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Labiaplasty New York City

Side profile woman who has had labiaplasty procedure in New York City. Procedure Thomas Loeb MD. .

Large labia can be uncomfortable, painful, and embarrassing for women. Our New York plastic surgeon can perform a labiaplasty to reduce the size of the labia minora—the skin folds located around the vagina and urethra.  

When you schedule a consultation at one of our New York office locations, you’ll enjoy a private discussion with Dr. Loeb about whether labiaplasty could be right for you. You may find it helpful to review the following information about the surgery, and to write down a list of questions to bring to your appointment. 

Why Do Women Choose Labiaplasty in New York City? 

When you’re wondering, “Should I get a labiaplasty?” you should know that every woman has her own personal reasons for choosing the procedure. However, there are some commonalities. Women often consult a labiaplasty surgeon because the excessive skin can be embarrassing and may contribute to body image issues. This can make women feel awkward during sex. 

In some cases, enlarged labia can pose a functional problem. The skin may become pinched or twisted, creating discomfort during exercise, sex, and other activities. Labiaplasty surgery can also be performed as part of a gender-affirming process, either before or after other reconstructive surgeries. 

Whatever your particular reasons are, you’ll be part of a growing trend if you choose to have the surgery. Nearly 19,000 labiaplasty surgeries were performed in the U.S. during 2021, which was a 36% increase just from the prior year. 

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What to Expect During a Labiaplasty Procedure 

You’ll be given pre-surgical instructions, which may include temporarily stopping or adjusting certain medications. The labiaplasty surgeon will also let you know when to stop consuming food and drink prior to your appointment, depending on which type of anesthesia you’ll receive. 

To prepare you for the surgery, the surgical team will place an intravenous (IV) line, shave your pubic area if needed, and cleanse the area. The surgeon will remove excess skin using either the trim or wedge method (see below). Then, the surgeon will place absorbable sutures and protect the site with a surgical dressing. 

Labiaplasty Techniques: Trim Method vs. Wedge Method 

Dr. Loeb will discuss these surgical approaches with you beforehand. The approach Dr. Loeb will use during your surgery depends on your goals and preferences. 

When using the trim method, Dr. Loeb will remove the excess tissue from the outer edge of the labia minora. In contrast, the wedge method involves removing a wedge-shaped piece of tissue from the inner areas of one or both sides of the labia minora. The submucosa is left intact. This can give the area a more natural look. 

Labiaplasty Recovery Timeline and Tips 

It’s important to know what to expect from your labiaplasty recovery before making the decision to have this surgery. Although your own recovery may differ, here is a general timeline: 

  • One week: Plan to take at least one week off work and strenuous activity. Resume normal activities when cleared by the labiaplasty surgeon. 
  • Four to six weeks: Resume having sex and wearing tampons after four to six weeks.  
  • Six weeks: Most swelling will be gone by this point. 
  • Six months: Some residual swelling may take up to six months to fully resolve. 

Do note that the trim method generally results in a faster recovery. To support your recovery regardless of which surgical technique was used, try these tips: 

  • Use pads to absorb minor bleeding, which may continue for up to a week. 
  • After urinating, pat the area dry; avoid rubbing. 
  • Take medications as recommended by the surgical team. 
  • If a topical antibiotic is prescribed, apply according to the directions. 
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing and undergarments. 
  • For the first week, apply an ice pack for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. 
  • Avoid showering for the first 48 hours. When you do bathe, use lukewarm water to cleanse the area. 

Avoid soaking in a tub until the sutures are fully absorbed. 

Is Labiaplasty Safe Before Having Children? 

Many women undergo labiaplasty after having children because pregnancy and childbirth can stretch out and enlarge the labia. However, having a labiaplasty surgery before having children doesn’t pose any additional risks. It won’t affect your fertility or your ability to give birth vaginally. 

While having labiaplasty prior to having children is certainly an option, you might want to wait if you already know that you do want to have biological children. This is because your labia may become stretched out, potentially prompting another surgery. 

What Are the Risks of Labiaplasty Surgery? 

Every type of medical treatment, particularly surgeries, carry inherent risks. Dr. Loeb will ensure you’re fully informed of the potential complications so that you can make a treatment decision that’s appropriate for you. 

Some of the risks of any surgery include adverse reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, and scarring. Swelling, tenderness, and discomfort are possible. Less commonly, some labiaplasty patients may experience ongoing pain, pain during sex, and loss of sensitivity. 

Is Labiaplasty Worth It? 

If you’ve been experiencing discomfort or awkwardness from excessively large labia, then a labiaplasty could certainly be worth it for you. Many women have undergone the procedure and been satisfied with their labiaplasty results. 

However, it’s important to have realistic expectations. Labiaplasty can improve comfort and appearance, but it’s not a cure-all for relationship problems, for example. 

Labiaplasty Cost in New York City: What to Know 

Many prospective patients are curious about the average labiaplasty cost. There is no universally applicable number, as it’s dependent on numerous factors such as the type of anesthesia required (e.g. local, IV conscious sedation, or general anesthesia).  

The average labiaplasty cost can range between $4,500 and $6,900. The cost includes facility fees, surgeon fees, post-op recovery visits, and so on.  

At the office of Dr. Loeb in NYC, we believe everyone should have access to the healthcare services they need to feel comfortable and confident. Once you receive your estimate, you can discuss our flexible payment options with our friendly staff members. We’re pleased to offer payment plans and we accept CareCredit. Contact us for more info about our financing options. 

Is Labiaplasty Covered by Insurance? 

In most cases, labiaplasty is not covered by insurance because it’s considered a cosmetic surgery. Because of this, Dr. Loeb does not bill insurance companies for labiaplasty procedures. However, if you are undergoing a labiaplasty for reasons of medical necessity and your insurance plan offers coverage, you may decide to submit the paperwork to your insurance company to request reimbursement.  

Some common reasons for a medically necessary labiaplasty include: 

  • Correction of a congenital abnormality 
  • Correction of a functional problem that causes pain 
  • Repair of mutilation 
  • To address a structural abnormality 

Labiaplasty Before and After Photos 

There is no universally applicable description of what labia “should” look like. Just as everyone has a unique thumbprint, every woman has a unique size and shape of labia. That said, you may find that some of these labiaplasty before and after photos resonate with you. You may find it helpful to find a before photo that looks similar to your labia and then see what’s possible with the after photo. 

Request a Labiaplasty Consultation With Dr. Thomas Loeb 

When you’re ready to experience the potential benefits of labiaplasty surgery, you can consult a trusted surgeon in Manhattan. Dr. Thomas Loeb is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience helping patients achieve their wellness and aesthetic goals.  

Dr. Loeb has a long track record of patients who are satisfied with their labiaplasty results. He is committed to continual professional development and has received numerous professional recognitions for his work with his patients and his contributions to the field. 

Call today to schedule a private consultation at our office in New York City. Remote consultations are also available for out-of-town patients. 

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