What is the Difference Between Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty?

Loosening of vaginal muscles can be caused by multiple different factors – Sometimes due to childbirth, especially if there is more than one child, and others it is simply a side effect of aging. Whatever the reason, when vaginal muscles start to become lax, it can lead to an inflated, thick labia that increases labia discomfort for outdoor activities like cycling and horse riding, and hampers your sex life too. Some women also have a large, distended labia right from the time of birth. With the advent of sophisticated technology, it is possible to restore a certain degree of tightness in your nether regions. There are two techniques for this purpose – vaginoplasty and labiaplasty. People tend to use the terms interchangeably but they are definitely not the same.

Labiaplasty vs. Vaginoplasty

Vaginoplasty

It is also referred to as vaginal rejuvenation or tightening, and as is evident, the procedure helps to tighten the inner muscles of the vagina by fusing the stretched muscle located at its rear end, which shortens it, using sutures for the muscles to pile up and narrow the cavity, cleaning up extra vaginal lining, and tightening the soft tissues around it. You need to recover for 4 to 6 weeks before resuming sexual intercourse and related activities. The reduced size of the vagina greatly heightens sexual pleasure – it will be worth the wait.

Labiaplasty

This procedure is exclusively for the labia minor and majora, commonly known as “vaginal lips”. Labiaplasty is for enhancing the outer appearance of the genital organs or reducing labia discomfort by shrinking the size of labia and reshaping it. There are two methods for this procedure such as:

• The extra tissue around the labia is removed – the tissues are sculpted along the inner folds till the labia are shaped aesthetically and all irregularities have been surgically resolved.
• The 2nd technique involves a sliver of tissue being cut out from under the labia, in a “V” shape, while the edges are sewn back together.

Absorbable sutures are placed post-surgery for healing, and you can make a full recovery within just 4 to 6 weeks.

It is normal to be apprehensive about surgeries for delicate body parts, but rest assured you are in the hands of the highly qualified Dr. Usha Rajagopal with over 20 years of experience and more than 1000 successful procedures in her portfolio. To leave a query, simply enter your  details into the form on the right, click submit,  and you will hear from us soon.

Considering Labiaplasty?

Protuberant labia, is a condition in women where the genital folds are excessively large or asymmetrical. Even though this part remains covered most of the time, it can create issues of low self-esteem and negative body image. Women become even more conscious if they have to wear body-hugging clothes or swimsuits. This condition can lead to physical discomfort during sexual intercourse too.

Why should you consider labiaplasty?

It is a specialized surgery for correcting irregular or overly large labial appearance, by toning down the outer folds of the labia minora, the tissue surrounding the vulva of the vagina. It serves both medical and aesthetic purposes, while boostingconfidence and helping her feel well emotionally and physiologically. Here are the reasons for undergoing labiaplasty:

• Oversized vaginal folds.
• Asymmetrical labia.
• For a firmer, toned vagina.
• Discomfort in physical activities due to the size or thickness of the labia.
• Discomfort when wearing tight clothes because of labial size.
• Labial disease or injury.
• Hanging or protruding labia.

The actual procedure

Labiaplasty demands intricacy but it is a minor surgery and performed as an outpatient procedure. The traditional method was to remove the excess skin by cutting it off, and sewing it up over the edge. But there was a major drawback – it left a long, vertical stitch line. An improved version is used these days where the protuberant skin is cut into a V-shape, while the upper and lower edges are stitched together. It is sutured efficiently to look like a tiny transverse line. At times, vaginoplasty is performed together with this procedure – it strengthens the vaginal walls and cavity.

Post-operation

Since the procedure is performed in a sensitive area, you might feel slightly uncomfortable after the surgery, but you can take pain medication subscribed by the doctor. Heavy exercises and sexual intercourse should be avoided for 3 to 4 weeks just after the surgery. If there is any swelling, it is temporary and heals quickly. Soluble stitches ensure the incisions are hardly visible after a few weeks.

As with any operation, there could be chances of bleeding, infection and scarring, but on minor levels only. If there is a possibility of under-correction, it can be taken care of by a second operation. That is why it is necessary to choose your surgeon carefully, after researching and verifying credentials. Dr. Usha Rajagopal is one of the most respected names in this field whose work speaks volumes about her skills, honed for more than 20 years. Call us or email to schedule an appointment!

Usha Rajagopal, MD sfcosmeticsurgery.com Phone: (415) 392-3333

About Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty, also popularly referred to as “designer vagina” surgery and known medically as labia reduction, is the surgical reduction of the labia majora (outer lips of the vulva) or labia minora (inner lips of the vulva) to fix elongated labia and/or to modify asymmetrical labia.

Dr. Usha Rajagopal, a female cosmetic surgeon in San Francisco, has performed hundreds of labiaplasty procedures at her practice, the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center, over the last ten years. Labiaplasty has grown in popularity as more women seek out this very private surgery for numerous personal reasons. Dr. Rajagopal notes that many of her patients decide to have the procedure done to reduce pain or discomfort while wearing tight clothing like jeans or yoga pants, or while playing sports. Another common reason for labiaplasty is an individual’s shame or embarrassment regarding the appearance of their genitals. Childbirth can also drastically alter the size, shape, and overall appearance of a woman’s genitalia, and some women seek restorative surgery to fix this uncomfortable and embarrassing issue. As a female plastic surgeon, Dr. Rajagopal understands the personal sensitivity attached to this topic, and many women prefer a female surgeon when dealing with such a private matter.

Labiaplasty is an out-patient procedure that generally takes about one hour to complete.. Small incisions are made to remove any excess tissue or to even out the edges of the labia minor. The sutures are self dissolving and will dissolve on their own within a few weeks. There is very little discomfort, pain, or bruising for the patient during and after the procedure. Patients are able to return to work within a few days (usually 3-4 days).

Dr. Rajagopal is the San Francisco Bay Area’s foremost female plastic surgeon expert on labiaplasty. To schedule a free consultation at her office, please call 415-392-3333 or e-mail info@sfcosmeticsurgery.com. San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center is located at 490 Post Street, Suite 430 in San Francisco, California. Check out www.sfcosmeticsurgery.com for more information on labiaplasty and other cosmetic procedures.