Labiaplasty

Cosmetic Laser Vulvar Reconstruction is the elective surgical enhancement of the vulvar structures, labia minora, labia majora, mons pubis, perineum, introitus and the hymen. Dr. Gulinson is specially trained by the experts in the field of cosmetic gynecology and has performed female surgeries since 1995! This has provided us with a vast experience and creative expertise to aesthetically design procedures in line with the specifications and desires of our patients.

Although our experience and techniques provide us the ability to design most anything that one can desire, our most common Elective Vulvar Cosmetic Surgery procedures are as follows:

• Reduction Labiaplasty can re-sculpt the elongated or unequal labial minora (small inner lips) according to one’s specification. Most women tell us that they do not want the small inner lips to project beyond the large outer lips. Many women bring us Playboy and say that they “want to look like this”. With reduction labiaplasty, we can accomplish the desires of the woman. Our labiaplasty techniques can also reconstruct conditions that are due to the aging process, childbirth trauma, or injury.
• Perineoplasty can rejuvenate the relaxed or aging perineum. It can also enhance the sagging labia majora (large outer lips) and labia minora. Overall, the procedure can provide a youthful and aesthetically appealing vulva.
• Vulvar Lipoplasty can remove unwanted fat of the mons pubis and upper parts of the labia majora. Liposculpturing can alleviate the unsightly fatty bulges of this area and produce an aesthetically pleasing contour. We utilize tumescent liposuction techniques and laser lipolysis with Cynosure’s SmartLipo.
• Hymenoplasty (reconstruction of the hymen) can repair the hymen as if nothing ever occurred. The Arizona Center for Aesthetic Vaginal Surgery is very sensitive to the needs of women from all cultures that embrace these particular issues because of cultural, social, or religious reasons.
• Combination of Elective Aesthetic Vaginal Rejuvenation with Aesthetic Vulvar Surgery can be performed in combination.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The labia procedure involves small incisions to remove and contour the excess labial tissue or to smooth out the edges. The stitches are usually dissolvable and may not even require removal. Postoperatively, sensation and function are normal and well maintained, and sometimes even enhanced. No dressings are needed, but following surgery, you may need to wear a menstrual- type pad to absorb any drainage and to provide padding for protection and comfort to the area. Incisions are placed as inconspicuously as possible and dissolving stitches minimize any post-operative scars. Ice is applied for 24-48 hours post-operatively to help reduce swelling. Post-operative pain is typically very minimal. In many cases, the surgeon will use a long-acting anesthetic local medication which may provide local pain relief for up to 12 hours following surgery. After these procedures, you should expect moderate swelling and bruising and mild spotting along the incision areas. Pain is easily managed with oral medication and usually resolves within a few days. Showering or bathing is usually resumed on the day following surgery and normal activities started within several days though any pressure on the incisions is to be avoided. Strenuous activity, tight-fitting clothing and exercise should be avoided for 3-4 weeks, and you may be told to avoid using tampons, and douches. To allow the surgical area to heal properly there must be no sexual vaginal penetration for 4-6 weeks. You can expect to see your final result in 2 or 3 months after all local swelling has resolved.

It is a fact that most patients have little discomfort following surgery. There will be some bleeding the first 2 or 3 hours following surgery. The doctor may keep you in the suite for a few hours following surgery. You will be asked to wear a panty liner and shower daily. All of this aids in the healing process. You will want to wear loose-fitting clothing for the first few days following your repair.Since the sutures will dissolve, you avoid the need to return for follow up removal. In 2 weeks, if all goes well, you will return for a follow-up examination. We like to see our patients every two weeks after the procedures to be certain healing is going properly and to find any problem that might be developing before it becomes a concerning issue. As many of our patients do travel a long distance to have their surgery here, alternate arrangements can be made with your local doctor to examine the results of your surgery if preferred.

Complications are rare but may include but not be limited to bleeding, scarring, alterations in sensation, pigmentation changes, asymmetry, infection, or wound separation. Most women are pleased with the more aesthetically desirable appearance after labiaplasty and are more confident, comfortable and active. The change is immediately noticeable. Most women mention that they wished they had not put off having the procedure done!