What Is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the size of the labia minora, or the inner folds of skin surrounding the vulva.
Women choose labiaplasty for various personal reasons, such as improving comfort, enhancing appearance, or reducing pain and irritation. Dr. Fred Coville and the Rejuvenessence team understand the sensitive nature of this procedure. They offer support throughout your treatment for a safe and comfortable experience.
Labiaplasty is performed under local or general anesthesia, and most patients recover within a few weeks. This surgery often provides immense physical and mental relief for women with labial hypertrophy. This condition, where the labia minora become enlarged, affects over 50% of women, often due to childbirth, genetics, aging, hormones, or weight changes. It may cause discomfort, irritation, and impact self-image.
Why Labiaplasty?
There are many reasons women seek labia reduction surgery, from the personal to the functional. You may find any of the following common motivations for considering the procedure:
- Increased comfort during daily activities: Enlarged or asymmetrical labial tissue can cause ongoing physical discomfort — not only during exercise or sports, but even during regular activities like sitting for extended periods.
- Improved confidence in intimate clothing: For some, the appearance of enlarged labia may lead to self-consciousness in certain types of clothing, such as swimsuits, leggings, or undergarments.
- Aesthetic balance, especially postpartum. Labiaplasty helps create a more symmetrical yet still natural-looking vulva. Many women feel self-conscious about the appearance of their labia and seek a more symmetrical or tucked-in look, particularly after tearing and stretching from vaginal childbirth.
- Self-esteem after weight loss, menopause. Natural changes due to weight fluctuations, shifts in hormones, or menopause can alter the labia. Many women find labiaplasty helps them feel in harmony again with their bodies.
- Hygiene concerns. Excess tissue surrounding the vaginal opening can present challenges to cleanliness and personal hygiene, increasing infection risks such as urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Support across personal expression. Labiaplasty represents a choice in self-expression, aligning with how they feel most confident and comfortable in their bodies.
It’s important to remember all labias naturally differ in size and shape. Outside of diagnosed medical conditions affecting your body, there is no standard, “correct” appearance to a woman’s labia. At Rejuvenessence, we believe in helping you find your version of beauty, safely and on your terms.
Benefits of Labiaplasty
Undergoing a labiaplasty is both a medical and personal decision. The procedure offers physical relief as well as significant cosmetic benefits. Many women express relief with their labiaplasty results, alongside a renewed sense of well-being, even a return to themselves.
- Freedom from irritation and chafing: Many women find daily comfort improved as labiaplasty removes excess labial tissue, reducing chafing and irritation.
- Boosted confidence and pleasure in intimate relationships: Many women report greater enjoyment in sexual activity, or a return to feeling comfortable again in their own bodies’ physical expressions.
- Fewer UTIs: With less excess tissue, some women find it easier to maintain personal hygiene, which can reduce risks for minor infections or irritation.
- Return to exercise and sports: Many women find they can return to, or increase their participation in, activities such as biking, running, or yoga with less concern for discomfort or sensitivity.
At Rejuvenessence, Dr. Coville and his team approach each patient with compassion and expertise, supporting you in feeling empowered in your choices.
Labiaplasty in New Jersey
Every woman deserves to feel safe, comfortable, and happy in her body. Dr. Coville and his team of medical experts have performed hundreds of labiaplasty cosmetic procedures, giving women the confidence and comfort often craved after childbirth, menopause, significant weight changes, and more. Here’s what to expect with a labia reduction surgery at Rejuvenessence.
Consultation
During your labiaplasty consultation, Dr. Coville will discuss your goals, evaluate the labial tissue, and consider factors like anatomy, medical history, and personal comfort concerns. He’ll explain the procedure, address your questions, and outline realistic expectations.
Your happiness, comfort, privacy, and preferences are our top values. We aim to provide all necessary information upfront during your consultation(s) to ensure your supportive, safe experience.
Pre-Procedure Preparation
Before surgery, you’ll receive detailed instructions to help you arrive day-of comfortable and ready. This may include tapering or avoiding certain medications, arranging transportation to and from Rejuvenessence, and fasting before anesthesia. Dr. Coville might also recommend pre-surgical hygiene practices to minimize infection risk. You'll be advised to prepare comfortable, loose clothing and to organize a calm recovery space at home.
Labiaplasty Procedure
Most labiaplasty incisions range in size from only about 1 to 3 centimeters, depending on the amount of tissue being removed and the desired final look. However, variations exist based on exact individual anatomy.
Dr. Coville uses safe and common surgical trim or wedge techniques to remove excess labial tissue. Procedure incisions are usually closed with dissolvable sutures, which naturally break down and don’t require removal.
The vast majority of vulval surgery takes 1 to 2 hours and is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Coville uses localized precision tools to sculpt and reduce excess labial tissue, ensuring minimal discomfort. The procedure is often completed in one of our private, serene surgical suites designed for a calm and ultra-sanitary experience.
Follow-Up Appointment(s)
All patients receive a personalized follow-up schedule to monitor healing and ensure labiaplasty results. Dr. Coville and the team will provide a tailored post-surgery care plan, including guidance on managing normal any post-surgery discomfort, proper hygiene, and using prescribed medications. Any questions or concerns will be addressed in this visits, with additional support available by phone and private patient messaging portal.
Return to Daily Life
Dr. Coville ultimately prioritizes your safe, full return to everyday life. Most women can resume light activities within a week after their procedure. Sexual intimacy and tampon use are typically postponed for 4-6 weeks. Other confidence-building practices, like wearing comfortable clothing and gradually re-engaging in empowering activities, are also emphasized for a holistic recovery.
Labiaplasty Recovery
The recovery period after labiaplasty usually spans several weeks, with initial swelling and discomfort gradually subsiding. Patients can expect a detailed recovery timeline, ensuring they feel comfortable and confident across their body’s healing stages.
- Sexual activity: It’s generally recommended to wait 6 weeks before resuming sexual activity after labia reduction surgery. This allows ample time for the tissue to heal fully and minimizes the risk of complications.
- Exercise: Patients can typically engage in light physical activities after 2-3 weeks but should avoid intense exercise or heavy lifting for about 6 weeks.
- Tampon use: Using tampons should also be postponed for at least 6 weeks post-surgery. This precaution helps reduce the risk of irritation or infection during the healing process.
Labiaplasty Surgery Side Effects
Labia reduction surgeries are considered safe, effective cosmetic procedures performed by licensed plastic surgeons. Though risks are rare and will be discussed by Dr. Coville, common side effects may include:
- Swelling and bruising: Mild to moderate swelling and bruising are normal in the first few weeks post-labiaplasty. These side effects should gradually subside, with ice packs and prescribed medications helping to alleviate discomfort.
- Scarring: Minimal scarring is possible, but incisions are carefully placed along natural folds to reduce visibility. Over time, scars usually fade significantly and become nearly unnoticeable.
- Changes in sensation/sensitivity: Some women may experience temporary numbness or heightened sensitivity in the labial area.
- Infection: Infections are rare but possible, especially if post-operative care instructions aren’t followed.
Alternative Treatments to Labia Reduction Surgery
Given the intimate and personal nature of labiaplasty, Dr. Coville offers several alternative treatments also focused on vaginal rejuvenation and sexual wellness.
Labial Puff Treatment
A labial puff treatment uses dermal fillers to restore volume to the labia majora, the vulva’s outer folds, creating a plumper, smoother appearance. Labial puffs often address age-related volume loss, but can also be used to help restore and add symmetry alongside the labia minora’s shape and size, creating a fuller, more balanced look.
Microfat/Nanofat Injections
This treatment uses purified fat from your body to rejuvenate the labia majora. Microfat restores volume, while nanofat improves skin texture and elasticity, giving a fuller, more youthful appearance, smoothing wrinkles, and firming up sagging.
Platelet-Rich Plasma PRP Injections
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections involve using your own blood’s growth factors to boost collagen and tissue regeneration. Applied to the labia, PRP can improve skin texture, increase firmness, and enhance natural rejuvenation for a refreshed look.
Votiva
Votiva is a non-surgical treatment using radiofrequency energy to tighten and rejuvenate the vaginal and labial tissues. It improves labial laxity, enhances appearance, and provides a non-invasive option without the downtime of vulva reduction surgery.
Why Choose Dr. Fred Coville
At Rejuvenessence, we know considering any vulval or labiaplasty rejuvenation treatments can feel overwhelming. This is a deeply intimate procedure. Our caring team is committed to your safety, your support, and your ideal version of results.
With nearly 30 years of expertise in leading plastic surgery institutions, Dr. Fred Coville and our highly trained medical staff prioritize helping you discover and define your beauty. We combine advanced techniques with a personalized approach in a calming, tranquil clinical environment committed to full-spectrum care.
Every labiaplasty surgery is unique, and every patient is one-of-a-kind. Our staff is here to answer any questions and offer guidance at every step of your journey.
Labiaplasty FAQs
Will labiaplasty affect my ability to have an orgasm?
No, labiaplasty does not affect or inhibit your ability to orgasm. During the recovery period, some patients may experience changes to labial area sensitivity, but these gradually abate. It is recommended patients refrain from sexual activity for a minimum of 6-8 weeks post-labia reduction surgery.
Can I still get pregnant and give birth naturally after labiaplasty?
Yes, you can still get pregnant and give birth vaginally after labiaplasty; the procedure doesn’t interfere with fertility or the childbirth process.
How long do the labiaplasty results last?
Labiaplasty results are typically near-permanent, but factors like aging, childbirth, and weight or hormonal changes may alter the area over time. Many women enjoy permanent improvements in appearance and comfort.
