FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LABIAPLASTY

Will my labiaplasty procedure leave a scar?

With Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Gary J. ALter's technique there is rarely any apparent visible scarring. Scarring is typically a problem with the labia majora or clitoral hood, not the labia minora. No, you will not be left with an obvious scar.

Is it recommended to undergo labiaplasty if I’ve not had children yet?

Absolutely. If large labia bother you either physically, or emotionally then it simply doesn’t make any sense to live with these physical or emotional pain. Why would you wait? After labiaplasty, your self-esteem and anatomical form will be corrected.

What kind of anesthesia can be used in labia reduction surgery?

The labia minora surgery can be done with local anesthesia, level two IV sedation, or level three general anesthesias (anesthesia). You can discuss the various types with the anesthesiologist.

 How many visits to your office will be required?

Over 90% of Dr. Alter's cases are from outside the region and he has a skilled staff to facilitate ease of travel and planning. Only one trip is required. Patients are always seen shortly after surgery and may come later for postoperation exams. They are encouraged to do so, but it’s not always possible when traveling from out of the area. In those instances, some patients can simply send a photograph of the surgical area for the doctor’s review postoperatively. All routine pre(-)op tests and blood work are performed before surgery, either at your home city or here

Is it better to have labiaplasty done at an early age if there is a need, or is it better to wait until one gets older?

In almost every case, it’s better to have labiaplasty done when it’s needed.
Having labiaplasty performed early can result in an anatomical correction that results in greater patient self-esteem as they mature.

Will there be a rough edge on the labia when the labiaplasty is finished and healed?

No. The result will be a natural appearing and feeling edge with no loss of sensation.

Will my sexual partner see or feel any changes resulting from my labiaplasty?

Feeling a change after a labiaplasty largely depends on the degree of labia abnormality to begin with. If excess labia tissue interferes with sexual activity prior to labiaplasty, then the sexual partner will notice the improvement after surgery.

It will also be very apparent to your sexual partner that the external structure of the labia has been altered visually—namely, they’ll be smaller and better aligned. Your sexual partner will clearly notice this change for the better.

Could labiaplasty cause insensitivity?

There is very little pleasurable sensory pleasure on the elongated portion of the labia. Almost all erogenonous sensation comes from the clitoris. Enlarged labia can cause pain upon rubbing or pulling. Labiaplasty does not cause a loss of sensitivity when done correctly.

I have a teenage daughter with enlarged labia minora and it’s become an issue with her emotionally as she gets older. She is asking about surgery to make her look more normal. My gynecologist says that it can be done in his office. What is the difference in having this procedure done in his office instead of going to someone who specializes in this procedure?

Many young women and their parents don’t realize how important it is to seek the surgical advice and experience of a physician who has performed hundreds of labiaplasty procedures. Simply cutting off tissue without regard to symmetry can cause visual deformities. There is also a chance for chronic discomfort with that technique, because the labial edge becomes the scar and can easily be irritated. Simply remember, ONCE TISSUE IS REMOVED, IT CANNOT BE REPLACED . For these reasons, Dr. Alter developed his labiaplasty technique which is radically different from the traditional labia amputation technique.

If you have any other questions about labiaplasty or would like to view more before and after labiaplasty pictures. Please feel free to contact Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Gary J. Alter at his Beverly Hills, California or Manhattan, New York office.