Labiaplasty Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the typical patient?
The typical patient who requests Labiaplasty or who is a good candidate for Labiaplasty is a patient who has enlargement of the labia that causes discomfort during sexual intercourse, discomfort with tight clothing, or irritation or skin rashes. Many times these patients will report being embarrassed about the size and shape of their labia and they may have been teased or humiliated by friends or sexual partners. The procedure can correct tears and deformities that occur during childbirth and the procedure may also eliminate stretching that may have occurred during childbearing or physical or sexual activities. In addition, the typical patient requests that the right and left labia be adjusted to become as nearly identical and proportionate as possible and also have a normal ratio between the inner vaginal lips (labia minora) and the outer vaginal lips (labia majora).

What about the procedure?
The procedure is usually done in the office or an outpatient facility and the procedure itself involves very small incisions that allow excess tissue to be removed, and allows a visually pleasing shape to be created with the labia. There is no pain and virtually no bleeding during the surgery. Any residual scarring is nearly invisible. After the procedure , there are no sutures that need to be removed and no dressings are needed. Finally, after the incision is healed in 3-6 weeks, the patient will find that sensation and function are normal or possibly improved compared to prior to the surgery.

What about recovery from the surgery?
The technique that Dr. Benson uses ensures that the patient is able to leave the office and go home or their hotel immediately after the surgery. The instructions are to put nothing in the vagina and wear no tight nothing or have no vigorous exercise for 3-6 weeks. Usually there are no stitches to be removed. There is only minimal pain that is typically gone by day 2 or 3 after the procedure and at its worse only requires mild oral pain medication. Dr. Benson expects his patients to resume everyday abilities and to be able to bathe or shower almost immediately and to expect minimal or no bruising. There should be no need to miss much work at all.

What can I expect in results?
Probably the most important thing that a patient can expect from the surgery is an extreme increase in confidence and self-esteem. Frequently, patients will report that their comfort is significantly improved in regard to sexual relations and in regard to physical activities or wearing of certain clothing styles such as tight pants.

What tests are required before surgery?
Typically, Dr. Benson requires only the usual testing required prior to any type of outpatient procedure.

Tell me again how much it is going to hurt?
Dr. Benson uses an anesthetic procedure which usually combines a topical local, and IM/IV sedation that allows for complete comfort and no pain after surgery. There should be minimal pain after the first or second day and that pain, at its worse, should be able to be controlled with simple oral pain medication. Further, the patient can get back to work very quickly unless there are complications, where additional time away from work may be required.

How long before I have sexual relations?
Dr. Benson feels that normally 3-6 weeks is plenty of time for the labia to heal prior to resumption of vaginal penetration.

Tell me again whom this surgery can help?
This surgery is designed to help any woman who is embarrassed or has lost confidence and self-esteem regarding the size and shape of her inner vaginal lips (also called the labia minora). Women who have had children and even women who have not had children are good candidates for this procedure.

In many cases, women with large or misshapen labia minora will have pain during intercourse or have discomfort during day-to-day activities, especially when wearing tight fitting clothing.

Some women may feel unattractive or embarrassed by the outward appearance of their vagina and may have been, in unfortunate cases, teased or humiliated by friends or sexual partners. The purpose of Labiaplasty is to improve the external appearance of the vagina, and after the procedure, most women have less discomfort during intercourse, feel more confident about their appearance, and show tremendous improvement in their self-esteem.

How long will it be before I can expect the final result?
Results depend on the individual and the type of surgery being performed. There may be bruising in some cases. Swelling and bruising normally resolve after 1-2 weeks, but it may take several months before the final results of the surgery are known, maybe up to 12 months as a maximum.

How about scarring?
Any scars that are there will be nearly invisible, as this procedure is done as cosmetically as possible. Typically, over the course of a year, the scars fade and become nearly imperceptible.

Tell me about risks of the procedure.
Any surgery has its own risks of bleeding infection, scarring, and chronic pain. This certainly relates to this procedure also. Dr. Benson takes every possible precaution to prevent any of these problems, but if these complications arise, Dr. Benson can deal with them in a timely manner.

How much does the surgery cost?
It is important to know that patients from all walks of life and all incomes are now having this surgery, as it has become more readily available. Financing for any and all patients can typically be provided at the time of scheduling of the procedure . Unfortunately, insurance does not normally cover the cost of the surgery because it is still classified as cosmetic surgery. Please discuss your needs with Dr. Benson to alleviate any financial fears.