Laser Reduction Labiaplasty of the Labia Minora

Welcome

Welcome to your guide to Laser Reduction Labiaplasty (LRL) of the Labia Minora. Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the procedure and what you can do to ensure a result you will love. Remember, this presentation does not take the place of your consultation and you should make sure to write down any questions you may want to ask us later.

 

Laser Reduction Labiaplasty of the Labia Minora

LRL of the Labia Minora is the second most common Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery procedure. LRL is an actual  surgical procedure that uses the laser for cutting, dissecting, and absorbable suture material to aesthetically reapproximate the skin edges.

 

LRL is a procedure for women wishing to reduce the appearance of the labia minora that protrude beyond the labia majora (large outer lips). Patients who request this procedure may be concerned with large, sagging, thick, uneven, or aesthetically unappealing labia minora. The best candidate for this procedure is a physically healthy woman with realistic goals.

 

Preparation

During your consultation you should provide a complete medical history and a list of medications, including vitamins and herbs.

Here are some tips that may help you shorten your recovery time and decrease your chances of complications.

  • Discontinue using Aspirin (including medications that contain Aspirin), Ibuprofen, Naprosyn, St. John’s Wort, Vitamin E and other supplements as directed. These act as blood thinners and could cause excessive bruising, bleeding or other complications. We will give you a complete list of medications and herbal supplements to avoid prior to your procedure.
  • Stop smoking for at least two weeks before and one week after surgery, as nicotine can impair circulation and healing.
  • Do not drink alcohol in excess for two weeks before your LRL procedure and one week after the surgery.

 

Procedure

LRL is performed on an outpatient basis. The patient has her choice of anesthesia (pudendal block, IV sedation, twilight, or general). Ninety-eight percent elect to have general anesthesia. LRL lasts approximately an hour depending on the extent of the procedure required to provide the ultimate aesthetic look.

A pudendal block (nerve block) is given to provide 18-24 hours postoperative pain control anesthesia. Then a proprietary Designer Laser Vaginoplasty® technique is used to perform the LRL. A surgical marker is used to accurately mark the incision line of the labia minora. A contact tip laser that is precise and delicate on the tissue is used to perform the LRL. The edges are then closed with absorbable sutures.

Attention is then turned to the prepuce where a proprietary technique is used to remove just the right amount of prepuce from both sides. Very fine absorbable sutures are used to close this area. Upon completion of the LRL, the patient is then transferred to the recovery room. After one to two hours, the patient is released for transfer home.

 

Post Surgery

Patients may experience some bruising, swelling, and discomfort after the procedure. Swelling may linger for as long as two weeks or perhaps longer. Pain medication will be prescribed to control any discomfort. Note that the pain medications can cause constipation (it is the most common complaint) and the patient should use a stool softener such as Colace. Additionally, patients are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, and eat fruits and vegetables to help soften the stool.

Apply ice packs to the labia off and on in twenty-minute intervals for the first 48 hours to minimize swelling.

 

Recovery

During the recovery period, patients are not to engage in sexual activity for six weeks. No sexual activity or exercise (yoga, spinning, cycling, Pilates, weightlifting, etc.). Most patients return to work in one week. Others, whose job may be more physically demanding, may require more time off of work.

Patients may shower on the second or third day following surgery. No tub baths for four weeks. The use of thong underwear and tight fitting clothing should be avoided for four weeks as well.

 

Results

The results of your LRL procedure will be complete at six weeks postoperatively. At that time, patients can resume all sexual and physical activities without any restrictions.