Enlarged labia lips may cause both aesthetic dissatisfaction and physical discomfort, inhibiting the quality of life for thousands of women. Labiaplasty in Santa Monica by Dr. Brian Shafa can restore balance, harmony, and ease by removing excess skin and tissue.
What is labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a surgical option for reducing the size of the labia minora, or the layers of skin around the vagina and urethra. When these skin folds become enlarged, it can inhibit the flow of movement during exercise or intercourse, compromise aesthetic appeal, and interfere with a woman’s self-confidence. Labiaplasty may be performed for cosmetic, functional, or gender-affirming reasons or a combination of all three. The treatment is often a component of a comprehensive mommy makeover procedure.
What are the advantages of labiaplasty?
- A more balanced, aesthetically pleasing appearance
- Improved self-image
- More comfort when engaging in sports
- Increased pleasure when being intimate
- Better hygiene
How is labiaplasty performed?
Dr. Shafa performs labiaplasty using local anesthesia. For the outer labia, he may employ tissue excision or liposuction. For the inner labia, he may choose from one of two approaches:
The wedge method
Here, Dr. Shafa will remove a wedge-shaped portion of tissue from the inner areas of the labia minora, leaving the labia edges intact. This leads to a more natural look once the surgery is completed.
The trim method
This approach involves the removal of excess tissue along the outer edges of the labia minora, ensuring balanced contours aligned with the labia majora.
What will recovery entail?
After labiaplasty, Dr. Shafa will provide a detailed aftercare plan and prescriptions for pain medications should you need them. Mild bruising, swelling, and discomfort are to be expected, but these side effects will soon fade. Most patients resume work and other normal activities within the first week. Dr. Shafa will schedule you for follow-up visits to monitor your healing process and ensure your recuperation is seamless and peaceful.
Who makes an ideal candidate for the procedure?
During your private consultation with Dr. Shafa regarding labiaplasty in Santa Monica, he will thoroughly review your medical history and perform a physical assessment to ensure a successful and customized result.
In general, ideal candidates for labiaplasty are:
- Over 18
- Physically and mentally healthy
- Realistic in their expectations
- Finished having children
- Frustrated by enlarged labia lips
- Experiencing discomfort when having intercourse or exercising
- Experiencing self-consciousness about their appearance
Financing & Payment Plans with Dr. Brian Shafa
At Dr. Brian Shafa Plastic Surgery, we offer flexible finance options to make your procedure more affordable:
- Custom payment plans tailored to your budget
- CareCredit® financing – pay over time with low monthly installments
- All major credit cards accepted (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover)
- Cash payments also accepted
Ask us about creating a payment plan that works for you. We're here to help you move forward with confidence.
Labiaplasty FAQs
How does labiaplasty help women who experience chronic irritation or discomfort during physical activities?
For women who experience **chronic irritation or discomfort** from their labia during activities such as cycling, running, or yoga, labiaplasty can provide significant relief. By removing excess labial tissue and reshaping the area, Dr. Shafa can reduce friction, eliminate chafing, and improve comfort during physical activities, allowing for a more active lifestyle without discomfort.
Can labiaplasty be customized to correct labial asymmetry caused by hormonal changes or aging?
Yes, labiaplasty can be highly customized to address **asymmetry** caused by **hormonal fluctuations** or the natural aging process. Many women experience one side of the labia becoming larger or more prominent, especially post-childbirth or with age. Dr. Shafa uses precision techniques to restore balance, creating a more even, youthful appearance that complements the natural anatomy of the body.
How does Dr. Shafa ensure minimal scarring after labiaplasty, particularly for women with darker skin tones?
Dr. Shafa employs **advanced, meticulous surgical techniques** that minimize visible scarring after labiaplasty, especially in women with darker skin tones, who may be more prone to hyperpigmentation. By placing incisions in natural folds or along the edges of the labia, scarring is discreet and often fades significantly over time, leaving minimal marks that blend seamlessly with the surrounding tissue.
What are the long-term benefits of labiaplasty for women who have had multiple children?
For women who have had multiple children, labiaplasty can restore both **aesthetic appearance** and **functionality** to the genital area. Pregnancy and childbirth can cause the labia to stretch and sag, leading to discomfort or self-consciousness. Dr. Shafa’s procedure tightens the labia, reduces excess skin, and rejuvenates the area, restoring a more youthful appearance and eliminating any discomfort from excess tissue or asymmetry.
How does labiaplasty impact sexual confidence and intimacy for women experiencing labial enlargement?
Labiaplasty can have a profound impact on **sexual confidence** for women who feel self-conscious about enlarged or asymmetrical labia. By reducing the size and reshaping the labia, the procedure often leads to enhanced comfort during intimacy, as well as increased self-esteem. Many patients report feeling more confident and sexually empowered after surgery, with improved satisfaction during sexual activities.
Can labiaplasty be safely performed on women who have experienced previous vaginal or pelvic surgeries?
Yes, labiaplasty can be safely performed on women who have undergone **previous vaginal or pelvic surgeries**, as long as they have healed properly. Dr. Shafa carefully evaluates the patient’s medical history and anatomy during the consultation to determine the best approach, ensuring that labiaplasty enhances results from previous surgeries without compromising healing or function.
Why choose Dr. Shafa for labiaplasty?
When it comes to a detailed, intricate procedure like labiaplasty, it’s important to choose an experienced plastic surgeon with an eye for artistry. Dr. Shafa is known for his painstaking attention to detail and elegant, nuanced results. He listens carefully to his patient’s goals and wishes and crafts a unique treatment plan curated with their individual needs in mind.
Dr. Shafa trained at among the most lauded and renowned institutions in the country, including UCLA, Johns Hopkins University, Harvard Medical School, UCLA, Henry Ford Hospital, and the University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC), preparing him for an illustrious career in the field of aesthetics. While in medical school, he received the rare Golden Heart Award for his service and dedication to patient safety. Today, Dr. Shafa provides patients in and beyond Santa Monica with unparalleled excellence in a cutting-edge, technologically advanced practice setting.
References:
Read more to learn more
- LABIAPLASTY RECOVERY WEEK BY WEEK
- MEDICAL REASONS FOR A LABIAPLASTY
- 5 BENEFITS OF LABIAPLASTY
- HOW LONG UNTIL I CAN HAVE SEX AFTER LABIAPLASTY
- TIPS FOR PREPARING FOR LABIAPLASTY
Additional References:
- András Mihály Géczi, MD, Tamás Varga, MD, Rita Vajna, MD, Gergely Pataki, MD, Fanni Adél Meznerics, Nándor Ács, PhD, Péter Hegyi, PhD, Loretta Nyirády, Péter Pál, Nelli Farkas, Alíz Fazekas, Szabolcs Várbíró, PhD, Levente Sára, MD, PhD "Comprehensive Assessment of Labiaplasty Techniques and Tools, Satisfaction Rates, and Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis" - Aesthetic Surgery Journal
- Surroca, Marisa M. ML, MD; Miranda, Laura S. MD; Ruiz, Jesus B. MD, PhD "Labiaplasty
A 24-Month Experience in 58 Patients" - Annals of Plastic Surgery - Sorice, Sarah C. M.D.; Li, Alexander Y. B.S., M.S.; Canales, Francisco L. M.D.; Furnas, Heather J. M.D. "Why Women Request Labiaplasty" - Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery