Labiaplasty is a procedure to alter the inner and outer folds of skin that surround the vulva. Robert Frank, MD Plastic Surgery conducts labiaplasty for women from Munster, Hobart, Crown Point, and Frankfort who typically have one or more of the following concerns:
- The shape and size of a woman’s labia may create discomfort during certain activities, such as horseback riding or biking.
- There is variation in the way that the labia looks from person to person, so the concept of “normal” is subjective. Patients who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their labia may wish to consider labiaplasty.
- A woman may be experiencing more hygiene-related problems due to the shape of her genitals.
Labiaplasty is not a vaginal tightening procedure, however, it can be an effective solution for the above issues.* ThermiVa, also offered by our office, may be an option for patients with vaginal laxity, lubrication problems or stress incontinence.
Dr. Frank’s Approach to Labiaplasty
Dr. Frank aims to give patients the details that they need to make informed decisions for their care. During an initial consultation, patients:
- Meet directly with Dr. Frank—not just a nurse practitioner.
- Are encouraged to describe the results they want to achieve with surgery.
- Have time to ask questions, discuss options, and learn what to expect from labiaplasty.
Hobart, Munster, Crown Point, and Frankfort patients also receive a comprehensive price quote so that there are no surprises in billing. After they decide to move forward, a second visit with our practice includes preoperative testing, consent forms, and scheduling for surgery.
About the Procedure
Surprisingly, labiaplasty is not a particularly painful procedure.* Surgery takes place in a JCAHO-accredited facility, and patients can expect to go home afterwards. During the procedure:
- Patients receive either sedation or general anesthesia. They can discuss both options with Dr. Frank in their consultation.
- Dr. Frank uses a variety of techniques to give the vulva a natural and proportioned appearance.*
- Dr. Frank applies dissolvable stitches, which naturally come out as the site heals.
Recovery from Labiaplasty
Patients from Hobart, Munster, Crown Point, and Frankfort patients typically return to work in a few days and can return to sexual activity within 3-4 weeks.* They visit our practice on a weekly basis throughout their recovery to ensure that they are healing properly.
Labiaplasty is an established surgery that has produced some of Dr. Frank’s most satisfied patients. Its immediate improvement in function, aesthetics, and hygiene can provide patients with a lasting resolution to concerns they may have had for years.*
Dr. Frank’s Advice on Recovery
We all have our own ideas of how long recovery should take. Unfortunately, this means many patients try to rush their recovery and go back to normal activities. This trend is especially true among young mothers who want to spend every moment with their children. They may attempt to play with or pick up their children before their bodies are ready to handle that strain.
Dr. Frank sees rushed recoveries in several ways, with one of the most common being pain. Patients who try to be too active too early in the recovery process often find themselves running through their pain medication too soon and have to ask for an early refill. Rather than increase the amount of medication you take, you will feel better sooner and end the period wherein you need the medication faster if you allow your body to rest. Do not force your body to undergo more physical strain than it is ready to handle. It is okay to take 30-minute breaks on the couch.
Another way Dr. Frank sees patients push themselves too hard is an increased risk of both swelling and dangerous hematomas.
For example, after liposuction, your body needs time to move fluid out of your skin. Patients who have had liposuction will have skin that feels firmer than untreated areas because of this fluid buildup. Getting that fluid out of your skin is one of your recovery goals during the weeks after surgery. But if you activate your muscles near the treated area, that activity draws fluid into the area, which increases swelling and often pain. In the case of a tummy tuck, too much activity early in your recovery can increase blood pressure, which then causes more oozing into the space created during surgery. While a little fluid is normal, it’s easy to overwhelm your body’s ability to absorb this fluid. A hematoma is the result.
To minimize these concerns, Dr. Frank encourages all patients to clear their schedules of everything except the most essential duties for the two weeks after surgery. You should minimize the amount of childcare, job responsibilities, meetings, social activities, and home chores in which you partake so your body can rest. You will feel better and recover faster if you plan ahead so that your body, not your calendar, determines when you are ready for your physical activities.
Patients from Munster, Hobart, Crown Point, and Frankfort can learn more about labiaplasty by scheduling an initial consultation at Robert Frank, MD Plastic Surgery. Call Dr. Frank at (219) 513-2015 or use our online form today!
*Individual results may vary
