What Is a Labiaplasty Procedure and What Does It Involve?
The term “labiaplasty” isn’t well known, and this is because it involves a woman’s most intimate area. And yet, for several very practical reasons, more and more women are choosing to seek advice regarding labiaplasty and undergo the procedure to reduce the size and improve the symmetry of their labial tissue.
Labia size and shape are as individual as eye color, and there is considerable variety to what is considered normal. However, when a woman’s labia are significantly elongated, the excess tissue can cause discomfort, get in the way of everyday functions such as physical activities or the wearing of tight clothing, or be subject to recurring hygiene issues as well as infections.
What Is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty surgery reduces the size of the labia minora (inner tissues of the female genitalia), making it flush with the labia majora (outer part of the female genitalia). During the labiaplasty procedure, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Florence Mussat trims off the excess tissue and allows the lips of the labia minora to sit tucked neatly within the labia majora. Depending on the patient’s surgical needs, the procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia.
Why Have Labiaplasty Surgery in Chicago?
Women often choose to have labiaplasty surgery when they find that their labia minora are too large and protrude beyond the labia majora, putting the labia minora at risk of becoming irritated, infected, or even damaged.
For moms, the vaginal birthing process might have caused the labia to stretch considerably to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. Alternatively, a congenital deformity, something with which a woman may be born, or even an injury, could have caused this enlarged size.
What Labiaplasty Surgery Procedures Are There?
Labiaplasty surgery is performed to reduce the size of labial tissue or create symmetry to labia that are unusually shaped. Dr. Mussat uses two different procedures for accomplishing this: the wedge and trim methods. The wedge method removes a v-shaped wedge from the labia minora, leaving the outer edge intact. The trim method removes surplus labial skin from the outer edges of the labia minora.
While the operation itself is typically completed in less than two hours, certain lifestyle adjustments need to be maintained for at least six weeks afterward for the recovery process to complete successfully. These include avoiding strenuous activities and abstaining from sex.
Am I a Good Candidate for Labiaplasty in Chicago?
Candidates best suited for labiaplasty are generally women who experience discomfort due to:
- Feeling self-conscious about overly-large or unusually shaped labia.
- Discomfort experienced when riding a bike or wearing tight-fitting clothing.
- Have labia that easily become pinched or chafed during everyday activities.
Your Next Steps with Dr. Florence Mussat
As a woman, you should never have to experience physical discomfort or embarrassment due to unusually shaped or enlarged labia. With labiaplasty, female plastic surgeon Dr. Florence Mussat can reshape your labia and provide a resized and symmetrical look to reduce your discomfort and let you get back to normal.
To schedule a private consultation with Dr. Mussat in Chicago and learn more about the aesthetic and physical benefits of labiaplasty, contact her office by calling (312) 751-9000 today.