Over the years Labiaplasty has exploded in popularity amongst women of all ages. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) reported that labiaplasty procedures in the US have increased 45% in 2015-2016.

The size, shape, and color of the labia widely differs amongst women. It can change due to childbirth, aging or congenital defects. What once was a taboo subject is now a mainstream medical procedure that many women are undergoing – some for aesthetic reasons, others for valid medical concerns.

What is a Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that “trims” the excess (or redundant) folds of skin of the labia minora. There are many ways of performing the surgery and they can be pretty complex. How and what the surgeon does is entirely dependent upon the needs and desires of the individual undergoing the procedure.

For example, the labia could be made smaller or more symmetrical or even flush with the vagina. This can be performed by taking a “wedge” out of the labia or entirely removing the part that is excessive. The look and shape of the labia differs from woman to woman so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all procedure. Deformities of the clitoral hood can also be corrected.

Labiaplasty Pain and Recovery Time

The surgery itself can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour. It’s usually performed under local anesthesia, but the patient can opt for conscious sedation or general anesthesia. Overall, it’s generally considered safe and recovery is usually quick.

Is Labiaplasty Painful?

As with any surgical procedure, there will be some pain. The surgeon might prescribe pain medications and antibiotics to help speed up the healing process. If there are any scars, they will be invisible due to the location of the surgical incisions.

After having a labiaplasty, most women can return back to work in one week without any issue. It may take 2-3 weeks before they can exercise, and it’s recommended to wait four to six weeks before engaging in intercourse. During the healing process, women are also instructed not to wear tampons or tight clothes.

Complications from Labiaplasty

Medical complications are generally mild and rare. The most common complications reported are excessive bleeding, poor wound-healing, labial asymmetry, and infection. In very rare cases a revision surgery might be required.

How Much Does Labiaplasty Cost? And Will Insurance Cover It?

Labiaplasty is considered an elective surgery, which means that most insurance companies will not cover it. Because typical insurance companies will not cover the cost of a labiaplasty, most plastic surgeons will offer some sort of payment plan that will allow you to pay off the cost of the procedure over time.

While we can’t give you an exact price without having a consultation, labiaplasty’s in the United States can cost anywhere from $1500 to $6000 depending on the amount of work that needs to be done, the location within the country, as well as the experience of the surgeon.

The best way to get a true cost estimate for a labiaplasty is to schedule a consultation with a surgeon. They will be able to examine you and break down the cost of the procedure for you.

Why Would Someone Need a Labiaplasty?

Aesthetic Reasons

In 2008, the Journal of Sexual Medicine came out with a report that stated 32% of women who had labiaplasty did so in order to correct a functional impairment and 37% solely for aesthetic purposes.

There are many reasons why women opt for this procedure. Some do it for aesthetic reasons. As “Brazilian waxes” (and other hair removal procedures) have grown in popularity over the years, more and more women have become self-conscious of their genital areas.

Adult websites also play a small role in why women want this procedure done. Some women opt for labiaplasty because they want to look like the women in adult magazines and on websites. Women who are in their teens and early 20’s tend to undergo this surgery for aesthetic purposes. Other women are self-conscious about the outline of their vaginal area through clothing, especially when they’re wearing tight fitting active wear such as yoga pants.

Medical Reasons

There are also valid medical reasons why labiaplasty would be performed. The excess labia skin can cause physical discomfort when wearing certain clothes. Riding a bike, exercising, or even sitting at a desk for any period of time can also cause pain and discomfort.

Other women have trouble putting in a tampon or experience inflammation or chafing when having sex. Excess skin around the labia minora can also become enlarged on one end, but not the other.

Labiaplasty is also performed in sex reassignment surgeries (male-to-female). It’s usually the second stage of the procedure wherein labiaplastic techniques are used to create a clitoral hood and labia minora.

Criticism of Labiaplasty

There are critics of the surgery who say that the reason women undergo labiaplasty is due to poor self-image of themselves. More and more teenage girls are wanting to undergo labiaplasty and many surgeons recommend against it due to their bodies not being fully developed at such a young age.

There are some critics who claim that undergoing the procedure for cosmetic purposes is completely unnecessary. They state that due to the current culture of removing pubic hair, the labia becomes more visually prominent. There is also a huge misconception that labiaplasty is a form of “genital mutilation” (it is not because the intention of the procedure is to help, rather than deny sexual pleasure to a woman).

Ultimately, the final decision should be left to the patient. If the procedure improves the quality of their life in some way, shape, or form, then they should undergo it regardless of what others think or say.

Improving Quality of Life

The vast majority of women who have undergone a labiaplasty have reported a marked improvement in the quality of their lives. Their clothes fit better, they no longer have that embarrassing “camel toe” look, and their self-confidence/self-esteem rises.

When it comes to sexual intercourse, some women report that an enlarged labia can cause extreme amounts of pain. Labiaplasty can help alleviate the discomfort and make sex enjoyable once again.

Whether the reason is cosmetic or medical, labiaplasty is one of those procedures that can help women feel better about themselves as well as provide a level of comfort that wasn’t there prior.

Labiaplasty in Dallas, Texas

There are many valid reasons for wanting to undergo the labiaplasty procedure. From improved aesthetics, to correcting the discomfort felt when performing regular everyday activities, labiaplasty has helped countless women improve the quality of their lives.

If you are interested in labiaplasty, or would like to learn more, give the offices of Dr. Adams a call at 214-965-9885 or schedule a consultation online. Dr. Adams is an American Board of Plastic Surgery certified surgeon and has the expertise and experience to help you look and feel your very best!

The internet is a great place to start when you’re thinking about having plastic surgery. There is an endless supply of resources and materials available right at your fingertips, whether you’re looking for a breast augmentation or just a non-surgical skin care procedure, the information is endless.

But among all the information out there, how can you be sure what you’re reading is really truthful?

We live in the age of disinformation. We’re seeing it every day, not just on the internet, but on our TVs and from people in our lives. Because the media networks these days seem to be all about ratings as opposed to facts, we’re often bombarded with news outlets trying to give us the news first, as opposed to fact checking everything and waiting to break a story until they have all of the information.

It’s for this same reason that the internet and people on the internet are spreading myths as truth at an alarming rate. Since the news cycle is so quick, once something hits Twitter (X), Facebook, or news outlets, it begins spreading like wildfire without people doing any sort of research to determine whether or not something is true.

How to Avoid Breast Implant Myths

When it comes to plastic surgery information, including breast implants, we always recommend that you talk with your doctor before jumping to any conclusions or decisions made based on what you read on the internet or even hear from friends. It’s totally ok for you to do your own research into the different procedures and treatments that you may be interested in but use that research as a foundation for questions to ask your doctor.

And please, listen to your doctor.

Just because you read something on the internet does not make it true. If your doctor disagrees with the information you found, and you don’t think your doctor is correct, then consider a second opinion. But keep in mind that your doctor has gone through extensive schooling and years of practice to get where they are now. Be respectful and ask intelligent questions and your doctor will treat you the same.

As much as we’d like to be able to tell you exactly how to weed through the misinformation on the internet, there’s no easy way. What you can do though, is make sure to get your information from credible websites, like those of doctor’s offices, researchers, and government sites. And not from places like Facebook, YouTube or other social media outlets.

With that in mind, what we can do is take a look at some of the biggest plastic surgery and breast implant myths and try to help you understand why these myths are not truthful.

5 Common Breast Implant Myths

Myth 1: Breast Implants Last Forever

Some people think that breast implants are like magical devices that never need to be changed. But that’s a myth! In reality, breast implants don’t last forever. Over time, they can get damaged or change shape, which might mean they need to be replaced.

Myth 2: Breast Implants Always Look Fake

You might have heard that breast implants make your breasts look and feel fake. Well, that’s not true for everyone. Today, there are different types of breast implants, and when done by a skilled surgeon, they can look quite natural.

Myth 3: Breast Implants Cause Breast Cancer

The truth is, there’s no direct link between breast implants and breast cancer. However, implants can make it a bit harder to find breast lumps through regular exams, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about the best way to stay healthy.

Myth 4: All Breast Implants Are the Same

Not all breast implants are created equal. Some people believe that all implants are alike, but that’s not the case. There are two main types of breast implants: saline and silicone implants, each with its own characteristics. Choosing the right one depends on what you want and what’s best for your body.

Myth 5: Breast Implants Are Maintenance-Free

Some think that once you have breast implants, you can forget about them. But that’s not true! Just like cars need check-ups, breast implants need to be monitored over time. You’ll need to see your surgeon for regular check-ups and be ready for the possibility of replacing or removing them in the future.

5 Common Plastic Surgery Misconceptions

1. Plastic Surgery Does Not Leave Scars

One of the most common misconceptions about plastic surgery is that the procedures do not leave scars. Unfortunately, anytime that you cut into the skin you’re going to leave a scar. However, plastic surgeons have the skills to minimize the amount of scarring as well as how to hide the scars in a way that they won’t be noticeable in most circumstances.

There are things you can do after your surgery to help minimize the scars as well. Your doctor can give you advice on how best to care for your incisions after your surgery to ensure that scarring is kept to a minimum.

2. Plastic Surgery is Reserved for the Wealthy

While the prices vary depending on what sort of procedure you are looking to get, or what outcome you’re looking for, in general plastic surgery is fairly affordable. Some plastic surgery may even be covered under your health insurance if it directly benefits your long-term health. For example, breast reductions and rhinoplasty, as well as reconstructive surgeries after an accident or illness are often covered, to some degree, by most health insurances.

The idea that all plastic surgery is only affordable to those with a lot of money is a common myth. However, you should take your time and consult with a few different doctors before undergoing any major plastic surgery. Just because someone is cheaper than the next guy, doesn’t mean it’s not worth spending the extra money. The cheapest option may not always be the best.

3. Recovery Is a Long, Painful Process

With any type of surgery there is going to be a recovery process, and in most cases, it’s not going to be an enjoyable experience. But the idea that all plastic surgery requires a long and painful recovery is simply not true. The recovery process will vary for different types of plastic surgery. Obviously the more involved the surgery the more difficult the recovery process. But plastic surgery methods continue to advance, making things a lot less painful and uncomfortable for the patient during the surgery as well as during the recovery process.

This is evident in Dr. Adams’ 24-hour fast track breast augmentation. By adjusting the way that a traditional breast implant surgery is performed, you will no longer be confined to bed or home for days after the surgery.

Doctors are always finding new methods to perform procedures that help lessen the stress on the body, and help reduce the amount of downtime a patient needs before they can resume normal day-to-day activities.

4. Plastic Surgery is Only For Women

Another common misconception about plastic surgery is that it is only for women. This idea stems from society putting such pressure on women to look a certain way, but the reality of the matter is that those social stereotypes pertain to men as well. And in the age of the internet and social media, everyone is trying to look their best for the camera, which includes men.

Between 2000 and 2018 the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that male cosmetic procedures rose 29%, and continues to trend upwards. The procedures men are getting may be different from the ones that women are getting, but the fact of the matter is more men are getting plastic surgery today than ever before.

5. Plastic Surgery is Unsafe

With any sort of surgery there is always going to be an inherent risk associated with it. Whether that comes from the procedure itself, the anesthetic, or the care afterwards, there is always going to be a risk of adverse side effects. But with the advancements in technology and the better understanding of the procedures being performed today, plastic surgery is safer than it has ever been.

If you’re concerned about the safety of a procedure, be sure to seek out only qualified doctors that can show you their credentials as well as their past work. There is always going to be someone out there looking to scam you or mislead you into taking your money without having the proper accreditation, training, or professionalism, and this is where you’ll run into problems.

There are thousands of plastic surgery procedures performed every single day, but the ones that you hear about in the media, the bad ones, usually come from an under skilled individual performing a procedure that they had no right to perform in the first place.

As long as you do your due diligence, speak with multiple doctors, ask questions, and verify that they are indeed licensed to perform the surgery you want, then plastic surgery is very safe.

Ask the Right Questions, Don’t Believe the Myths

As plastic surgery techniques and education continues to advance around the world, it will continue to become safer for everyone.

Be sure to seek out all the information you can, from reputable sources, as you begin to explore the world of plastic surgery. If pricing from one doctor seems too good to be true, when compared to other doctors in the area, there’s probably a reason for that.

Remember, this is your health you’re talking about. It’s the most important thing that we have in this world. Don’t risk your life by trying to save a few dollars. Always make sure that you do your research and ask the right questions before undergoing any sort of plastic surgery procedure.

If you’re looking to have a plastic surgery procedure done, or want to setup a consultation with Dr. Adams, please contact us via our website today!

We stress this all the time, the number 1 most important thing to us, when it comes to performing surgical procedures is safety.

Yes, we are also concerned about how you’re going to look and feel after the procedures are done, we want to make sure we properly manage expectations and discuss all the different options available to you. But at the end of the day, or goal is to make sure you are as safe as possible when going under the knife.

There are a number of risk factors to consider when it comes to plastic surgery whether it’s health, lifestyle, body type, current medication, etc. All of these things should be taken into account when a doctor is consulting you on having a surgical procedure of any kind.

Since plastic surgery is typically a voluntary operation, and not necessarily lifesaving, we need to consider more things before undergoing the procedures. If we, as doctors, don’t believe that the rewards outweigh the risks then we may recommend that you opt for a non-surgical procedure or some other kind of alternative solution to your problem.

This isn’t always because we don’t think you’ll benefit from plastic surgery, it’s just because, in our professional opinions, there may be too many risks involved with performing non lifesaving procedures on you due to varying reasons of concern.

How to Find a Qualified Plastic Surgeon

The 5 tips that we’re going to outline below all have to do with finding the right plastic surgeon for the procedure you wish to undergo. While pricing is a concern of a lot of people, finding the cheapest option is not going to be the best option, in most cases.

Just like getting a tattoo, plastic surgery is typically a permanent procedure that you are going to have to deal with for the rest of your life. If you go with the cheapest option, you may end up with less than stellar results after the procedure as well as down the road as your body continues to age.

You wouldn’t go to the cheapest tattoo artist who has done less than 10 tattoos in their life, you would go to the experienced artist who has credibility in the tattoo world, a portfolio of work, and years of experience.

1. Find a True Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

We can’t stress this enough. Make sure you find a plastic surgeon that is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

If your plastic surgeon is not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, then you may want to look elsewhere. Just because a doctor tells you they are board certified does not mean that they are board certified from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. There are other boards out there that can certify doctors, but the ABPS requires significantly more in order to become certified.

Being a board certified plastic surgeon requires the following:

• Medical School Degree
• 3-5 year residency of general surgery and another 3 years of fellowship.
• Specialty experience of at least 2 years in the field.
• Member of the ASPS, ASAPS, or both

The difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon is that a cosmetic surgeon is only required to complete medical school and have a 1-year fellowship in order to start performing procedures.

2. Find an Expert For Your Needs

The next thing you need to do in order to protect yourself and receive the best care possible is to find a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in the procedure you wish to have.

This means that if you’re looking to have breast augmentation a surgeon like Dr. Adams should be higher on your list than a doctor that typically focuses on rhinoplasty’s or something other than breast augmentation.

Going back to our tattoo analogy, you wouldn’t go to a tattoo artist who specializes in thin line, flower tattoos if you’re going to be getting a realistic portrait tattoo. It just doesn’t make sense.

Find an expert in the specific field of plastic surgery that you’re considering and then make sure they are board certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

3. Look at Society Membership Members

Another great way to find qualified surgeons is to look at the two main plastic surgery societies. The Aesthetic Society and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons only accept members that are board certified from the American Board of Plastic Surgery and also operate in an accredited facility (which we’ll talk about next).

So, if you’re looking for a great starting place when searching for a doctor, these two societies are a great place to look as there are strict requirements for being a member.

4. Operate in an Accredited Facility

While we understand that price is a factor when choosing a plastic surgeon, you want to make sure that your surgeon works out of an accredited facility and not a backroom or sketchy office.

Accredited facilities are actual operating rooms with strict safety and health procedures in place. They are inspected regularly and held to very high standards when it comes to sterilization and cleanliness.

Finding a surgeon who operates out of an accredited facility will help keep you safe from any outside infection or issues that you may run into during or after surgery. They also allow for proper, registered, anesthesiologists to be in the room monitoring you as you undergo the procedure.

5. Do Your Research on The Surgeons

The last thing we recommend that you do, when it comes to plastic surgery safety, is to make sure you visit with a few different doctors before deciding who you’re going to go with.

Setup 3-4 consultations and sit down and talk with the actual doctor. Ask questions about their practice, education, portfolio, and more. You want to be able to get a feel for the doctor and get to know them a little bit before deciding on who is best suited to operate on you.

In the same sense, talking with the doctor also allows the doctor to get to know you and understand exactly what you’re looking to get out of a surgical procedure. It can help them manage results and provide you with a better understanding of how the procedure works and what is realistic.

Safety Should Come First in Plastic Surgery

The main thing you want to remember is that plastic surgery is still surgery, even though it’s cosmetic and voluntary. You want to make sure you’re in the best hands possible and in the safest environment.

Yes, there are many plastic surgeons around the world that will perform some of these procedures for a lot cheaper than you may find in your area, but is the price worth the risk when it comes to your life?

Remember, the skill of a plastic surgeon will make your results better and will also make the healing process less miserable. A skilled plastic surgeon knows the proper way to make incisions and the proper way to manipulate the body in a way that results in less pain and less recovery time.

Doing your research ahead of time and choosing a real board certified plastic surgeon who operates out of an accredited facility, with the proper skillset to ensure your procedure goes as smoothly as possible, may cost a little bit more, but your body will thank you in the end.

If you would like to setup a consultation with Dr. Adams regarding a surgical procedure, please contact us today!