It’s OK To Talk About Enlarged Labia

Tip-toe Through the Two-Lips: Do You Need Labiaplasty Surgery?

You may be curious about labiaplasty. Maybe you’ve been discussing it with friends or know someone who’s had it done. Perhaps you’ve started perusing labiaplasty before and after photos and find yourself wondering if your labia are “normal”. You’ve got questions. Is labiaplasty purely “cosmetic”? Does it affect only the outside part of the vagina? Will insurance pay for this procedure? And where should you go to have it done?

How much does it hurt? What’s the recovery time? Will it impact my sex life?

Flower Power

When it comes to feminine landscaping, we’ve pulled back the curtain on our vaginas and have given ourselves permission to observe their uniquely individual configurations. If we aren’t comfortable with the appearance of our labia (or they cause physical discomfort), we can employ a landscape gardener (surgeon) to artfully reshape our flower petals.

It’s likely that your labia are pretty normal, just like every single flower in the garden of earthly delights. A rose, an iris, an orchid, all are beautiful, and no two are exactly the same. Color, size, and shape vary widely from woman to woman. Some women have labia that are on the larger side. In many cases, larger labia cause no issues. Sometimes, though, friction against clothing or the outline of the labia through certain apparel may result in physical discomfort and/or embarrassment. Large labia may create a hindrance to sex if excessive rubbing causes pain or discomfort. Much like breasts, your vaginal lips are unlikely to be completely symmetrical. Occasionally, more extreme unevenness can make some women self-conscious.

Many women will notice changes in their labia throughout their lives. There may be lengthening, or changes after menopause that may cause a woman to feel that the bloom down there is less lovely than it once was. Some women simply feel that things don’t look quite right, and would like their appearance to better conform to their idea of what is aesthetically pleasing.

There’s no black-and-white answer to who should undergo labiaplasty, but it is important to do it for you, and you alone. Not because your friends did it, or because someone else suggested there’s something wrong with the way you look.

Every vagina is unique in its own way and labia can be narrow, wide, short, medium length or longish. (Ever notice the vast difference in earlobes)? So go labia. Women who are bothered by the size, appearance or physical challenges presented by their labia are good potential candidates for labiaplasty surgery. It is a very personal decision and one that has liberated many women from rubbing, pinching and tugging (and obstacles with sex) due to larger lips. Those who undergo the procedure for strictly cosmetic purposes also feel liberated as they are no longer self-conscious, and tend to embrace their new appearance with greater confidence.

Outside – In

Labiaplasty addresses the outer lips (labia majora and minora) of the vagina. It does not affect the inside. We can reshape labia, reduce their size, and cure “lopsidedness”. When it comes to “inside issues”, vaginal rejuvenation (vaginoplasty), is another procedure that women seek to reverse vaginal laxity following childbirth, or due to hormonal changes. Vaginal rejuvenation before and after photos may be seen here.

While there is some noticeable difference in outward appearance following this procedure, the biggest difference is the experience of the tightening inside of the vaginal canal. Like labiaplasty, vaginal tightening is a hot topic. There are v. tightening gels that you may come across when searching online for vaginal tightening solutions or “how to tighten vaginal lips”.  Some may even exclaim “how to tighten your vag overnight!” Gels may have a temporary effect toward the desired result. If your vaginal looseness is moderate, you could try these along with pelvic floor tightening exercises. A more comprehensive and permanent solution is a surgical one (vaginoplasty).

An Investment in the New You

Both Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty are considered “elective procedures”.  As such, they’re not covered by insurance. The cost of surgery is kept low at Austin Labiaplasty and Vaginal Rejuvenation (ALVR). By offering these procedures at our in-office surgical suite, you will experience the benefits of a relaxed setting and state of the art facility without incurring steep hospital fees. On average, Dr. Shashoua performs 2 -3 labiaplasties per week and has been offering this procedure for many years. Dr. Shashoua is board certified in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. When he is not performing labiaplasties, he does reconstructive surgeries for conditions such as prolapse, stress incontinence, fibroids, and other urogynecologic issues.

What to Expect

Labiaplasty surgery takes an average of 2.5 – 3 hours. Recovery time following is about 6 weeks. Taking at least a few days off work is recommended; a week is ideal. This is typically the maximum amount of time pain medication is needed following the procedure. Yes, there is some pain involved, but it is quite manageable by staying on schedule with your prescribed post-op meds. Vaginal rest from intercourse until complete healing is required. This usually takes 6 weeks. (Beyond the abstinence period, no negative effects on anyone’s sex life have been reported)!

Should you decide labiaplasty IS for you, or if you have further questions, call us for a consultation. You’ll be in good hands at ALVR with Dr. Shashoua and his board-certified nurse practitioners, Sarah Stiriss and Kristin Longshore.