Many women complain of excess tissue and skin in the vaginal area, causing the inner vaginal lips to extend beyond the outer lips or labia majora. Excessive tissue in this area can cause discomfort or irritation with physical activity, sexual intercourse and can be problematic for hygiene. Labiaplasty is a plastic surgery procedure for altering the labia majora and the labia majora, the folds of skin surrounding the human vulva.
How is it performed?
Labiaplasty can be performed with local anesthesia in the office or it can be performed under general sedation in the hospital or surgery center. The procedure takes about 45 minutes and involves preoperative marking, application of a numbing cream and injection of the local anesthetic. The excessive tissue and skin is then excised in a wedge pattern or along the length of the lip. Absorbable sutures are placed and area is dressed with antibiotic ointment and gauze.
Describe the recovery after labiaplasty:
The sutures will dissolve over the next week and do not have to be removed. Showers may begin the following day with daily application of ointment thereafter. Swelling can persist for 3-4 weeks but usually decreases over that time. The patient is to avoid swimming pools and baths until cleared with Dr. Polecritti. Sexual activity may be resumed one month after the procedure. Discomfort is typically minimal but Dr. Polecritti will prescribe medication as needed.