Discussing satisfaction with your “lady parts” is no longer a question of impropriety. Whether it’s for looks or feels, women around the world are discovering the surgical and cosmetic techniques that enhance comfort, performance and aesthetics. A variety of feminine genitalia, or FemGen, practices and procedures are now available to help women to be pleased with their privates. One of the most requested of these FemGen procedures addresses the size and shape of labia. It is called Labiaplasty.

Good Candidates

Women in good health, preferably non smokers, who experience irritation, discomfort or dissatisfaction with the appearance of their labia are all good candidates for Labiaplasty. Large labia minora (inner lips) can be uncomfortable because they’re extended beyond the labia majora so they’re exposed to constant rubbing during sex or when wearing certain clothes. Form fitting jeans, workout pants, or leggings can be especially difficult. Large labia majora can also impose on sex and cause a vaginal bulge when wearing bathing suits that draw an embarrassing amount of attention.

Reforming the “Flower”

A woman’s flower is totally unique. There is no “normal” or standard to benchmark, so this procedure is highly tailored and there will be no “cookie cutter” results. I can help you address issues with asymmetry, coloration and size. Even as most women do prefer to minimize the amount of labia minor that extends past the labia majora, there are a variety of techniques to consider. Regardless of technique, the protection and preservation of the sensitive clitoris is paramount to the overall success.

Tender Techniques

While there are degrees of variance and combinations, the 2 main techniques of Labiaplasty are trimming down the labia minora, starting from the outer edge and moving inward. The other main technique is cutting a wedge from the middle of the labia minora skin to keep the outer edge in tact. One of the main factors determining which technique to use is the patient’s desire to keep the coloration and folding of the outer edge or not. If the edge is trimmed, pinker labial skin will be visible, but if the wedge technique is used, the often darker outer edges will remain, as well as more of the natural folding and rippling. Using a variation of these techniques, my delicate, detail oriented methods have sculpted the labia into beautiful, comfortable flowers for a multitude of happy patients.

Recovering Expectations
Most women want to know how long until they can resume sex, swimming or exercising after Labiaplasty. In most cases, I suggest waiting 6 weeks for these activities in order to minimize risk of infection and allow for good healing. However, an otherwise normal daily routine can be resumed after 2 to 4 days of taking it easy. Any bruising or swelling should resolve within about 2 weeks and pain can be managed with cold compress and ibuprofen. During recovery, any pressure on the labia should be avoided, including tight clothing. This is a good time to wear only loose clothes and cotton “granny panties.” Optimal aesthetics and comfort are typically experienced in 4 to 6 months.

Experience the satisfaction, comfort and confidence you deserve. Schedule a confidential FemGen consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Mother’s Day is approaching soon and it is time to show love and honor the mothers in our lives. Last blog we talked about giving the gift of youthfulness to moms. For some, they’re satisfied with a day at the spa, for others, they’d like longer term youth enhancing effects of a Filler Facelift. And yet there’s another more entailed way to give the gift of rejuvenation to the mother in your life, and that’s with a cosmetic procedure.

Making the decision for plastic surgery is not an overnight decision nor something to just “pop up” with as a gift. However, there are mother’s who’ve been talking about wanting a procedure to help restore confidence and some youthfulness to their face or figure. These are the women who would be over the moon ecstatic if you said for Mother’s Day “go for it” on that surgery to help revitalize and restore her physically and in turn, emotionally.

The physical toll a mom has on her body manifests in different ways. Most often the act of bearing and breastfeeding children catalyze the most drastic changes any woman’s body will go through. More often than not, this miraculous act leaves some marks. These signs of motherhood are something many women are proud to bear, but others would rather see things looking back to an earlier time frame.

These procedures are particularly helpful for the body issues that moms deal with:

1. Breast Augmentation and Breastlift restores and improves breasts that really can take a toll through the weight fluctuations of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Often breasts end up deflated and sagging after childbearing years, which can be a real bummer for moms who still are young.
2. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) addresses the issues from damaged abdomen muscles, residual stubborn adipose fat and stretched skin. Growing a baby requires extreme expanding and contracting of the abdomen, which leaves unwanted effects for many women. Tummy tuck restores confidence and a smooth abdomen.
3. Liposuction eliminates those stubborn fat pockets that came with pregnancy and hormone changes that sometimes a healthy diet and exercise just don’t address. With liposuction, those undesirable bulges in on the abdomen, hips, and thighs can be streamlined and contoured for satisfaction with those body curves.
4. Labiaplasty is a FemGen procedure that is gaining more popularity. Even after healing from a vaginal birth, that area can remain uncomfortable and not aesthetically preferable. Labiaplasty can help the nether regions feel normal again to restore confidence and comfort.

For those mothers who’ve already expressed an interest in surgery, giving the gift of a restored body for Mother’s Day could be the best way to honor and encourage them. It can say, “I love you how you are and appreciate the sacrifices you’ve made as a mother, but want you to love and feel confident in your motherhood and body, too.” To talk about how to go about supporting the mother in your life in this way, you can schedule a consultation to talk about any of these Mommy Makeover procedures at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Looking ahead to 2018, what procedures do we expect to hear more about? While there is a general rise in consumer awareness and participation in the cosmetic surgery industry, some procedures have flown under the radar until recently. Such procedures as Otoplasty, Labiaplasty had begun to hit the main stream in 2017 and are expected to rise even more, but even more recently has been awareness about inverted nipple correction surgery. Last year was also big for very full, pillowy lips, which may tame down a bit in 2018, but there are more and more uses for fillers that are being requested by patients. Let’s take a look at some procedures that are going to get more play in 2018.

Otoplasty

Streamlining the ear profile with Otoplasty surfaced onto the mainstream over the summer a year or 2 ago. It has been a common surgery for children and youths, as it can take ears that stick out or fold abnormally and bring them closer to the head; therefore eliminating teasing or bullying and the resulting self esteem issues because of “Dumbo ears.” While this has continued to be the main reason for this surgery, it has expanded into “trend status” by adults perfecting their ear profile and also wanting to give the earlobes a pleasant shape, even after the holes from earrings have distorted them.

Labiaplasty

Even as this surgery addresses a very private area, it has gained more public awareness. Women want to feel confident with how their labia look and more comfortable with how they feel. There is no reason to have discomfort over elongated, uneven labia. Labiaplasty can help increase comfort, confidence and even possibly of increased enjoyment of intimacy.

Inverted Nipple Correction

It is estimated that up to 20 percent of women have inverted nipples, which means the nipple retracts inward, usually since birth. Typically it occurs because the breast tissue adheres tightly to the base of the nipple and constricts it. While this nipple status may cause some challenges with breastfeeding, they can usually be overcome, and it is otherwise harmless. The desired correction can be surgical, or combined with a nipple ring that would hold the nipple out, as well as a small fat graft or filler injection.

Fillers

While fillers, such as Juvederm for the lips have received a great amount of attention, and will continue to, there are a few other areas springing up that fillers are helping that might be surprising. For example, filling in the sunken under eyes, shriveled ear lobes, veiny thin hands, dimples of cellulite, and shrinking nipples.Keep in mind, many of these creative uses for fillers are considered “off label,” which means there isn’t a standardized protocol, so be sure you’re only working with trusted “expert injectors” like in my office.

If any of these procedures have piqued an interest in you or coincide with your beauty and rejuvenation goals for 2018, please schedule a consultation so that we can discuss your options at www.davinciplastic.com

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

In recent years we’ve seen an increased awareness about vaginal revitalization surgeries, such as Labiaplasty. Surgery on this sensitive area, which can be referred to as the “V zone” or FemGen (short for female genitalia), has existed previously in the context of correction of birth defects, trauma, such as through labor, addressing discomfort, etc.

Now it seems that requests for “designer vaginas” have significantly increased. There’s even a term for a desired look called the “Barbie.” This implies a flat vaginal area, which results in either a reduction in labia majora or removal of the labia minora all together. While I have many years of experience and have supported many women in their vaginal surgery journey, it’s important to know that the popularity of this procedure has to come with caution as to their health and safety when choosing a surgeon because of the lack of official oversight and training in this particular area of surgery.

So whether you’re interested in a FemGen surgery because you want to feel confident with how your labia look or more comfortable with how they feel, I can support you. Working on this area takes delicate artistry and anatomical knowledge to provide the best results. Here is some more information about your FemGen revitalization options.

Labiaplasty Compared to Vaginoplasty

Vaginoplasty addresses internal muscles and tissue of the vaginal corridor. This is normally done to correct birth defects that could prevent complications of childbirth or even repair damage from childbirth. It also can result in enhanced sensation and sexual pleasure during intercourse, which has become an increasing reason for women requesting this surgery. Recovery takes several weeks.

Labiaplasty corrects concerns with the labia minora or majora. There is a wide variety of normal labia sizes, shapes, colors and textures. The reason for Labiaplasty may be to address bothersome labial imbalances, discomfort during intercourse, or self consciousness when wearing tight workout clothes or swimsuits. Labiaplasty is also called Labial Revision, Labial Beautification, Labial Reduction or Labial Augmentation, and has a minimal recovery time.

Other FemGen Options

FemGen issues also extend to the perineum, which can experience trauma during childbirth. Perineoplasty can correct poor healing from drastic tearing or irregular scarring from episiotomy.

Volume loss is not an issue that just affects the face, but with age, volume in the “V zone” decreases also. This is visible as deflated labia or pubic mons, which is the fatty tissue over the pubic bone. This loss of padding on the pubic mons and labia majora can result in discomfort during intercourse. Fortunately, Fat Transfer, also known as Fat Grafting, is a great natural V zone volume replacement option.

So whether your desires are feature or function related, this topic is not taboo and you can receive help. If you’d like to talk about your options in the caring confidence of an experienced FemGen surgeon, please schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

No surgery in plastic surgery has seen as much growth as Labiaplasty. The latest statistics from American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery shows a 44% rise in this procedure. The number of surgeons providing this procedure has risen from 21% to 29% of members of Esthetic Plastic Surgery Society. This represents an 8% increase.

Expert Study Reports Increased Sensation
*Great information in a recent paper entitled *”Prospective Evaluation of Female External Genitalia Sensitivity to Pressure following Labia Minora Reduction and Clitoral Hood Reduction.” by Dr Otto Placik has helped dispel concerns regarding post operative labial sensitivity.  His article, published in the Oxford Journals,  titled “Prospective Evaluation of Feminine Genital Sensitivity and Pressure following Labia Minora reduction and Clitoral Hood reduction” shows that rather than reducing sensitivity with surgery, there was a net increase in sensitivity to touch. It is suggested the removal of the droopy excess labia removes *in *un of labia, which may have less feeling.

More Frequent and Satisfying Sex
In addition to labial sensitivity increase, the clitoral hood when raised may have enhanced feeling. What does all this mean, well, a happier patient. In self reporting from the same group, *44 to 1 of the women had an increase in sexual relations and when they did, it was better. These labiaplasty patients reported an improvement in orgasm frequency in *35 to 3 subjects and increase of strength of orgasm *35 to 3. This information reported in the Oxford Journals for the increase shown in 2012-2013.  So in conclusion, not only did labiaplasty maintain or improve sensitivity, it made for a more frequent, better sex life.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

With today’s refined techniques and heightened sensitivity of the plastic surgery industry, there’s no reason for any woman to be unhappy with how her feminine nether regions look or feel. We briefly discussed the topic of revitalizing the “V zone” in the Mommy Makeover blogs a few months ago. I thought it would be worth going over in depth to help more women, not just recent moms, realize that there can be a solution for their concerns in this area and it isn’t taboo.

GETTING BACK TO NORMAL… As women age and especially after childbirth, the female genitalia, let’s call it FemGen for short, can drastically change. It may look different, feel different or both. Every woman is unique, but some are born with irregularities that cause discomfort. Any of these irregular FemGen issues, whether genetic or from life experience, can be very troubling both emotionally and physically for women in all ages and stages of life. Revitalizing the “V Zone” through Labiaplasty or Vaginoplasty can help women feel normal in that sensitive area, which can increase self confidence and sexual satisfaction.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LABIAPLASTY AND VAGINOPLASTY… To simplify, Vaginoplasty addresses internal vaginal corridor and Labiaplasty addresses concerns with the outside labia minora or majora. There is also Perineoplasty, which is commonly done to correct poor healing from vaginal trauma in childbirth resulting in a drastic tear or episiotomy with an irregular scar. Vaginoplasty is usually done to tighten the vaginal canal. This is the most complicated of the FemGen procedures because it addresses internal muscles, so it requires a very skilled and experienced surgeon. Labioplasty is the most commonly performed surgery of the 3. It is also called Labial Revision, Labial Beautification, Labial Reduction, Labial Augmentation, etc.

1. LABIAPLASTY RESTORES BEAUTY AND COMFORT… To some women, their “flower” looks a little wilted, large or lopsided and so Labiaplasty can beautify this area. Refining the labia also means more comfort for some women. If the labia is too enlarged, thickened or elongated, it can cause several physical discomforts or embarrassment.

2.  Excess tissue from enlarged labia traps moisture causing irritation, rashes and infections.

3.  Visible lumps can be seen through tighter clothing, such as athletic wear, tight pants, baithing suits, etc.
4.  Certain movements can be uncomfortable, like when exercising, biking and during sexual intimacy.
5.  Labia can cause discomfort and pain during intimacy and get in the way of sexual gratification and fulfillment.

“V ZONE” VOLUME LOSS… This isn’t just an issue for the face. Volume loss that comes with aging affects the FemGen area too. This loss of padding on the pubic mons and labia majora can make sexual intimacy quite uncomfortable. Fortunately, the natural padding can be restored through Fat Transfer, also known as Fat Grafting.

So whatever it is you’d like to address in your FemGen area; tightening,contouring/ trimming, filling to replace volume or flattening (remove an obvious bulge), there is a safe and effective procedure that can help you restore confidence and comfort. To schedule a consultation with a confidential, caring specialist plastic surgeon, visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Although most people still like to be discreet, gone are the days when cosmetic surgery is something to hide. This is especially true with many moms who are just being real about the changes that pregnancy and breastfeeding have on their bodies. The weight gain, stretching and stress take a toll that often leaves stretched skin, difficult fat pouches, sagging flat breasts, elongated nipples, etc.

While there comes great satisfaction and reward with bringing new life into the world, women are also craving the satisfaction and confidence that comes from restoring and improving their bodies to their pre baby days. This is where the Mommy Makeover can help.
There is no exact formula for a Mommy Makeover because it means different things for each woman’s unique body changes and needs. Often the most affected areas from pregnancy and breastfeeding are the tummies, breasts, vagina and legs, but to some women the makeover includes facial rejuvenation, too.

With the health benefits to their little ones in mind, women are usually taking the best care of themselves during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but lifestyle choices can’t always reverse their effects. A healthy regimen of diet and exercise is certainly recommended to help get rid of some baby weight, but really won’t address the sagging stretched skin or deflated breasts. And sometimes no matter how hard you work out, the tummy can’t get flat again because of separated abdomen muscles. This is where the cosmetic procedures of a Mommy Makeover can give that boost to get back in shape.
A Mommy Makeover can address a woman’s post partum body issues in a single session surgery, or over time, and can include surgeries such as:

• Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) is a multi faceted surgery that restores a flatter abdomen by removing excess fat (using liposuction), putting the abdomen muscles back together if needed, eliminating loose skin and beautifying the belly button.
• Liposuction can target multiple areas where tough fat deposits just won’t go away. The smoothness and balanced contour can be restored to the abdomen, hips, thighs, back, arms, etc. It’s also important to note that the fat removed through liposuction can be refined and repurposed to replace contour and lost volume in other areas, including the buttock.
• Breast Enhancement can mean multiple corrections in itself, including lifting, augmenting fullness, and nipple reduction for an overall more visually appealing position, size and shape.
• Labiaplasty enhances the “V Zone”, which can be minimally to dramatically altered depending on how labor goes. Even besides the stretching from labor, just with age, the elasticity of the labia loosens. Restoring an anatomical and aesthetic “V Zone” can improve discomfort or sensation during intimacy and overall confidence in sexuality.

Also, some moms add in the non invasive facial procedures to give that extra boost of confidence, such as:

Injectables for facial rejuvenation help correct the extra lines and creases that come with motherhood and aging in general…Chemical peels can lighten the hormonal discolorations and age spots that add years to the appearance… as well as improve skin’s smoothness and overall texture.
Each mother’s needs are unique and require a customized, personalized plan specifically for you.

To schedule a consultation for your Mommy Makeover, visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

I’ve written a few blogs about female genital (V Zone) surgeries and how they have been life changing for so many women today.  This blog covers “Monsplasty”…the benefits of it and what some Top Docs are saying and doing in this arena of female health and wellness.

MONSPLASTY…what it is and the benefits you enjoy. Also called a Pubic Lift, Monsplasty is a surgical procedure used to reduce the size of and tighten the Mons Pubis. It is often done in tandem with a Tummy Tuck and Body Lift surgery to achieve maximum satisfaction.  Or it can be combined with other V Zone procedures such as Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty.

Childbirth, weight gain or normal aging affect the Pubic Area.  Women with an overly large Mons Pubis complain that it interferes with getting clothes to fit right, it often hinders normal urination and can really hinder sexual intimacy.  I correct a sagging, enlarged Mons Pubis by reducing the sagging skin and tightening muscles and tissue to improve the appearance and restore normal function and enjoyment!

TABOO YESTERDAY…POPULAR TODAY!  MONSPLASTY SURGERY IS ONE OF TODAY’S MOST “IN DEMAND” SURGICAL PROCEDURES!

COMMENTS BY OTHER TOP DOCS:   DR. GARY ALTER …AMERICA’S POPULAR AND AGGRESSIVE SURGEON…dealing with sex changes, male/female genital corrective and designer procedures, and much more…is a West Coast surgeon and pioneer in his field of life saving/life changing procedures for both men and women.  He has invented a new labia surgery technique for reducing the labia majora…and is calling it the “Alter Labia Contouring Procedure.” Simply put, it reduces the size of the LM while preserving the contour, color and anatomy of the Labia’s edge. His new technique is loved by his patients who say…the surgery is virtually undetectable but the wonderful improvements….are clearly detectable and enjoyable!

Dr. Alter’s patients have removed the word “taboo” or embarrassment, or pain and suffering, ugly signs of aging and more from their vocabularies….because his Male and Female procedures are life changing….without embarrassment.  Dr. Alter along with many other notable “top Docs” widely promote their corrective and designer surgeries…around the world.  The younger generation in particular…is totally uninhibited, according to Dr. Alter and Dr. Christine Hamori...another front runner in the Vagina Designer arena. Dr. Hamori specializes in helping women of all ages and stages regain function, sexual satisfaction, youthful appearance, self confidence and more.  As a much sought after speaker/presenter….she is asked to explain her procedures and teach her techniques also.

IT’S ABOUT HEALTH AND HAPPINESS…and their patients all agree!  Aging, weight fluctuation, childbirth, illness, trauma, genetics etc. all factor into the changes our bodies endure across the lifespan.  Used to be…certain things absolutely were not talked about….women and men suffered in silence until they died.  The tide has changed!  An educated, enlightened population is choosing total health and the pleasures it offers.  Dr. Hamori works with women to correct female genital issues….to  restore health, function and a youthful appearance.  She is an educator and pioneer…highly respected among her peers and loved by her patients, their families and friends!

Dr. Alter has several other procedural techniques that he has not yet published…but his peers and patients are excited to learn about them. Both “Top Docs” are fulfilling a vital area of need in healthcare today.  I appreciate them and all they have brought to the table.

about sunbathing and sunburns! Vacations have already begun (Spring Break this past month) meant many bodies on the beach….or poolside.  After being in all winter…or enduring a gray winter as many parts of the country did…be smart when enjoying the sun.  Here are a few tips: 
1.  A stumpy shadow means the sun is directly overhead and UVB exposure is up to 50% greater during this time.  2. Wear hats that throw a shadow over your face and neck.   3. Be generous with sunscreen…a thin layer does nothing!    4.  Summer white/pastel gauze type fabrics absorb rays because they lack color pigments…when wearing them wear a layer of sunscreen also.  5. Apply sunscreens indoors….to allow them to “bind to” skin proteins….otherwise they don’t work!   Come back next blog for more tips!

Stay well….and let’s get you going on your “beach body” procedures!  Weddings, graduations and more are also around the corner.  Want to look your very best….let’s talk!

Steven Davison M.D.

“DAVinci…where I combine the supreme elements of art and surgical science.”

REJUVENTATING YOUR V ZONE…restores the passion to your love life! (Feminine Genital Rejuvenation) Many women are unhappy, even embarrassed with the way they look & feel sexually. But…today’s women are doing something about it besides talking. They have been enlightened and understand that Vaginal Rejuvenation involves safe, effective procedures that restore pre pregnancy/pre aging conditions and youthfulness in every area of the V Zone! No longer are women suffering in silence…wondering if they could ever restore the passions of their youth…while aging beautifully.

Senior Women and younger Women alike have been ushered into this “new era” of changed perceptions and healthy attitudes. Data informs us the over 70% of the population is less judgmental of the age defying cosmetic procedures being done today. Even the most intimate options are now accepted as more men and women experiencing changed lives! The Reasons women choose Aesthetic Vaginal Surgery aka… Designer Vaginal Rejuvenation…vary widely, but the most common are a strong desire for:

• Restored self esteem • Renewed self confidence • Enhanced sexual gratification • Renewed Aesthetic attractiveness to the V Zone

CAUSES OF UNDESIRABLE VAGINAL CHANGES Aging, genetics, hormones, and vaginal childbirth are the most common reasons for undesirable changes in the vaginal area. The vagina itself is very elastic but with age, many women…especially moms feel looser from the vaginal skin being stretched. Intimacy is affected for both partners…and often painful for the woman.

WHAT BOTHERS WOMEN Vaginal looseness from normal aging and childbirth results in an undesirable appearance, reduced sensation causing loss of sexual excitement and fulfillment, pain and discomfort during intercourse or from wearing certain clothing, exercising, bike riding and more, embarrassment from how you look…especially to your sexual partner.

EMBARRASSING APPEARANCE AND POOR FUNCTION Every woman’s vagina looks different even when normal in appearance. But the Labia Minora (thin inner lips) and the Labia Majora (thick outer lips), the Clitoral Hood and Perineum affect appearance and function as follows: 1) Contour…the shape has changed from smooth to ragged 2) Color…the colors aren’t consistent on both sides 3) Symmetry…sides are uneven and don’t look alike 4) Size…lips have thickened, elongated, can be seen through clothing when exercising, during intimate, sports, swimming etc 5) Lax Vaginal muscles, excess tissue, enlargement…Vaginoplasty corrects lax muscles/restores sexual pleasure, corrects vaginal tears, removes excess tissue, & restores a tighter, firmer vaginal opening/canal 6) Labiaplasty changes the size & shape of the Labia Minora & Labia Majora…7) Clitoral Hood Reduction…removes excess tissue to enable full sexual stimulation & gratification 8) G Spot Enhancement…increases sexual pleasure you never knew you had!

Today, the stigma is gone and there are many options for rejuvenating your V Zone! See my website for complete information on each procedure: https://www.davinciplastic.com.

We’re through March already!  Men and Women are filling surgeons suites…seeking today’s age reversing treatments…because they work.  The number of women getting FemGen rejuvenation procedures…is growing by leaps and bounds…because it restores youthfulness, appearance and function…making your love exciting again!

Call or come in…and let’s design your personal age reversing program…be “Beach Body Ready!”

Steven Davison M.D.

DAVinci…where I combine the supreme elements of art and surgical science.

Labiaplasty is a plastic surgery of the external (outer) female genitalia.  The predominate reason women seek this operation is increased size of the labia minora (or inner lips). As fashions become more form fitting, hair patterns more revealing and mean of comparison more common, more women are seeking this operation for cosmetic reasons.  Problems with pain, on sitting or in thigh clothes, toilet habits and sexual discomfort are functional reasons patients seek a surgical solution to elongated labia.

The problem may be exacerbated by age or activity (horse or bike riding) and atrophy of the labia majora (outer lips).  Current grading suggests any length more than 5 cm is abnormal by comparison in size with what is considered anatomically normal. The goals of labiaplasty are a minimally invasive way to reduce the enlarged lips while maintaining the sensation, color, texture and adequate opening of the lips. The edges of the labia have a very unique pigmented, corrugated mucosa skin junction that cannot be replicated.

Different techniques exist from amputation of the excess lip, simple wedge excisions and more complex wedge excisions tailored to remove the excess tissue while preserving the edge.  The technique that works the best is one that is tailored to the patient’s own anatomy, yet wedge technique which I use leaves more normal color, appearance and sensation.

The surgery takes about an hour and can be performed under local, sedation or general anesthetic based on patient comfort.  Recovery is about a week of surgical healing with avoiding heavy exercise and sexual activity for two weeks.  Care is minimal involving sitz baths and antibiotic ointment only.  I utilize layers of absorbable sutures which avoid the need for removal and minimize the risk of dehiscence or the wound falling apart which is the most common of this procedure and is a rare complication.

This is one of plastic surgery’s offerings with which patients are undeniably delighted. Large series report 95-98% of patients if happy or would undergo the operation again, a solid testimonial.

The operation is not difficult, yet requires appreciation of genital esthetics, tissue handling and plastic surgery techniques. Seek help from a surgeon with understanding and experience. Ask about techniques they use to preserve mucosa to skin border to maintain texture, color and sensation especially if you have pigmented skin. The surgeon needs to leave at least 1 cm of labial length to avoid retraction and scarring.  I have seen this type  of problem once when serving as an expert witness for another surgeon and it is hard to fix without complex further surgery.

Price is important in all choices but make sure you are comparing the true expenses.  Is this being offered in an office or operating room, is anesthesia included or is it going to require a number of sensitive injections.

In conclusion, this surgery can be combined with other minor procedures to plump up the outer lips or clitoral hooding to remove excess skin from around the clitoris.

Please visit our website for more information.

Dr. Steven Davison