Labiaplasty FAQs

The labial area is a very sensitive issue for women. Enlarged inner or outer labia lips of the vagina may cause problems like pain, discomfort, catching or folding on certain type of clothing, pain with exercise, and sexual activity, embarrassment, or even negatively affect sexual intimacy. Tight-fitting pants and bathing suits may be quite uncomfortable or even painful. Sporting activities may also be difficult. Labiaplasty can improve the contour of the labia minora or labia majora, and relieve these distressing conditions.

Young and adult women in good health are the best candidates.

It is a relatively common practice for a plastic surgeon to perform multiple procedures during one operation.  This allows the surgeon to better “sculpt” your final appearance.  In addition, having several procedures done simultaneously saves you the expense of paying the operating room and anesthesia costs more than once.  However, having too much done at one time can lead to complications.  The decision to have multiple procedures done depends on which procedures are being done, the extent of surgery, the operating time, and your age/health.  Ultimately, the surgeon decides whether or not it is appropriate to include more than one procedure in your operation.

In addition to labiaplasty, liposuction, tummy tuck, or vaginoplasty may be performed.

Due to the variety of procedures available in plastic surgery, there can be no blanket rule on age although age will be taken into consideration when planning your operation.  People of all ages have taken advantage of the image-enhancement offered by plastic surgery.  There are even procedures appropriate for young children!  It is important to realize the limitations of plastic surgery.  Plastic surgery cannot “fix” every situation or reverse the aging process.  What is a good procedure for one person may not be an appropriate procedure for another.  We are committed to making your plastic surgery experience a successful one.

During your consultation we will discuss your desired changes and expectations, review your medical history and current health, and make an assessment on whether the procedure(s) in question are right for you.  This is a good time to ask specific questions about the procedure so that you are fully prepared, mentally and emotionally, for surgery.  We will discuss the results that can be achieved, with the aid of photos and/or computer imaging.  When a final decision is made, you will need to sign an informed consent stating that you are fully aware and understand what is entailed by your pending operation, including the potential complications and secondary effects.

Because there are very few qualified labiaplasty surgeons, many people travel to get the procedure. We have special accommodations available for traveling patients. Initial consultations may be conducted by phone and patients can also send photos of the area that needs treatment.

Insurance providers generally cover costs for reconstructive surgery but not for cosmetic surgery.  For example, insurance providers will often pay for breast augmentation to reconstruct a breast following a mastectomy; breast reduction to remedy back pain caused by heavy breasts; eyelid surgery to remove sagging skin that blocks vision; nose surgery to allow for a patient to breathe better; or tummy tucks to remedy the vertical separation of abdomen muscles known as diastasis.  Insurance providers are required by law to cover breast reconstruction surgery and any cosmetic operations necessary to create symmetry in either breast. If your surgery is covered by insurance, pre-certification is required.  We will be happy to assist you with the process.

Unfortunately, insurance carriers consider labiaplasty a cosmetic procedure and therefore they do not cover the cost of surgery.

The enlarged inner and outer vaginal lips are surgically reduced to the appropriate size. Most doctors will use tiny scissors or scalpel to sculpt the tissue of the labia. We also use CO2 laser to do that.  We have noticed that with laser labioplasty we see less swelling and pain after the surgery and faster healing.  The incision location depends on individual factors, especially the configuration and texture of the labia. The doctor will then suture the incision closed with absorbable stitches.
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Complications are a possibility with any medical procedure. The risk can be reduced by selecting the experienced doctor and carefully following post-operative instructions.

One of the most common complications is temporary numbness, superficial infection, scar tissue build up, a hematoma, puckering or irregularity of the skin, or loss of sensitivity in the area, changes in pigmentation, thickness, and smoothness of the edges of the labia.

Any surgical procedure includes three costs: anesthesia fees, facility fees, and surgeon's fees.

Labia minora or majora reduction fees start from $3,200 for simple cases for surgical fee.  Operating room fee vary from $500-$750.  Anesthesia fee varies from $250-500.

We also happy to offer very affordable financing.  Based on our experience, most patients with reasonable (not perfect) credit are able to afford it.  The payments vary from $99-$159 per month.  Again, by no mean we can guarantee these rates.  Thay are subject to approval by credit company and individual score and terms.  The point is that it is still very affordable. 

The way we structure the procedure for our out of the area patients makes only one trip necessary.  Pre-operative testing and planning can be done locally where you live.

The surgery is done the following day after your arrival.  You may be able to leave the following day after the surgery depending on complexity of the procedure.  So, overall stay is 2-3 days (over the weekend or right before it) 

Most follow ups can be done over the phone or e-mail (privacy issues apply). 

Usually labiaplasty does not cause changes of sensitivity when done correctly.  Hoever, it is theoretically possible.  So far none of our patients reported this problems.   In most cases, patients actually complain of having problems before, not after.

Technically you can have the procedure done by the  local MD.  The question is how experienced they are and what technique they use.  Over the last several years new techniques emerged that produce much less scarring and produce much better surgical result.  Use of laser also decrease the scarring.

Does it really worth risking such a delicate area of the body for a price of an airline ticket?  You decide.

The result of the surgery is very natural, the scars are barely noticable.  So, if the new person meets you they most likely will not see the difference. 

On the other hand, if you are in a relationship right now they will notice that your privates are more even, more symmetric, more defined.  If you had issues with labia folfing or hurting during the intercourse, these problems should improve too if not disappear.

The overall appearance of the genital area creates a younger, "rejuvenated" look.

No. Older techniques may produce a painful scar on the edge of the labia.  With our technique the scar is way better concealed. 

Dr. Volshteyn and his staff will be happy to discuss labiaplasty procedure with you. The first step is to call 775-841-9090 and ask for an appointment.  If you are in vicinity of Atlantic Surgical Associates we will be happy to see you in the office first.  If you are far away, you may request a virtual consultation.  You will receive the health forms to fill out and will be asked to Email or mail (no fax) your pictures.  Take a digital photo in the same format as our before and after pictures.  Sent the information to our office and Dr. Volshteyn will review the information and determine if you are a candidate for a procedure.  He will call you personally or will send you a letter within a week.  Please do not forget to enclose a consultation fee of $50.00 or you may call with your credit card number.  Again, if you are a candidate for the procedure, the consultation fee will be fully credited to your toward your surgical fee.  If you are a good candidate, we will schedule an appointment for you to fly or drive in and meet a doctor.  Then the procedure will be scheduled for the next day.