Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is a common cosmetic procedure that minimizes the excess tissue of the vaginal region. This surgery may be pursued to restore the exterior genitalia’s appearance post-pregnancy. For other women, this surgery is about seeking out comfort and for others, a way to achieve a tidy appearance. Whatever your reason, we are here to listen and help you develop a treatment plan that is safe and optimal for you. 

Our Maryland cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Markmann, performs vaginal plastic surgery to reduce the size of a woman’s labia minora. This procedure provides a more natural appearance to the external vaginal region, and corrects symptoms from enlarged labia, such as chronic irritation, bulging, discomfort during sexual activity and urinary tract infections.

Labiaplasty can be performed in office with just local anesthesia.  It may also be incorporated or combined with other procedures.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Before aesthetic surgeons improved the labiaplasty procedure, the approach was to amputate the excess skin and fold deformity. This approach led to numerous complications including scarring and sensory nerve damage. It is important to find a skilled labiaplasty surgeon who understands that this cosmetic surgery requires some reconstructive processes.

Qualified surgeons will be able to incorporate the latest reshaping techniques so that it not only reduces the size, but also preserves most of the natural contour, color and sensitivity of the labia with minimal scarring.

Dr. Markmann has extensive training and experience in cosmetic surgery on both the face and body. His careful techniques preserve the nerves of the delicate labial tissue while also achieving a flattering, natural-looking result. If you are unhappy with the look or feel of your vaginal region, Dr. Markmann understands and is here to help. 

Dr. Markmann is dedicated to offering his services to improve the quality of life for each individual patient. Dr. Markmann has performed labiaplasty for women of all ages in the Baltimore area and beyond.

If you are in discomfort or are not happy with the way your body looks, Dr. Markmann has the skill and understanding you need to achieve the results you deserve.

CANDIDATES FOR LABIAPLASTY

You are a good candidate for labiaplasty if:

If you smoke, you will be asked to discontinue smoking two weeks prior to your surgery date.

CONSULTATION

If you are interested in labiaplasty, Dr. Markmann will meet with you for a discreet, respectful consultation. He will take time to discuss the steps of the surgery with you, including the surgical technique and forms of anesthesia available to you. You are encouraged to share your questions: there is no such thing as a silly question! The decision to undergo labiaplasty is a personal one and Dr. Markmann wants you to feel confident and well-informed before you opt to undergo cosmetic surgery at Metamorphosis Plastic Surgery. 

In order to make sure labiaplasty is the right procedure for you, Dr. Markmann will assess your health history and medication use, as well as any supplements you are taking. Once he has performed a discrete exam, he will recommend the surgical technique or techniques that will best accomplish your desired look. Dr. Markmann will work with you to customize your labiaplasty surgical plan to the needs of your unique anatomy. 

BENEFITS OF LABIAPLASTY

COMPLEMENTARY PROCEDURES

Labiaplasty is often combined with other procedures to deliver a full-body feminine rejuvenation. Many women decide to include labiaplasty in their Mommy Makeover. Mommy Makeover is a custom combination of cosmetic procedures designed to restore the smooth, tight contours of a woman’s body after childbirth. Mommy Makeover often combines surgeries of the vaginal area, including Labiaplasty, Clitoral Hood Reduction and Fat Grafting to the Labia Majora (outer lips). Any or all of these procedures can be done on their own or in combination with other body contouring procedures like Tummy Tuck and Breast Augmentation or
Breast Lift.

FAT GRAFTING TO THE LABIA MAJORA (OUTER LIPS)

Women’s labia majora often lose volume as they age as well as due to pregnancy/childbirth.  This is due to loss of fat in this area. Fat Grafting is a very common procedure which restores the natural, youthful fullness of the labia majora.  Filling them with your own natural fat can also help to reproportion the balance between the labia majora and labia minora (inner and outer lips). 

CLITORAL HOOD REDUCTION

This is a less commonly performed procedure, but is performed when the skin covering the clitoris is in excess as well.  This also allows for greater sensation by allowing better exposure of the clitoris, but not so much as to be uncomfortable.   An experienced surgeon in this procedure will avoid placing incisions near the clitoral region and will carefully work to protect and preserve the sensory nerves.

TUMMY TUCK

Tummy tuck surgery, or abdominoplasty, addresses the loose, sagging abdominal skin often left behind after the many months of pregnancy. During Tummy Tuck, excess skin is removed from the abdomen. If the abdominal muscles are strained or torn, they will be repaired. Patients who have excess, stubborn fat on their tummies often opt to have this fat removed during their tummy tuck. Liposuction of this stubborn fat is safe, highly effective, and gentle on the body. The remaining abdominal skin is then stretched to a flat, tight position. The entire procedure only requires a single incision to perform. The incision is made low on the pelvis, where it will be easily concealed within clothing and swimwear. 

BREAST AUGMENTATION

As part of a Mommy Makeover, a woman’s breasts are refilled to their pre-pregnancy, youthful and perky appearance or even better, either using your own fat or breast implants  

BREAST LIFT

The skin on the breasts, like all skin on the body, loses elasticity as we age. The weight of the breasts, paired with time, genetics and breastfeeding, often cause women’s breasts to sag. A breast lift is often incorporated into Mommy Makeovers or paired with labiaplasty when women are seeking to restore the contours of their youth. Women have the option of lifting their breasts or combining a breast lift with breast implants to add more youthful volume. 

HOW LABIAPLASTY IS PERFORMED

There are 3 techniques that Dr Markmann uses depending on the patient’s individual needs or desires.  There is the “V Wedge” technique, the “Window” technique and the most commonly used technique: the “Trim” technique. The technique chosen is whichever technique best meets the individual patient’s needs to reshape the inner folds of the labia so they no longer protrude.

The wound edges are sewn with absorbable sutures for a natural appearance. Another technique is one that uses a laser to trim and reshape the labia. This is known medically as “laser labial rejuvenation.”

While the “laser” approach is effective, it is generally more suitable for smaller skin defects of the labia.

DURING/AFTER SURGERY

Labiaplasty is performed either under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical facility if desired or using local anesthesia in the office.  Either way, it is considered an outpatient procedure.

In surgical cases where a smaller defect exists, a local anesthesia may be used. The entire surgery typically takes about 1 hour to complete. Following this surgery, women should rest and avoid any activities that will result in additional swelling and discomfort.

Vigorous exercise, vaginal intercourse, the use of tampons and douching should be avoided for 6 weeks. The incisions made during surgery are minimal. In most cases, the scarring will be almost undetectable.

You will receive personalized recovery instructions to help you know what to expect over the weeks following your labiaplasty. Have questions? Dr. Markmann and his team are here to help! 

At Metamorphosis Plastic Surgery, we are committed to helping our patients be their best selves and live their lives to the fullest. If you are considering a labiaplasty, Dr. Markmann will be happy to answer your questions and empower you to decide if this transformative cosmetic surgery is right for you. 

LABIAPLASTY FAQ

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.