Answers to the Most Common Questions about Vaginal Rejuvenation

-by board-certified plastic surgeon Ashley N. Amalfi, MD

So just what is Vaginal Rejuvenation?

Many women just aren’t happy with the way they look…even down there.  We hear so many women talk about breast reduction, or breast augmentation surgery, but less so about what can be done to address genital concerns.  For many who are unhappy with the appearance of their labia majora (outer labial tissue) or their labia minora (inner labial tissue), labiaplasty surgery can offer correction.  Others have redundant or extra skin that hangs atop the clitoris and are more interested in clitoral hood reduction.  Regardless of the concern, vaginal rejuvenation offers safe and reliable results to address your concerns.

I haven’t had children yet.  Am I too young for a consult?

I see woman at all stages of their lives who are seeking improvement with labiaplasty.  Some of my patients are young women who have always had longer labia minora, or have asymmetry, with one side hanging lower than the other.  They are often self-conscious about this difference and request a more symmetrical-appearing labial contour.

After pregnancy and delivery, my labia look and feel differently.  Can this be corrected?

Absolutely.  Most of my patients are young mothers who are unhappy with the way their labia have changed after pregnancy and childbirth.  The most common concern is an elongated labia minora that hangs below the labia majora.  Not only are these women unhappy with the way it looks, but they have symptoms of pain and irritation as well.  They complain of pinching with sitting, working out, cycling and yoga, and feel uncomfortable in tight clothing and bathing suits.  Labiaplasty is able to address both the functional and aesthetic concerns after having children.

So just what can be done?

The modern labiaplasty techniques are safe, reliable and effective.  The procedure itself is done right in our office with numbing medicine only.  Excess skin and tissue is trimmed away to give the shape and contour that the patient desires.  Women tolerate this extremely well and are very comfortable throughout the procedure.  They often bring headphones and watch a show on their phone or listen to music and talk with me throughout the one hour procedure.  Patients can go home the same day and relax during their recovery.

What is recovery like?

Patients do incredibly well and require very few pain medications during the recovery period.  Some ice is helpful for discomfort and swelling, and taking a low-key weekend off following the procedure is all most of my patients need to recover.  The area is sensitive, so using tampons and having sex are avoided for 6-8 weeks until all of the incisions are completely healed.  After this time, there are no restrictions.

How do I know if I’m a good candidate?

To find out if you are a good candidate, please come in for a private consultation.  As a woman, my patients find more comfort in confiding their concerns to me, and we can discuss just what options you have to achieve your desired result.  I assure you, you will be surprised just how comfortable the procedure is.  Labiaplasty patients are some of the happiest women I treat in my practice.  The most common comment I hear is how easy the procedure itself was, and how they wished they had done it sooner.

If you are interested in learning more about labiaplasty and if the procedure is right for you, call our office at (585) 244-1000 to speak to a Patient Consultant.