Each woman has uniquely shaped labia minora, and they can change throughout your life due to puberty, childbirth, or menopause. Women who experience enlarged or asymmetric labia may suffer from functional issues or have cosmetic concerns regarding their appearance.
At Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery, double board-certified Dr. Tiffany Ballard specializes in performing labiaplasty. Dr. Ballard can help you determine the right labiaplasty solution for you.
What Is Labiaplasty?
Labial hypertrophy is a condition where the inner skin folds, or labia minora, of the vulva are longer than the outer folds. This excess tissue may lead to pain during tampon or menstrual cup use, intercourse, or workouts. Physical activities can also result in skin irritation and chafing.
Even if enlarged labia do not cause functional issues, some women seek surgery due to cosmetic concerns. A labiaplasty surgically trims the labia minora to remove the excess tissue, reducing the size of the labia, improving symmetry, and reducing physical discomfort.
Labiaplasty and Sensation
As labiaplasty involves surgery in a delicate area, you should expect some pain and discomfort after your procedure. Typically, patients will experience stinging and pulsing in the vaginal area for the first 24 to 48 hours and swelling that peaks four to five days afterward.
Following Dr. Ballard’s post-operative instructions about icing the area and resting will help you heal more quickly with less discomfort. Full recovery takes approximately eight weeks.
Most women experience a very low risk of changes in sensation, as labiaplasty focuses on removing skin that has few or no nerve endings. With significant experience performing labiaplasty surgeries, Dr. Ballard prioritizes patient safety; however, every surgery presents some level of risk. During your consultation, Dr. Ballard will discuss the potential for sensation loss following labiaplasty with you.
Am I a Candidate for Ann Arbor Labiaplasty?
Candidates for labiaplasty are women who are mentally and physically fit. Patients should have realistic expectations for their surgical results and a positive outlook. While labiaplasty does not alter or tighten the vaginal opening, it can improve symmetry and reduce the size of enlarged labia minora.
Dr. Ballard also recommends her labiaplasty patients should share the following characteristics:
- Live a healthy lifestyle with a BMI under 30
- Be non-smokers, or willing to quit two weeks before and after surgery
- Have no medical conditions that impair healing
- Understand the surgical risks
- Be willing to thoroughly follow post-operative instructions
Why Choose Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery for Your Labiaplasty?
As one of the only female board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeons in the Ann Arbor area and an experienced labiaplasty surgeon in Michigan, Dr. Ballard offers her patients a unique understanding of their concerns. Dr. Ballard specializes in labiaplasty and clitoral hood reduction, which allows her patients to feel comfortable and confident in their choice of surgeon.
Your labiaplasty journey starts with a consultation with Dr. Ballard – one of Ann Arbor’s best labiaplasty providers. Contact us today or call us at (734) 436-2186 to learn more!
