Labiaplasty in Chicago, IL
Labiaplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to reshape or reduce the size of the labia minora (the inner lips of the vagina). This procedure is sought by women for various reasons, including alleviating discomfort or enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the labia. Whether it’s for medical or cosmetic reasons, labiaplasty can significantly improve a woman’s confidence, comfort, and quality of life.
What is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty focuses on creating a uniform and symmetrical look between the labia minora and majora, while also addressing discomfort caused by labial tissues. Each individual’s anatomy is unique, so the procedure is tailored to meet personal goals and concerns.
Types of Labiaplasty
Complete Labiaplasty
A comprehensive reshaping of the labia minora, this procedure focuses on addressing both aesthetic concerns and chronic discomfort caused by labial tissues.
Minimal Labiaplasty
For patients seeking subtle adjustments, minimal labiaplasty offers relief from discomfort with a more conservative approach, preserving as much natural tissue as possible.
Reasons for Labiaplasty
Women pursue labiaplasty for various reasons, including:
- Aesthetic Concerns: Feeling unhappy or embarrassed about the physical appearance of the labia.
- Physical Discomfort: Issues with exercise, tight clothing, or sexual activity due to excess labial tissue.
- Post-Pregnancy Changes: Addressing alterations to the labia resulting from childbirth or aging.
- Improved Hygiene and Confidence: Enhancing comfort and personal hygiene.
The Labiaplasty Procedure
The labiaplasty procedure involves reducing or reshaping the labia minora.
Post-surgery, patients may experience mild discomfort for a few days, which can be managed with prescribed painkillers and antibiotics. Full healing usually occurs within 6 weeks, and the sutures used are absorbable, eliminating the need for removal.
Labiaplasty is a straightforward outpatient surgery lasting about 1–2 hours, followed by an additional hour in recovery. During the procedure:
- Anesthesia: Patients are asleep under general anesthesia.
- Post-Op Care: Expect mild discomfort for a few days, managed with painkillers and antibiotics.
- Healing: Recovery takes approximately six weeks, with absorbable sutures eliminating the need for removal.
- Follow-Ups: At least four follow-up visits are recommended to monitor healing, provided at no additional cost.
Labiaplasty Recovery and Returning to Normal Life
- Work: Most patients can return to work 2 to 4 days after surgery.
- Exercise: Avoid exercise for at least 4 weeks.
- Sexual Activity: Sexual activity should be postponed for 6 to 8 weeks or longer, depending on recovery progress.
Cost of Labiaplasty
The cost of labiaplasty in Chicago ranges from $3,000 to $8,000, depending on the surgeon, facility, and specific requirements of the procedure.
Benefits of Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty offers several benefits, including:
- Enhanced physical comfort.
- Improved confidence and self-image.
- Greater ease with wearing tight clothing.
- Improved intimacy and sexual satisfaction.
Labiaplasty Photo Gallery
View before-and-after pictures of real patients of Dr. Laurie A. Casas
Labiaplasty FAQ
How long does it take to recover from labiaplasty?
The healing process after labia surgery consists of multiple stages. One to three days after the surgery is when you can expect the bulk of the swelling to occur, and it will lessen over the next few weeks. From there, patients can anticipate symptoms of itching in the area. This is normal, but it’s vital to follow up with your surgeon if the itching doesn’t subside, as it could possibly be a sign of infection. It can take about six to eight weeks to finally reach a full recovery.
Is labia surgery painful?
Thankfully, with the help of modern medicine, labiaplasty doesn’t have to be a painful procedure. Every patient can benefit from a general anesthetic to peacefully make it through surgery. Of course, this doesn’t include any discomfort they might experience after the fact, but there’s nothing to worry about during the procedure.
Are there any potential risks with labiaplasty?
Even though it’s a surgical procedure, labiaplasty is known to be a low-risk operation. The primary risks associated with the surgical procedure are bleeding, scarring, and—in a worst-case scenario—potentially an infection. Of course, it’s essential you work with a patient, detailed, and talented surgeon to help avoid these risks, but they can’t be entirely disregarded no matter who you go to.
Is there a difference between labiaplasty and vaginal rejuvenation?
The core difference between the two is that vaginal rejuvenation focuses on the tightening of the vagina to help restore sensation to the area. With the natural effects of aging and giving birth, many women’s bodies go through significant changes that can lead to an unpleasant loss of sensation. Labiaplasty, by contrast, is a surgical procedure that primarily focuses on aesthetics by creating a more uniform look between the labia minora and majora areas.
What are some of the common reasons for getting labia surgery?
Aside from the cosmetic aspect of the surgery, there are numerous reasons why women may opt for labia surgery. Some women may want to be able to wear tight clothing comfortably, while others simply don’t feel too confident with the way their body looks. It can also do wonders for their intimacy and alleviate certain discomforts caused by labial tissues. It’s always crucial to share your concerns with your doctor so they have a better understanding of how to serve you and lead you to the results you’re looking for.
How soon after labiaplasty can I have sex?
Each patient’s body will require a different amount of time to heal, but most women can expect to reach full recovery within four to eight weeks after their surgery. This may seem like quite a while for some, but it’s essential that your body makes a full recovery before partaking in any kind of strenuous physical activity such as sex.
What are some of the benefits of labiaplasty?
The cosmetic aspect of the surgery gets most of the attention, but a labiaplasty offers a decent list of benefits for women. From reduced physical discomfort to improved hygiene and sexual pleasure, the procedure is known to provide a significant and positive change in many women’s lives. It’s always important to remember you’re perfect the way you are, but labiaplasty is a very safe and effective surgical procedure if you’re eager for a change.
Should I wait to have labiaplasty until I’ve had all of the children I plan to have?
It’s always about personal choice, but most doctors would advise that women wait until they’re done having children to seek out a labiaplasty. While the procedure is meant to refine and blend the cosmetic features of the labia, pregnancy and childbirth can do the complete opposite. Not only do pregnancy and childbirth change the way a woman’s genetalia looks, but it could also lead to unexpected health complications that could’ve been avoided otherwise. The human body is more sensitive than people realize, and it’s best to avoid as much wear and tear as possible. Nevertheless, if you don’t expect to have any children in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor to discuss the specifics of a labiaplasty.
Schedule Your Labiaplasty Consultation
If you’re considering labiaplasty, a consultation with Dr. Casas can help you explore your options and address any questions or concerns. Dr. Casas serves the Chicago area, including the North Shore and Northwest suburbs such as Glenview, Illinois.
Contact us at (847) 657-6884 to schedule your consultation today!
The New Vaginal Aesthetic