Feminine Rejuvenation

LABIAPLASTY

The labia (vaginal lips) are part of the external female genital parts. A pair of rounded folds that surround the vagina, often referred to as lips they may be enlarged, long or asymmetrical secondary to childbirth, aging and genetics. Women may experience physical irritation making it difficult to participate in sports, wear certain types of clothing, or experience difficulty  and feel self conscious during sexual intimacy.

Labiaplasty is the procedure that corrects enlarged labia. Most patients who undergo this procedure have elongated labia minora (inner vaginal lips) that extend past the edge of the labia majora (outer vaginal lips).  Certain labiaplasty patients may also require labia majora reduction and mons pubis rejuvenation, the fatty tissue on top of the pubic bone. All of these procedures may be performed at the same time.

As a female plastic surgeon, Dr. Rondi Walker has performed many Labiaplasty procedures on her patients, where her patients feel a degree of comfort in her surgical skills.

Labiaplasty is performed with local or general anesthesia depending on the complexity of the procedure. Dr. Walker performs the majority of labiaplasty procedures as an outpatient with local anesthesia. She first applies a topical numbing cream to the labia, and then injects the region with a buffered anesthetic solution to completely numb the area and render the procedure relatively painless. The excess labial tissue is removed using a V-Wedge technique so the natural borders of the labia are preserved.  The incision is hidden between the labia majora and minora so there is no conspicuous scar.

LABIAPLASTY FAQ

Q: How long does it take to perform a Labiaplasty?

A. The procedure takes between 1 to 2 hours to perform under local anesthetic as an outpatient. Patients may then recover in the privacy of their own homes.

Q: When are results seen?

A. Results are seen immediately, but there is initial swelling and mild discomfort. Patients are instructed to rest at home with ice packs for two – three days.

Q: When may patients return to work?

A. Most patients return to work three days after the procedure.

Q: When may patients resume sexual activity?

A. Patients may resume sexual intercourse and other activities after six weeks.

MONS PUBIS REJUVENATION

The mons pubis is the area just in front of the pubic bone and above the external genitalia.  Fat accumulation may cause patients to have a prominent mons pubis. While excessive weight loss may cause other patients to have drooping or ptosis of the mons pubis. This may hide the genitalia making personal hygiene difficult and causing self consciousness during sexual intimacy.

Both male and female patients often seek mons pubis rejuvenation.

Excess fat may be treated with liposuction alone, while skin excess is best treated with a lifting procedure to achieve the best contour of the mons. Abdominoplasty is frequently performed with mons rejuvenation. Female patients with mons ptosis may also require a labiaplasty.  These procedures may be performed safely at the same time.

MONS PUBIS REJUVENATION FAQ:

Q: How long does it take to perform a mons pubis rejuvenation?

A: One to three hours depending on the complexity of the procedure.  If combined with an abdominoplasty or labiaplasty the procedure may take up to four to five hours.

Q: Where is this procedure performed?

A: In a hospital or surgery center setting, as an outpatient under general anesthesia.

Q: When may patients resume sexual activity?

A: Usually within four to six weeks, depending on the combination of procedures performed.

VAGINOPLASTY

(Vaginal Rejuvenation and Tightening)

The steps involved in a typical vaginoplasty procedure will vary greatly from one patient to the next. A decrease in the thickness of vaginal mucosa (lining of the vagina) occurs secondary to age, hormone changes, and patients who have undergone chemotherapy. This leads to relatively healthy women experiencing pain during sexual intercourse. Loss of vaginal mucosa thickness is best treated with a special vaginal laser that promotes collagen formation and stimulates vaginal vascularity.

Dr. Walker, along with her gynecology colleagues, performs the the labiaplasty procedure in conjunction with vaginal laser therapy for optimal vaginal rejuvenation results.

If increased friction during intercourse is the main goal, excess vaginal lining may be removed in the vaginal canal. If there is a larger sense of” looseness”, accompanied by bowel or incontinence problems, more extensive pelvic surgery may be required.  Dr. Walker refers these patients to a trusted urogynecology colleague.