Labiaplasty, Is it right for you? Making the decision.

The decision to undergo any cosmetic procedure is a personal one. Making the decision to have a cosmetic gynecologic procedure such as Labiaplasty poses special challenges to many women. Determining what is normal anatomy, the lack of long term scientific studies looking at patients results, and the lack of formalized well established training for surgeons, make the decision to have a Labiaplasty performed challenging.

It is safe to say that the majority of women seeking Labiaplasty have normal anatomy. The size, color, and shape of the Labia Majora and Labia Minora can differ greatly. It is important that women considering Labiaplasty be told by their doctor that what she is seeing is normal, if in fact that is the case based on exam. The discussion can then be what concerns may be present from a cosmetic stand point just as one would for consideration of breast implants or a tummy tuck.

While cosmetic gynecology procedures like Labiaplasty are not new, well designed scientific studies are lacking. Critics often site this as a reason not to perform such procedures. Like all surgeries, the chance of infection, bleeding, scarring, and pain are known risks. What is not know are long term risk and benefits of these procedures. In response to these concerns more studies are being done and the majority of them to date show favorable results.

The lack of formalized well established training in cosmetic gynecology make selecting a surgeon to perform Labiaplasty more difficult. Unlike Plastic Surgery, there is no sub specialty in cosmetic gynecology. Typically, these procedures are performed by either Plastic Surgeons or Gynecologist as an added service to their normal practice. A third group of doctors specializing in female reconstructive pelvic surgery may offer distinct advantages providing they have undergone training to including cosmetic gynecology in their practices. Unlike plastic surgeons, who typically have no training in the art of reconstructive pelvic surgery and do not routinely operate in the area of the vagina and vulva, or a general gynecologist, who has little to no training in aesthetic vaginal or vulvar procedures, reconstructive pelvic surgeons that have received additional training in cosmetic gynecology are able to address the cosmetic concerns as well as incontinence and pelvic prolapse that may be present.

Dr. Mathews is a board certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist specializing in Female Pelvic Medicine, Reconstructive Surgery, and Cosmetic Gynecology in Plano, Texas.

J. Kyle Mathews, MD

Plano Urogynecology Associates

Institute for Aesthetic Vaginal Surgery

Tags: Cosmetic Gynecology, Labiaplasty, Labiaplasty Is it right for you?, Labiaplasty Making the decision, obstetrician gynecologist, pelvic surgery, reconstructive pelvic surgery, right, surgery, Texas, Unlike Plastic Surgery, vaginal rejuvenation, women | Category: Cosmetic Gynecology |