by JL
“Getting my labiaplasty is the single most rewarding thing I have done for myself in the last decade. So, when Dr. Rotemberg approached me to write about my experience, I jumped at the chance. I’m in my early 40s and I’m the mother of three wonderful kids aged eleven, nine, and seven. Apart from the sleepless nights over the years, I’ve loved almost every aspect of parenthood, except one; my post-baby body.
When it comes to talking about our postpartum “parts”, I think a lot of women get uncomfortable about topics like these because they are so private, and often..well..embarrassing! I’m really lucky to have amazing girlfriends that are easy to talk to about anything, and after I mentioned to them about what was going on, I learned pretty fast that I am far from being alone. Learning that so many other women have similar problems but that there’ s something we can do about it was really comforting, and I’m so glad I found Dr. Rotemberg!”
Find out the difference a labiaplasty could make for you! Dr. Silvia Rotemberg is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is proud to deliver Florida residents outstanding surgical results. To find out more about the procedures she offers, please contact our South Miami offices at (305) 539-7083 or reach out to us via our online inquiry form for more information.
Post-Pregnancy Body Blues!
“All of my kids were vaginal births, so I’d had some issues “down there” since my first, and the changes just seemed to get worse after every pregnancy! I already had a lot of loose inner labia skin that never returned to its original size or shape after I had given birth to my first child. After the other two came along, the inner skin became even more lax. Unsightly? Definitely. Uncomfortable? Absolutely!
It stopped me from doing some of the things I really enjoy like cycling along the coast and the exercise bikes at the gym. When I confided in one of my friends at a lunch date, she said she knew someone who had a vaginal rejuvenation procedure and a labiaplasty. We giggled about it at first, as we twirled the swizzle sticks in our drinks, and I initially dismissed the idea. But, when I googled what a labiaplasty actually is, I realized that it was exactly what I needed to feel more comfortable and confident about my body!”
Taking Back Control of My Body
“My kids are my world, and I’m blessed with a healthy, loving relationship. But, with my labiaplasty, I really wanted to do something for myself after years of devoting my time and energy to my family. Now, don’t get me wrong; I’m all for body positivity. But I think one of the most important aspects of female empowerment is that we get to decide what we do with our bodies. And, if we’re not satisfied with part of it, we can choose to change it!
Ants In My Pants (!)
Before my labiaplasty surgery, some of the symptoms I was experiencing were incredibly uncomfortable, and a little embarrassing. Oftentimes, I would have to sit at a certain angle to avoid discomfort in certain chairs, especially high-top bar stools! My favorite brands of lingerie just wouldn’t hold things in place, and the chafing would be excruciating if I was wearing jeans. I would need to “readjust” down there, and would have to excuse myself and run to the bathroom, (obviously couldn’t just do it right there in public)! What’s more, the gym I loved so much was now a minefield of avoiding certain machines that involved any type of sitting. The exercise bikes were out. The ellipticals were out. And I was out…of patience.
Intimacy Issues
My partner has been so incredibly helpful after each of my pregnancies. Unfortunately, in the bedroom, my insecurities began to really get in the way. Because of my longer labia, I felt deeply embarrassed during the intimate moments I was supposed to be enjoying. Even with words of love and encouragement, I found that this intimate anatomical problem immediately got me “out of the mood” and feeling anxious and self-conscious. And so when this started to affect our relationship, I knew it was time.”
Why Should I Get a Labiaplasty?
A lot of women choose a labiaplasty procedure to help them deal with discomfort as well as how the area looks. Labiaplasties can help by:
- Creating a more contoured look and feel to the labia
- Giving more comfort in tight clothing (like activewear)
- Allowing more freedom of physical activity
- Reshaping to prevent discomfort
- Eliminates tugging and chafing during sex and other physical activity
“My advice to the women out there who are considering a labiaplasty is this; do it. Absolutely do it. You only get one life, and one chance to be happy, so go for it. You won’t regret it!”
Book your personal consultation with Dr. Rotemberg at (305) 539-7083.
Candidates for a Labiaplasty Procedure
Studies have proven that women with elongated labia experience tugging during intercourse, find tight pants uncomfortable, experience twisting of the labia, and note labia visibility in yoga pants. (1) Therefore, any woman who experiences these symptoms, regardless of whether they have had children or not, can consider a labiaplasty as an option for treatment. If you are experiencing physical and emotional distress because of genital shape and appearance, please get in touch with us at your earliest convenience!
A Personal Consultation with Dr. Rotemberg
Dr. Rotemberg does not shy away from personal conversations, but please don’t worry! Your medical issues will be treated with the utmost respect and privacy at your individual consultation. During your initial appointment with Dr. Rotemberg, you will have the opportunity to be frank about the problems you are facing with the shape of your labia. At this time, please tell her about your general health and any important information regarding your gential health such as vaginal births, any birth complications you faced, your sexual health, and your overall health. After this, she may examine the area, and take a photographic record if necessary, for comparison after your surgery has taken place. We will then schedule your labiaplasty surgery date.
Please check the website for more information about virtual and in-person consultations, patient experiences, and a chance to read about the latest cosmetic procedures at Rotemberg Plastic Surgery on our blog.
Preparing for a Labiaplasty Procedure
To prepare for your labiaplasty procedure, please make sure you do the following:
- Stop smoking before and after your procedure.
- Stop using certain medications, or adjust your dosage.
- Arrange a close companion to give you a ride to and from surgery
- Wear loose-fitting clothes the day of, and after your surgery date.
Dr. Rotemberg and her friendly staff will provide the highest quality care with discretion and professionalism!
What to Expect from a Labiaplasty Procedure
Wedge Technique
A wedge labiaplasty is just what it sounds like. Dr. Rotemberg removes a wedge-shaped piece of tissue from the labia and carefully reconstructs the tissue to an aesthetically pleasing appearance. This technique is among the most common among labiaplasty surgeries worldwide. As such, it is a great choice for women with thinner, well-defined labia edges. (3)
Trim Technique
The trim technique, sometimes known as the edge excision or linear labiaplasty, removes the excess tissue from the outermost edge of the labia minora. This can reduce the size and shape of the vulva and minimize chafing. The trim method is a good option for women who have thicker labia that are darkly pigmented. Good surgical technique can help reduce complications, including bleeding, hematoma, scar contracture, painful or hypersensitive scars, and scalloped edges. (4)
Recovering from Labiaplasty Surgery
“To be honest, I wouldn’t say a labiaplasty is the most comfortable procedure to recover from. But, it is manageable. Given that it’s a very sensitive, private area, you’re going to have to arrange a ride when you return from your treatment, because you can’t drive after. Also, it’s a good plan to have everything arranged at home so you’re comfortable, like pillows and cushions. As well as pain medication, my saviors were ice packs! It can be itchy and feel strange down there for the first few days, so I bought a bunch of them and stored them in the freezer and rotated them out when I felt uncomfortable.”
Dr. Rotemberg asks her patients to follow these directions after their labiaplasty procedure:
- Avoid intercourse for up to six weeks after surgery
- Do not use tampons until otherwise directed
- Wear loose fitting underwear to protect the healing area
- Don’t use swimming pools or hot tubs until otherwise directed
- Avoid activities or exercise that could irritate the healing area
After three weeks post-op, you will return to our offices so we can remove any retained sutures and to evaluate your healing. (2) Labiaplasties usually take six weeks to a few months to heal completely.
My Labiaplasty Helped Me Get My Freedom Back!
“I’m so very grateful to Dr. Rotemberg and her amazing staff! Once the healing was over with, I felt like I was back to my old, confident self again! I now have the freedom to go to my gym and not feel insecure about wearing my workout pants. I can have a really good session on the exercise bikes without chafing and discomfort. My partner and my friends were supportive and proud that I made the decision to take action, and I’m so glad I did. I would encourage any woman thinking about a labiaplasty procedure to go see Dr. Rotemberg, and start living your best life again!”
For labiaplasty procedures, vaginal rejuvenation, and Mommy Makeovers, call Rotemberg Plastic Surgery in South Miami at (305) 539-7083 or contact us online.
How Much is a Labiaplasty in South Miami?
Your labiaplasty is unique to you, and you alone. Because of this, the price for each procedure will vary depending on your own individual situation. Please contact our knowledgeable staff for further information.
FAQ
Why would someone get a labiaplasty?
Women choose labiaplasty procedures because they’re unhappy with the appearance and the physical experience of having asymmetrical or elongated labia. This is most common in women who have had one or more vaginal births, although other conditions that can exacerbate labia size are hormonal fluctuations, age-related changes, trauma, and genetics.
What happens during a labiaplasty procedure?
During a labiaplasty procedure, a board-certified plastic surgeon will address your aesthetic needs by carefully reshaping the delicate tissues of the labia for a more suitable aesthetic. There are two main techniques: the trim technique and the wedge technique. Please speak to your plastic surgeon about which type of labiaplasty is best suited to your individual situation.
Is a labiaplasty conducted under general anesthesia?
Although some doctors give patients the option to receive local anesthesia for a labiaplasty, the majority perform the procedure using general anesthetic. The main reason for this is patient comfort.
References
- Sorice, S. C., Li, A. Y., Canales, F. L., & Furnas, H. J. (2017). Why Women Request Labiaplasty. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 139(4), 856–863. https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000003181
- Willis, R. N., Wong, C. S., Pai, A., & Patel, B. C. (2021). Labiaplasty Minora Reduction. Retrieved from PubMed website: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448086/
- Furnas, H. J. (2017). Trim Labiaplasty. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open, 5(5), e1349. https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000001349
- Oranges CM, Sisti A, Sisti G. Labia minora reduction techniques: a comprehensive literature review. Aesthet Surg J. 2015;35:419–431. Found in Furnas, Heather J. MD Trim Labiaplasty, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open: May 2017 – Volume 5 – Issue 5 – p e1349 https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000001349