Labiaplasty & Vaginoplasty in Salt Lake City, UT
Are Labiaplasty or Vaginoplasty Right for Me?
Vaginoplasty and labiaplasty are specialized cosmetic procedures focusing on the female genitalia, addressing both functional and aesthetic concerns. Envision Cosmetic Surgery in Salt Lake City, UT, offers expert care in these sensitive and transformative procedures, ensuring personalized attention and utmost confidentiality for our patients.
What is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty focuses on reshaping the outer appearance of the vagina, particularly the labia minora and labia majora (inner and outer lips of the vagina). Many women opt for this surgery when the inner labia extend beyond the outer labia, causing irritation, discomfort in tight clothing, or issues during physical activities and sexual intercourse. The procedure typically involves the removal of portions of the inner labia and possibly the clitoral hood skin. The outer lips can also be reshaped or augmented with fat grafting to restore volume.
What is Vaginoplasty?
Vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at tightening the vagina. This is often sought after childbirth or due to natural aging, where vaginal muscles can become lax, affecting sexual satisfaction and physical comfort. The procedure involves removing excess vaginal lining and tightening the surrounding soft tissues and muscles. By bringing separated muscles back together and removing excess skin, vaginoplasty restores a more youthful and tighter vaginal canal.
Before & After Pictures
What is the Difference Between a Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty?
While labiaplasty and vaginoplasty both target the vagina, they are distinctly different procedures. Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that removes or reshapes excess tissue from the labia to improve the outer appearance of the vagina. Vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure that tightens the muscles and the tissues of the vagina to tighten the vaginal canal. Women may choose to pursue a labiaplasty to correct discomfort, irritation, or aesthetic concerns caused by excess labia tissue. On the other hand, women pursue vaginoplasty to enhance or restore sexual satisfaction and correct any issues related to vaginal laxity. Both procedures can improve a woman’s quality of life, sexual health, and self-confidence, but in different ways.
What are the Benefits of Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty?
Labiaplasty and vaginoplasty target different areas of the genitalia, so the benefits you achieve through treatment will depend on the procedure.
Labiaplasty Benefits
- Reduces irritation and discomfort
- Improves aesthetics of the genital area
- Increases comfort in tight clothing
- Enhances sexual confidence
Vaginoplasty Benefits
- Restores vaginal tightness
- Improves sexual satisfaction
- Enhances physical comfort
- Addresses changes due to aging or childbirth
Who is a Good Candidate for Labiaplasty or Vaginoplasty Surgeries?
The best way to determine your candidacy for labiaplasty or vaginoplasty procedures is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dunkley. During your one-on-one consultation, Dr. Dunkley will evaluate your cosmetic goals and help you determine whether these techniques are a good fit for you. In addition to being in good health and having realistic expectations for the treatment, you might be a good candidate for these surgeries if you are experiencing:
- Physical discomfort
- Functional issues
- Self-consciousness about the appearance of the vagina
- Changes due to childbirth or aging
How Much Does a Labiaplasty or a Vaginoplasty Cost?
At Envision Cosmetic Surgery, all labiaplasty and vaginoplasty procedures are personalized to a patient’s unique treatment goals. The cost of your procedure will vary depending on how we customize your treatment, which includes the specific techniques used. During your consultation, we can explain all of the costs associated with your surgery so you know exactly what to expect before starting treatment. Keep in mind that some labiaplasty surgeries may be eligible for insurance coverage. To help make this and other treatments more affordable, we have many financing options available.
When is Labiaplasty Covered by Insurance?
Labiaplasty, like many cosmetic surgeries, is typically not covered by insurance because it's often considered an elective procedure. However, there are certain circumstances under which labiaplasty may be covered, primarily when it's deemed medically necessary rather than purely for cosmetic reasons. Labiaplasty may be deemed medically necessary if the labia cause chronic pain, recurrent infections, hygiene issues, or interfere with daily activities like walking, exercise, or sexual intercourse. Then, most insurance providers will require the following before providing coverage for labiaplasty:
- Documented physical symptoms
- Evidence of non-surgical treatments
- Recommendation from a physician
- Pre-authorization
It's important to thoroughly review your insurance policy and speak with your insurance provider to understand the specific criteria and documentation required. Each insurance company may have different requirements for coverage.
Why Choose Dr. Dunkley?
Dr. Dunkley, a board-certified plastic and cosmetic surgeon in Salt Lake City, UT, is an excellent choice for vaginal surgery. With extensive training and experience, Dr. Dunkley possesses the expertise needed to deliver exceptional results. His qualifications include being board-certified in Facial Plastic Surgery & Otolaryngology by the American Osteopathic Association Specialty Certifying Board, and being fellowship trained in cosmetic surgery. Dr. Dunkley's dedication to his patients' comfort, education, and outcome is evident, making him a trustworthy choice for those seeking a surgeon they can rely on. Read more about Dr. Dunkley or explore his reviews.
Would you like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dunkley? If so, contact us today. You can discuss your goals with Dr. Dunkley to determine the treatment options that are best for you. Envision Cosmetic Surgery welcomes patients from Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and the other nearby areas of Salt Lake City, UT. For out of town patients, an online consultation is possible
Call 801-203-4341 Today
To Schedule Your Consultation!
How to Get a Breast Reduction Covered by Insurance
Breast reduction surgery can become eligible for insurance coverage when it is deemed medically necessary, rather than purely cosmetic. Insurance companies typically have specific criteria that must be met for them to consider breast reduction a medically necessary procedure. Here are common factors that insurance companies consider for coverage eligibility:
- Documented physical symptoms
- Evidence of non-surgical treatments
- Size of reduction
- Medical documentation
- Health and weight stability
- Impact on daily life
- Pre-authorization
It's important to thoroughly review your insurance policy and speak with your insurance provider to understand the specific criteria and documentation required. Each insurance company may have different requirements for coverage.
What is Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty Surgery Like?
What Can I Expect On The Day Of My Surgery?
On the day of your vaginoplasty or labiaplasty at Envision Cosmetic Surgery, your appointment will begin with a meeting with Dr. Dunkley and the surgical team. Dr. Dunkley will discuss the procedure with you again and prepare you for treatment. Once you're in the operating suite, anesthesia will be administered to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the procedure. You won't feel any pain or have any memory of the surgery. After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will stay until the effects of the anesthesia have worn off, ensuring you are ready to go home safely.
What Happens During Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty Surgery?
During labiaplasty and vaginoplasty procedures, excess tissue will be removed or reshaped to produce the desired results. Vaginoplasty also involves tightening the muscles surrounding the vaginal canal. You can learn more about each procedure below:
Labiaplasty Surgery
Traditional labiaplasty is done by removing portions of the inner labia and clitoral hood skin. The edges are stitched using fine, dissolvable stitches. The outer lips can be reduced; or if deflated, fat can be grafted to the lips to restore volume. You will be kept comfortable throughout the procedure using local anesthesia with IV sedation or general anesthesia when doing other surgeries at the same time. The entire procedure usually takes one to two hours.
Vaginoplasty Surgery
These procedures take from one to two hours. The first step is to determine the amount of tightening desired. Once this has been determined, Dr. Dunkley will mark a pie-shaped wedge inside the vagina to delineate the extra skin that will be removed. Beneath the skin, the pelvic floor muscles and support tissues are tightened with deep sutures. Now that the vaginal canal has been tightened, the mucosal skin is sutured closed. This can be combined with labiaplasty techniques to trim the labia, if desired by the patient.
Can I Go Home After Vaginal Surgery?
Vaginal surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, allowing most patients to go home the same day. It's crucial to arrange for someone to drive you home and assist you for a few days after the surgery.
What is Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty Recovery Like?
How Long is Recovery from Labiaplasty?
Recovery from labiaplasty typically takes about 6 to 8 weeks. In the first two weeks, patients can expect swelling, bruising, and some discomfort, with a focus on resting and limiting physical activity, including avoiding strenuous exercises and sexual activity. Swelling and discomfort should decrease over the next two to four weeks, allowing for a gradual return to light activities. Most patients feel significantly better and can resume most normal activities, including some forms of exercise, around four to six weeks post-surgery. Complete healing and the ability to resume all activities, including sexual intercourse, generally occur by six to eight weeks, at which point the final results of the surgery become fully visible.
How Long is Recovery from Vaginoplasty?
For vaginoplasty, you’ll need to plan for between one and two weeks of downtime. It’s likely you’ll have some relatively deep aching for the first few days. Dr. Dunkley will prescribe pain medication. Sexual intercourse, the use of tampons, or any activity that involves penetration of the vagina is strictly off limits for eight weeks. After about one week, you can return to desk type work, but anything strenuous needs to wait for about three weeks. Dr. Dunkley will give you some Kegel exercises to perform to strengthen the newly repositioned and tightened muscles. Full recovery can take up to three months.
Post Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
How Long After Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty Can I Have Sex?
You should wait at least 8 weeks after undergoing labiaplasty or vaginoplasty before resuming sexual activity. This recommended waiting period is crucial for several reasons:
- Healing Process: Both labiaplasty and vaginoplasty involve delicate tissue that needs time to heal properly. The first few weeks post-surgery are crucial for the initial healing of surgical wounds.
- Reducing Risk of Complications: Engaging in sexual activity too soon can lead to complications such as tearing of the incisions, increased risk of infection, and delayed healing. This can not only prolong your recovery period but also potentially compromise the results of the surgery.
- Swelling and Discomfort: Post-operative swelling and sensitivity are common in the treated areas. These symptoms need time to heal to ensure comfort and to prevent any pain during intercourse.
- Allowing Tissues to Settle: Both procedures involve reshaping or restructuring the vaginal area. It's important to allow enough time for the tissues to settle into their new shape and for any internal sutures to fully dissolve and heal.
Are the Results from Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty Permanent?
The results from labiaplasty and vaginoplasty are considered long-lasting and even permanent, but it's important to understand that certain factors like aging and childbirth can impact your results over time.
In the case of labiaplasty, the surgical reduction or reshaping of the labia is typically permanent. The removed tissue does not grow back, so in that sense, the immediate results are permanent. However, natural aging processes or hormonal changes can lead to some changes in the genital tissues over time. These changes are usually gradual and part of the normal aging process.
Vaginoplasty, which tightens the vaginal canal, can also offer long-lasting results. However, its permanence can be significantly impacted by childbirth. Vaginal delivery post-vaginoplasty can stretch the vaginal tissues and muscles again, potentially reversing some of the tightening effects achieved by the surgery. For this reason, it's often recommended that women consider vaginoplasty only after they've completed their families and do not plan to have more children.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation for vaginal surgery at Envision Cosmetic Surgery. You can discuss your goals with Dr. Dunkley so that you can plan out the perfect treatment approach. We serve the residents of Salt Lake City, Utah, and the nearby areas of Wyoming, Idaho and Colorado.