Plenty of women have heard of vaginal rejuvenation to restore the appearance and tone of the vagina. Far fewer have heard of labiaplasty — even though recent data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons shows the number of labiaplasty procedures rose 9% between 2018 and 2019.
Labiaplasty focuses on reshaping the labia minora, the pair of inner “lips” located at the opening of the vagina. As a top-ranked plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Plano and Frisco, Texas, Chelsea Snider, MD, uses state-of-the-art surgical techniques at Vida Bela Plastic Surgery, helping women feel more comfortable and more confident.
Labiaplasty uses surgical techniques to reduce the size and restore the symmetry of the labia minora, the inner lips of the labia that form the entrance to the vaginal opening. Typically, these inner lips' or leaflets are contained within the larger labia majora (the outer vulvar lips). But as we get older, age-related tissue changes, hormonal fluctuations, childbirth, and other factors can cause the labia minora to stretch out and extend beyond the borders of the labia majora.
Unlike vaginal rejuvenation, which typically uses laser energy to tighten and tone the vaginal tissues, a labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that trims away excess tissues, permanently reducing the size of the inner labia. A labiaplasty may be performed as part of an overall vaginal rejuvenation treatment or as an individual, standalone procedure. Different surgical techniques are available, depending on each patient’s individual needs and goals.
There are lots of reasons why women choose to have a labiaplasty, including these five:
When your labia minora are stretched or elongated, it can change the way they look, which may make you feel self-conscious during sexual encounters. Labiplasty restores the appearance of the tissues, so women feel more self-confident during intimacy.
When the labia minora are stretched and thin, intercourse can increase friction around the labia and vagina. Shortening the elongated labia minora reduces painful friction while helping to improve comfort and pleasure.
When the labia minora extend past the larger, outer lips, they can rub against underwear and other clothing, resulting in irritation, pain, and even bleeding. Trimming the inner labia lips keeps them tucked up inside the outer labia, so you won’t have to deal with rubbing and friction.
Keeping the labia minora clean can be problematic, especially when wiping after using the toilet. Likewise, when the labia minora stick to clothing or skin, they can pick up bacteria, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Labiaplasty restores the size and shape of the labia minora, making it easier to keep the area clean and free of germs.
When the labia minora are lax and elongated, just about any type of physical activity can cause painful irritation. Walking, jogging, biking, and even something simple like climbing stairs can result in a lot of discomfort. Many women opt for labiaplasty to make everyday activities more comfortable.
No matter why you want a labiaplasty, the key to getting the results you want is to select a surgeon with experience in labiaplasty procedures. As a leading provider of labiaplasty procedures in Plano and Frisco, Dr. Snider tailors your treatment specifically to your goals, so you can feel confident and happy with your results.
To learn more about labiaplasty and how it can help you, call the office or use our online form to request an appointment today.
