The labia are a very visible portion of a woman’s sexual anatomy, so an interest in their appearance is perfectly natural and understandable. Beyond cosmetic concerns, asymmetrical or overly large labia can cause physical discomfort during daily activities, such as exercise and sexual intercourse, self-esteem issues, and lack of confidence in sexual relationships.
Dr. Placik is often considered one of the best labiaplasty surgeons in Chicago. A well-done labiaplasty does more than just boost confidence in intimate relationships. It also reduces vaginal pain and discomfort, expands your wardrobe options, and increases your range of activity choices.
Labiaplasty is a cosmetic gynecology procedure that improves the appearance of the inner and/or outer vaginal lips, creating a more proportionate and aesthetically-pleasing appearance. The labiaplasty may include reducing elongated inner labia or enlarging/ reducing the outer labia, depending on your unique cosmetic goals and concerns. Labiaplasty shouldn’t be confused with vaginal rejuvenation — the latter refers to the tightening of the vaginal canal.
Dr. Placik is a board certified plastic surgeon in Chicago and an active member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He received his medical degree from Northwestern University where he also completed residencies in general and plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Read more >>You may consider a labiaplasty for cosmetic, hygienic, or functional reasons to address some or all of the following issues:
If you feel self-conscious about the size, shape, or appearance of your labia or notice discomfort during sexual activity or while wearing slim-fitting clothes, you’re likely a great candidate for labiaplasty. The best candidates for labiaplasty with Dr. Placik are physically mature and in good mental and physical health.
Labiaplasty is generally performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, with the possibility of oral sedation if you’re anxious. In some cases, if labiaplasty is being done as part of a more extensive procedure or mommy makeover, Dr. Placik may recommend general anesthesia. Most women undergoing a labiaplasty alone or in combination with other genital rejuvenation procedures can return home the same day.
Once the anesthesia kicks in, Dr. Placik starts the labiaplasty, which may include one of the following techniques — trim method or wedge method.
Trim Method: This is a straightforward method that involves trimming away the excess tissues to shorten the labia minora.
Wedge Method: This method removes a triangular segment of tissue from the middle third of the inner labia.
Though many surgeons currently advocate for wedge labiaplasty, this approach doesn’t address one of the most common cosmetic concerns for women—the darker labial edge. By fully removing this portion of the labia, trim labiaplasty creates a more uniformly pink edge for a discreet final result. The decision of which surgical technique is best for you comes down to your anatomy, personal goals, and the surgeon’s recommendation.
Dr. Placik is known for his personalized and considered approach to labiaplasty. He considers the size and shape of the inner and outer labia in relation to each other and the surrounding area to determine the best surgical approach.
The following are some of the possible approaches to labiaplasty:
The outer labia (labia majora) may benefit from fat transfer to add fullness, creating a more proportionate look relative to the inner labia (labia minora).
Large or redundant labia majora, which frequently occur in combination with a prominent mons pubis, may create an undesirable fullness or visibility in clothing, necessitating a reduction with liposuction.
The inner labia (labia minora) may be reduced to improve any existing discomfort or to remove the darkened edges that become prominent after pregnancy or with age.
The labiaplasty may include additional genital rejuvenation procedures, such as vaginoplasty, clitoral hood reduction, and G-spot enhancement.
Dr. Placik will curate the ideal treatment plan based on your unique goals and expectations. He’ll also discuss your various treatment options, giving you all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Your labiaplasty process will start with a private consultation with Dr. Placik at his state-of-the-art surgical center in Chicago. Dr. Placik will review your medical history, examine the labial tissues, and discuss your cosmetic goals and concerns. Based on his assessment, he’ll determine if you’re a suitable candidate and curate the preferred treatment plan. He’ll give you a detailed overview of the procedure and treatment approach, and answer all your questions and concerns.
Most women return home the day of surgery and should rest for the first day or two. When privacy is a concern, procedures can be performed under local anesthesia, and patients can then drive themselves to and from surgery. However, most women prefer some oral sedation, in which case a driver is required to safely transport patients home.
You can expect to see some bruising and swelling after the surgery, which should dissipate over the next few weeks. Discomfort can often be alleviated using ice packs and over-the-counter pain medications. Dr. Placik may also prescribe a pain reliever. You should be able to resume your normal routine within a few days, but Dr. Placik recommends waiting at least 6 weeks before engaging in sexual activity or vigorous workouts.
Labiaplasty costs vary depending on the approach taken during surgery and whether it includes other complementary procedures. You’ll receive a detailed breakdown of the costs at the end of your consultation. Dr. Placik and his staff strive to provide excellent value and help you with cosmetic surgery financing to make your procedure more affordable.
Typically, insurance companies see labiaplasty as cosmetic and, therefore elective, a category that isn’t covered by most insurance plans. Exceptions may be made in some cases, including if the surgery repairs a torn labia or other forms of injury or trauma. In some cases, insurance may cover some or all of the surgical costs.
Dr. Otto Placik is a board-certified plastic surgeon and a labiaplasty specialist serving women across all of Chicago. He has helped thousands of women feel better about the look and condition of their labia. He likely has the greatest experience in the Midwest and has participated in and conducted numerous research studies, performed presentations, written book chapters, and attended professional conferences on the subject. In addition to labiaplasty, Dr. Placik offers several other vaginal rejuvenation procedures that can help improve the appearance of your vaginal area and enhance sexual sensation.
Although it’s impossible to perform any surgery without incisions, labiaplasty scars are typically minimal. The initial incisions should heal completely within two weeks, but scars may appear red or pink for several months. The “trim method” of labia reduction will leave longer scars than the “wedge method” but can remove more of the darkened edge. In either case, the scars should fade to nearly invisible with time. To see real patient results, look at our Labiaplasty before and after gallery.
Dr. Placik performs labiaplasty revisions for botched labiaplasty procedures or situations where patients aren’t happy with their earlier results. These procedures are highly customized to the unique situation of the patient, and Dr. Placik will work closely with you to curate a treatment plan that ensures desired results. Watch our video on labiaplasty revision for more information about possibly the best labiaplasty in the United States.
Dr. Placik will cover the possible risks, side effects, and potential complications during your first consultation to ensure that you fully understand the procedure. Though serious side effects are rare, they are possible and include concerns such as scarring, infections, asymmetry, and changes in sensation.
Female sexual satisfaction is a complex issue that includes multiple factors. Labiaplasty plays an important role in improving your sex life, especially when performed with additional genital rejuvenation procedures. For women who feel frustrated about their labia size detracting from their sexual experience, labiaplasty can correct physical issues to make intercourse more enjoyable.
Women who have previously felt inhibited during sex due to the cosmetic appearance of their labia can also find that sex becomes more emotionally enjoyable. Larger inner labia can also involve excess clitoral hood tissues that interfere with clitoral stimulation during intercourse. Dr. Placik can combine clitoral hood reduction with labiaplasty to improve sexual sensation.
To meet with double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Otto J. Placik, you can request a consultation online or call our Arlington Heights office at 847-398-1660 or our Chicago office at 312-787-5313 to schedule your appointment. We look forward to meeting with you and helping you look your very best.
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