAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). Dr. Lo performs tummy tuck surgery in the safety and sterility of the Pennsylvania Hospital Tuttleman Surgery Center, Pennsylvania Hospital, and accredited surgery centers in the region.
Go to Dr. Lo’s Labiaplasty Before and After Gallery
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE
ABOUT LABIAPLASTY SURGERY IN PHILADELPHIA?
If you are interested in learning more about labiaplasty surgery, contact Dr. Lo by calling (215) 829-6900 or by filling out our online contact form. Dr. Lo offers labiaplasty surgery for patients in the tri-state area of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, including the cities of Philadelphia, Marlton, Cherry Hill, and Mount Laurel.
Contact Us
Contact UsLocations
Philadelphia Cosmetic Surgery
301 South 8th Street, Suite 3H,
Philadelphia PA 19106
New Jersey Cosmetic Surgery
990 Route 73 North
Marlton, NJ 08053
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