“I never realized how much it really affected me until after I finally had my labiaplasty with Dr. Kolker. My confidence is through the roof, and I feel like a new woman. My only regret is not finding Dr. Kolker sooner!”
— J.E. / New York City
Labiaplasty
Enlargement of the vaginal labia is extremely common, but infrequently discussed. Most often, there is excess or elongated tissue of one or both labia minora.
Enlargement of the inner labia can make certain exercises and activities difficult, can make personal hygiene more challenging, can predispose you to urinary tract infection, and can have an impact on intimacy. Genetics play a significant role, in that many women notice labial enlargement early in young adulthood. Labial enlargement can also develop over time, due to pregnancy and childbirth, sexual activity, and aging. Aesthetically, excess labia can be a source of self consciousness both in and out of dress. Enlarged or excessive labial tissue can also impact self esteem when wearing form fitting clothing, leggings, and bathing suits.
What techniques are used for Labiaplasty? Edge or Wedge?
The two different fundamental technical approaches to labiaplasty are “edge excision” and “wedge resection”.
Edge excision labiaplasty
- This entails removing the elongated, redundant portion of the labia minora along the length of the labium.
- The labia minora are tailored, sculpted and reduced to be flush and symmetric with the labia majora, while maintaining enough inner labial tissue to protect the introitus to the vagina and maintain an appropriate moisture barrier.
Wedge resection labiaplasty
- This technique removes a V-shaped segment of the widest, thickest portion of the labia minora.
Is anesthesia required for labiaplasty? Where is labiaplasty surgery performed?
Labiaplasty is most often performed safely and comfortably under IV sedation, otherwise known as twilight anesthesia.
In selected cases, some of our NYC labiaplasty patients can have the procedure performed under local anesthesia alone.
Dr. Kolker performs labiaplasty in NYC in his fully-accredited office-based surgical facility at Park Avenue and 70th Street in Manhattan.
How long is labiaplasty surgery?
Labiaplasty surgery takes approximately one hour to perform.
Labiaplasty surgery is performed as an ambulatory procedure in Dr. Kolker’s fully accredited in-office surgical facility.
After a stay in our post anesthesia care unit, when you are awake and comfortable, you will be able to go home the same day.
Who are the ideal candidates for Labiaplasty Surgery?
The ideal candidates for labiaplasty are women with labial enlargement due to normal development, following pregnancy, and as a result of normal maturation.
Those with either the desire for aesthetic enhancement, functional issues, or both are candidates.
Labiaplasty surgery can be performed as an isolated procedure, or in conjunction with other surgery (for example, labiaplasty is often performed with breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, tummy tuck, body contouring, or facial rejuvenation surgery).
Are there any recommended activities or restrictions after Labiaplasty Surgery?
There should be nothing placed per vagina for 4 weeks after labiaplasty surgery (no tampons or intercourse).
Daily gentle cleansing of the area with a handheld in the shower or sitz baths are recommended for 10 days after labiaplasty surgery.
Suture removal is not required, as dissolvable stitches are used.
Tight clothing should be avoided for 2 weeks.
Light exercise is resumed at 7 days, and more liberal exercise is begun at two weeks following labiaplasty.
Riding a road bicycle or stationary bike / Peloton should be avoided for 4 weeks.
Fat Transfer Vaginal Rejuvenation
Deflation or volume loss of the vaginal labia majora can be seen with normal development and maturation, weight loss, or post-pregnancy. Autologous fat transfer to the labia, or labial fat grafting, is an effective means by which labial rejuvenation can be achieved.
It is not uncommon that the labia majora (the outer vaginal labia) lose volume. The outer labia may look thin or deflated due to normal development, as a result of weight loss, following childbirth, or by maturation. As is associated with many other areas of the face and body, soft tissue atrophy or deflation is associated with a more aged appearance. Fat grafting has been used for decades to restore and rejuvenate, and these techniques of autologous fat transfer can be very effective in rejuvenating the vaginal region as well.
Fat grafting to the labia majora and vaginal region is performed by first harvesting fat from donor sites with localized excess fat (including hips, thighs, abdomen) using techniques similar to liposuction. The gently harvested fat is prepared and decanted into small-volume syringes and then transferred using thin cannulas (tubes) through inconspicuous needle access sites into areas of labia deflation.
Labial fat grafting can be performed as an isolated procedure, but can also be combined with other surgical procedures. Particularly when performed along with liposuction of other body areas, fat that would otherwise be discarded during liposuction can be harvested and grafted to the labia or any area of the body that has experienced deflation.
RADIOFREQUENCY VAGINAL REJUVENATION (RF)
Tone and texture of the labia and vagina may be diminished after childbirth, or as a result of menopause or maturation. Radiofrequency or RF energy can be used to stimulate vaginal rejuvenation inside and out.
RF energy can be used to stimulate collagen production and subdermal remodeling. The InMode platforms Votiva Radiofrequency (RF) therapy, and Fractora and Morpheus8 RF microneedling are excellent non-surgical methods to rejuvenate the vaginal region. Superficially, RF microneedling can be extremely effective in improving tone and texture of the labia majora and mons region, improving coloration and texture by stimulating collagen production and tightening of the skin. This can be performed in conjunction with labiaplasty, labial fat transfer, or other surgical procedures. Morpheus RF microneedling is also performed as an isolated non-surgical office procedure. Votiva is RF energy delivered comfortably to the vaginal lining that can result in vaginal tightening, reduction in vaginal dryness, and may have an impact on urinary incontinence.
MONS REDUCTION / LIFT / LIPOSCULPTURE
Localized areas of fat may be present or develop in the pubic area due to genetics, childbearing, weight loss, and age. Liposuction and lifting techniques can enhance and rejuvenate the mons region.
When localized fat is present in the pubic region, it can be a source of self consciousness both in and out of clothing. This soft tissue prominence can be seen through leggings, tight clothing and bathing suits, and with increase and decrease in weight can result in ptosis or drooping of the mons pubis. Suction lipectomy or liposuction of the mons can be used to sculpt and reduce the pubic prominence. When pubic ptosis or drooping is present, an incisional lift, also known as a monspexy, may be indicated.
Choosing the Optimal Vaginal Rejuvenation Approach
Labiaplasty, Labial Fat Transfer and Radiofrequency Vaginal Rejuvenation
After a detailed history and physical examination during your consultation for vaginal rejuvenation NYC plastic surgeon, Dr. Kolker will gain an understanding of your goals and desires and will recommend a treatment plan that suits you best. From reduction of the labia minora or labiaplasty, enhancement of the labia majora with labial fat grafting, radiofrequency or RF microneedling and RF energy stimulation of collagen growth and tightening, to liposuction or lift of the pubic region, there are myriad techniques available to restore and rejuvenate and aesthetically enhance the appearance and functional health of the vaginal region.
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for Labiaplasty
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710 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021
