Labiaplasty is an out-patient procedure performed to sculpt the labia, the skin folds or lips surrounding the vaginal opening. Most patients who undergo labiaplasty do not want the inner labia minora to protrude beyond the outer labia majora.
Women have two sets of labia: the labia majora (outer labia) and the labia minora (inner labia), which sit inside the outer labia. The labia minora have a very important function. They protect the vagina and are full of nerve endings that provide sensation and lubrication during sex.
When elongated, the labia minora (inner labia) may interfere with exercise or intercourse and limits clothing options due to the appearance of a bulge or discomfort.

Women who have:
 protruding, large or asymmetrical labia minora or majora
 protruding vaginal lips or labia causing discomfort with daily activities or exercise
 labia that interfere with activities like intercourse, cycling, horseback riding or tampon placement
 discomfort in clothes and need to adjust their labia
 labial pain from rubbing on clothing
 discomfort or feel embarrassment during sexual intercourse because of large vaginal lips
 dissatisfaction with the appearance of the length or pigmentation of the labia
 labia that interfere with urine flow and make hygiene difficult
 thickened labia minora or majora that create a bulge or “camel toe” appearance in tight clothing or swimwear
 labia or vaginal lips that you would like reshaped

The purpose of labiaplasty is to improve the external appearance of the vagina. If you are unhappy or uncomfortable with the shape, size or appearance of your labia minora or majora, then labiaplasty may be the procedure for you. Many women have enlarged or asymmetric labia minora from birth. Others develop enlarged labia after pregnancy or as they age. Labiaplasty can reduce and reshape the labia so that they do not protrude and are more symmetric. Many of our patients simply want to improve the appearance of their labia and request subtle sculpting. The results are very gratifying for our patients.
After the procedure most women have less discomfort during intercourse, feel more positive about their appearance and self-esteem.

Labiaplasty can help with sexual satisfaction by improving a woman’s self-image and confidence in her appearance, particularly if the appearance of her labia has been a source of self-consciousness or inhibition. Labiaplasty may also relieve pain during intercourse due to friction or irritation of the labia.
Part of the evaluation for labiaplasty includes evaluation of the clitoral hood, which sometimes may benefit from contouring. The clitoris is carefully protected during labiaplasty.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Zwiebel will listen to your questions and concerns. We will take a medical history and examine the areas of concern. Dr. Zwiebel will evaluate the labia to assess the shape, degree of enlargement and symmetry. Dr. Zwiebel will then discuss with you your options to achieve the changes you would like. Because everyone is unique, the labiaplasty technique must be designed for each person’s specific anatomy. Dr. Zwiebel will plan the labiaplasty technique to give you the result that you desire.

Labiaplasty surgeries are performed in our private, fully accredited surgical suite, emphasizing patient safety, comfort, and privacy. In our surgical suite, you will be welcomed and cared for by the same staff you meet at your consultation and during your follow-up appointments.
Our patients frequently tell us this is preferable to a hospital setting or a large surgery center as patient privacy is more fully protected and a patient is never exposed to hospital based germ cross-contamination. Our dedicated and professional surgical team has thousands of hours of experience working together to bring our patients a safe and comfortable surgical experience.

Labiaplasty can be done with a local anesthetic, but most of our patients choose the more comfortable option of intravenous sedation, so they may sleep comfortably during the entire procedure
After reshaping the labia, Dr. Zwiebel places dissolving sutures for your post-operative comfort.
After surgery, any pain or discomfort you may experience will be controlled through medication and will usually subside within a matter of days.

Clinical studies have consistently shown that the use of LASERs in labiaplasty offer no advantage, may increase surgical time, and may increase certain risks. The quality of the scar is not improved with the use of a LASER for Labiaplasty.
LASER Labiaplasty has been promoted largely for marketing purposes because of the high tech appeal. What remains as most important in determining the best outcome is the surgeon’s skills.
Dr. Zwiebel has decades of experience with a variety of LASERS, but most commonly chooses to perform Labiaplasty without the use of a LASER.

The labiaplasty procedure typically takes about 1 hour.

Labiaplasty can be combined with other procedures. In our practice, labiaplasty is commonly combined with tummy tuck, Mommy Makeover or lipoplasty, as well as other cosmetic procedures (e.g., breast augmentation, facial surgery, nose surgery). Many of our patients enjoy the convenience of having multiple procedures in a single surgical session, combining recovery time and reducing the cost of multiple surgeries.

As with any operation there are certain risks. Fortunately, the risks for Labiaplasty are quite rare. Complications may include infection, bleeding, stitch line separation, scarring and numbness. To put the risk in perspective, pregnancy is associated with far more risk than Labiaplasty, when performed by an experienced surgeon.

Post-operative pain is minimized with the use of long-acting local anesthetic injected during the Labiaplasty procedure. In the first 24 hours, you can expect moderate pain or discomfort which is adequately medicated with prescription pain relievers. After this, most patients report mild to moderate discomfort for a few days which can be easily controlled by acetaminophen (Tylenol) and cold compresses. Expect local soreness for a few weeks after surgery for which you may or may not choose to take acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Most patients are up and about the afternoon of their surgery day. Plan to spend the first three days after Labiaplasty just relaxing. Cold compresses or ice packs will help keep the swelling to a minimum and enhance your comfort. Bruising and swelling will resolve over the next week or two. Resuming most daily activities is encouraged as long as there is no irritation or pressure at the incision sites. Loose clothing and cotton underwear “granny panties” are mandatory.
You may resume driving as soon as you are comfortable enough and haven’t taken any narcotics for 8 to 12 hours.

Yes, but they probably won’t be noticeable. Dr. Zwiebel will use his plastic surgical skills to keep incisions as minimal as possible and hide them in the natural lines and creases of your skin. The scars will fade over time and become barely noticeable.

On average most patients are back to work within 5 to 7 days.

This varies with the type of operation being performed. It also depends on the individual. Some people bruise easily, while others don’t. There will be swelling and some bruising after surgery. Both will usually disappear over a week or two. The final optimal result can usually be appreciated a few months after surgery.

To allow adequate time for healing and avoid complications, you should refrain from any type of sexual intercourse (vaginal penetration) for a period of 6 weeks.

For 6 weeks, it is necessary to refrain from:
• any clothing that may rub on the labia
o tight pants/jeans, undergarments or thong-style panties
• exercises that may cause rubbing or irritation to the labia (jogging, horseback riding, cycling)
• activities that may cause irritation or trauma to the labia (motorcycling, skiing, snowboarding, personal watercraft, off-road vehicles)
• tampons
• hot tubs
• swimming in public pools, lake or ocean
Meticulous hygiene is critical to prevent infection and speed healing. The use of a hand-held shower spray is invaluable to keep the surgical area clean. Dr. Zwiebel recommends irrigating the labia with warm water after urinating, especially in the first two weeks after the procedure. Gentle cleansing products, like Dove, Dial, Lever 2000 are recommended when showering; baths are not recommended the first 2 weeks after the procedure.
Avoid hot water (bath, hot tub) for 6 weeks after the procedure.

We have many patients who come to our practice from out of town. We are happy to assist you and have special arrangements with two hotels close to our office, as well as Concierge Nursing, if you require assistance with aftercare and transportation.
After your Labiaplasty, you should be able to return home right after our post-op check, the day after surgery.

Because Labiaplasty is considered an elective procedure, most insurance plans don’t cover it.

Labiaplasty procedures usually range between $3000 – $5000, including the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee, facility fee, all pre and post-operative appointments. Lab tests and medications are not included.
A fee quote based on your specific physical exam, desired goals, the procedure required and choice of anesthetic will be provided upon the conclusion of your consultation.

For your convenience, we accept VISA, Master Card, Discover and American Express. We also offer other forms of financing through approved, reliable companies. Our Patient Coordinator, Ms. Amy Hardesty can give you all the details, either before or at your consultation. At the time you decide to book your procedure a down payment is required to hold your procedure date. Final payment is due during the final pre-op visit, usually 2 weeks before surgery.