Labiaplasty

What Is Labiaplasty?

The decision to pursue labiaplasty is a highly personal one, as your body is unique and there is no “correct” way for a vulva to look. However, you may benefit from the surgery if you:

• Are unhappy with the shape or size of your vaginal lips due to childbirth, aging, genetics, or physical trauma
• Experience discomfort, pain, irritation, or itching
• Want to be able to wear more revealing outfits, such as tight pants, swimsuits, and leggings

Candidates should be nonsmokers (or willing to quit) who are in generally good health. While labiaplasty will not affect your ability to get pregnant, Dr. Walters recommends waiting until you are done having children, as future births may compromise your results.

What Are the Benefits of Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty offers both aesthetic and functional benefits, including:

• More confidence in what you wear and how you feel
• Increased sexual comfort and enjoyment
• Overall better vaginal health and hygiene

Dr. Walters often performs labiaplasty as part of a mommy makeover, which offers additional benefits to women looking to reclaim their bodies after having children. This combined procedure may be right for you if you would also like to address changes to the breasts and body common after pregnancy.

How Much Does Labiaplasty Cost in New Orleans?

The cost of labiaplasty at our New Orleans practice varies depending on the complexity of the procedure. Because each procedure is customized, it is difficult to quote a price without discussing your unique treatment plan. After you consult with Dr. Walters, we will provide a personalized pricing estimate of your expected costs.

Will My Labiaplasty Cost Be Covered by Insurance?

In most cases, labiaplasty is considered an elective cosmetic procedure and does not qualify for insurance coverage. While the surgery may relieve discomfort, insurance providers, unfortunately, do not typically recognize the procedure as medically necessary.

How Is Labiaplasty Performed?

Dr. Walters performs many labiaplasties in our on-site procedure room using a local anesthetic and oral sedation. He performs more complex procedures at a local surgery center, typically the AAAHC-accredited Houma Outpatient Surgery Center, while you are under general anesthesia.

Dr. Walters typically uses today’s most advanced labiaplasty technique, known as the wedge technique. In this approach, he cuts away a triangular area of skin and excess folds from the labia minora before stitching the tissue closed. This technique results in the most natural-looking results possible with minimal noticeable scarring. Dr. Walters prefers this over the trim technique, which trims away the natural edges of the labia.

How Long Is Recovery After Labiaplasty?

Expect to return to desk work and other light daily activities after about a week. You will need to refrain from sexual activity and tampon use for at least 4 to 6 weeks to avoid irritating your treated area. Your results will begin to take shape as swelling subsides, around the 6-week mark, with final results appearing after about 3 to 6 months following your procedure.

Is Labiaplasty Recovery Painful?

It is normal to experience some soreness, itching, and irritation in the initial days after labiaplasty surgery. However, Dr. Walters prescribes pain medication to keep you comfortable, which you can pick up in advance and take as soon as you arrive home. After the first week or so, you’ll likely be able to comfortably transition to over-the-counter pain medication.

You can apply cool compresses to your treated area on and off throughout the day to minimize swelling and discomfort.

Does Labiaplasty Affect Sensation?

Labiaplasty typically does not affect sensation as it does not involve the areas of the vulva where most nerve endings are concentrated. This is especially true for the wedge technique. The main difference you’re likely to notice is increased comfort and less irritation during intimacy and physical activity.

How Long Do Labiaplasty Results Last?

Labiaplasty results are generally very long-lasting. The natural aging process may create normal changes to your labia over time. However, labiaplasty is generally a one-time procedure, meaning you shouldn’t need additional treatments to enjoy your results for many years to come.