Is Labiaplasty Right for You? A Guide to Costs, Benefits, and Realistic Expectations
Labiaplasty, or Aesthetic Vaginal Surgery in Beverly Hills reduces & reshapes the labia minora to combat discomfort & Insecurities.
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Labiaplasty, also called aesthetic vaginal surgery, is a surgical procedure that reduces and/or reshapes the inner skin (labia minora) that covers the female clitoris and vaginal opening. In some instances, women have very large labia on one or both sides and can experience pain during intercourse, or during daily activities. Riding a bicycle, horseback riding, wearing tight-fitting clothes or bathing suits becomes painful or embarrassing. Others have no discomfort but feel insecure due to the aesthetics of their labia.
Many women researching surgical vaginal rejuvenation want relief from highly specific physical and emotional frustrations. Enlarged labia or abnormal vaginal lips frequently cause friction during workouts, leading to discomfort immediately after a spin class or a long run. Wearing yoga pants, swimwear, or tight clothing can trigger pinching and irritation in the genital area.
Beyond daily chafing, excess skin can interfere with intimacy. Labiaplasty patients often report pulling or pain during intercourse, which directly impacts sexual enjoyment. In other cases, physical trauma from childbirth or the natural aging process alters the appearance of the vaginal region. Whether the goal is to correct asymmetry or perform a functional labia reduction surgery, the procedure trims this excess tissue to restore comfort and a natural appearance.
Dr. Nazarian and her team’s goal with every procedure is to make you as comfortable as conceivably possible. For most surgical procedures, she likes her patients to increase their protein intake both before and after surgery. She has found that this really helps to jump-start your recovery so that you heal faster. She does not recommend dieting either before or after surgery. Medical-grade arnica, bromelain, and Vitamin K should also be started one month before surgery. These are available in-office. If you want to make positive changes for your appearance while boosting your self confidence, this is the right place for you. Nazarian Plastic Surgery has a team of highly experienced and caring professionals ready to help you achieve your goals.
Our team includes a Board Certified Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon, Registered Nurse, and Aestheticians who are committed to providing you the safest and best in plastic surgery and non-surgical procedures. Finally, at Nazarian Plastic Surgery we have an on-site, state of the art surgical facility, as well as modern and comfortable out-patient treatment suites. These added benefits help ensure that we meet our goal of achieving the most natural-looking and optimal results, while always keeping your safety first.
Anatomies differ greatly, meaning a skilled surgeon must customize the surgical approach for every individual. During your physical examination at our Beverly Hills office, Dr. Nazarian determines which surgical procedure aligns with your anatomy to achieve your desired results.
The two most widely used approaches include the trim technique and the wedge procedure. The trim technique removes excess tissue directly along the outer edge of the inner lips. This method works well for patients who want a uniform, straight edge. The wedge procedure removes a V-shaped piece of tissue from the thickest part of the labia, stitching the remaining edges together. This preserves the natural, darker edge of the anatomy. Depending on the patient, we may also recommend a clitoral hood reduction or address the outer lips (labia majora) to maintain proper proportion across the entire vaginal area.
Patients frequently confuse labia surgery with vaginal rejuvenation. While both fall under cosmetic vaginal surgery, they treat entirely different issues. Labiaplasty is a reconstructive surgery that physically trims and reshapes the exterior anatomy.
Vaginal rejuvenation surgery or non-surgical energy treatments (like FormaV or Vtone) target the internal vaginal canal. These treatments tighten internal tissues, improve lubrication, and address stress urinary incontinence. Many patients choose to combine both approaches into one personalized treatment plan to achieve comprehensive aesthetic and functional relief.
At our practice in Los Angeles Labiaplasty procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. A strong numbing cream is placed on the area so the numbing injections are barely felt or not felt at all. You can expect swelling afterward which can last up to 2 weeks. You can usually resume light activity a couple of days after surgery and most patients don’t take pain medication for more than a few days. There are many ways to perform this surgery and Dr. Sheila Nazarian will help inform and guide you to the method best suited for you.
Proper preparation directly influences how efficiently your body heals. In the weeks leading up to your surgery date, you must stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and any other blood-thinning supplements to minimize bruising and swelling. We also highly recommend setting up a comfortable recovery station at home before you arrive at our Beverly Hills office. Stock your bathroom with a peri bottle and mild, unscented soap, and prepare a resting area where you can easily lie back with your pelvis slightly elevated.
When considering a labiaplasty, Los Angeles patients should know exactly what to expect on the day of surgery. The procedure typically takes about one hour and is performed in our state-of-the-art, accredited surgical facility. We prioritize your comfort by utilizing a strong local anesthetic combined with oral sedation. You remain completely relaxed and numb without the heavy grogginess associated with general anesthesia. Dr. Nazarian meticulously removes the excess tissue to better define the inner labia, utilizing techniques that protect your nerve endings. Once the surgical procedure is complete, you will rest in our private suite before a trusted adult drives you home.
Aesthetic vaginal surgery requires immense precision. Operating in the highly vascular genital area demands a thorough understanding of female anatomy to prevent complications. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Nazarian prioritizes patient safety and structural integrity. She utilizes advanced surgical techniques and strict sterile protocols to minimize the risk of infection, protect sexual sensitivity, and ensure a highly predictable outcome.
You will experience swelling and mild discomfort immediately following the procedure. The labia will feel tender and appear significantly swollen for the first 48 hours. This is a normal biological response. Applying a cold compress wrapped in a clean towel and resting diligently will drastically reduce this inflammation.
Because the vaginal region possesses an incredible blood supply, the incisions heal very quickly. The initial discomfort usually disappears completely after one to two weeks. During this window, you must keep the surgical site exceptionally clean by using a peri bottle with warm water after every restroom visit. By strictly avoiding tight clothing, strenuous exercise, and direct pressure, you protect the fine sutures. Once the residual swelling subsides, the labial incisions fade seamlessly and are rarely noticeable.
The healing process requires patience, but most patients navigate it easily by following a few simple protocols. After you secure your surgery date, our team provides detailed aftercare instructions to prevent infection and minimize swelling.
During the first few days, you will experience swelling and mild tenderness. Applying ice and resting with your pelvis slightly elevated provides immense relief. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter options to keep you comfortable. By the end of the first week, you can usually return to desk work and light walking. However, you must avoid tampons, tight clothing, vigorous exercise, and sexual activity for a few weeks to protect the delicate incisions while they close.
The genital area features a highly robust blood supply, allowing it to heal exceptionally fast. Because of this high vascularity, scarring remains almost imperceptible once the tissue fully settles. Your surgeon places the incisions inside natural folds and uses very fine, dissolvable sutures. This meticulous technique helps minimize scarring, ensuring the final outcome looks entirely natural.
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LightStim LED Light Therapy is a therapeutic tool to ease pain while aiding in your body’s natural recovery process. LightStim for Pain emits warm and soothing light energy proven to temporarily relieve arthritis, muscle and joint pain and stiffness, as well as increases blood circulation.
Arnica, Bromelain, and Vitamin K are widely used pre-procedure in the cosmetic surgery industry for their ability to help minimize bruising and swelling after a surgical or non-surgical procedure. Dr. Nazarian recommends starting 1 month before surgery with 2 pills a day and continuing for 2 weeks after surgery.
Silagen Silicone Scar Treatments are a revolutionary, physician-exclusive line of medical grade silicone scar treatment products created to dramatically reduce the appearance of scars. Don’t let your self-consciousness about scars keep you from living your best life. Stop hiding your scars with clothes and use Silagen silicone scar treatments to reduce their visibility for good.
This gel is infused with aloe and hydrogel to ensure you more pleasure. It is designed especially for your Joylux Vfit device used during intimate wellness to enhance its performance.
The NazarianSkin Illuminate kit contains botanical skin brighteners including kojic acid, arbutus and bearberry in an alcohol and acetone- free base. Contains green tea and other soothing antioxidants in a convenient pad application.
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This correcting cream allows for a naturally brighter and more even complexion with significant skin-soothing benefits. Dismiss hyperpigmentation issues & fill expression lines by adding this to your skincare routine.
Dr. Nazarian and her team’s goal with every procedure is to make you as comfortable as conceivably possible. For most surgical procedures, she likes her patients to increase their protein intake both before and after surgery. She has found that this really helps to jump-start your recovery so that you heal faster. She does not recommend dieting either before or after surgery. Medical-grade arnica, bromelain, and Vitamin K should also be started one month before surgery. These are available in-office.
If you want to make positive changes for your appearance while boosting your self confidence, this is the right place for you. Nazarian Plastic Surgery has a team of highly experienced and caring professionals ready to help you achieve your goals. Our team includes a Board Certified Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon, Registered Nurse, and Aestheticians who are committed to providing you the safest and best in plastic surgery and non-surgical procedures.
Finally, at Nazarian Plastic Surgery we have an on-site, state of the art surgical facility, as well as modern and comfortable out-patient treatment suites. These added benefits help ensure that we meet our goal of achieving the most natural-looking and optimal results, while always keeping your safety first.
If you would like more information about this procedure, please call Nazarian Plastic Surgery at (310) 773-3039 or request a consultation today. Dr. Nazarian will discuss your options and help determine a procedure plan that is right for you and achieve your aesthetic goals.
I really see two distinct types of labiaplasty patients. There are those who have a functional problem such as pain during intercourse, discomfort while riding a bike, and chafing. And then there are those who are bothered by the aesthetics of their labia. They don’t like how things look down there, and just want a cuter look.
You obviously always want to see a really experienced surgeon who does a lot of labiaplasty procedures. This will help to reduce any potential risks. I have personally never had a patient lose sensation or suffer any nerve damage. But I do tend to stay very posterior when making my incisions so I don’t go anywhere near the nerves that serve the clitoris.
In terms of healing, I want you to take it super easy for 3 days. Just lounge on the couch with a pillow under your butt, and binge on Netflix. Apply ice to your labia with a towel. This will help with the post op bruising and swelling. Don’t be alarmed if both get worse over the first 3 days. This is normal. Things tend to mellow out on day 4. Just continue to ice as much as possible. For the first two weeks, you are still at risk for bleeding so take things slow. A light walk is ok, but I want you to avoid strenuous exercise. After two weeks, you can ease back into things, but still stay away from anything like SoulCycle which puts direct pressure on the area. Listen to your body, and if something hurts, back off.
I like patients to wait about 4 weeks before returning to sex or even inserting a tampon. Some women feel better before then, give it a go and are fine so this isn’t a hard and fast rule. Bottom line, you want to listen to your body.
Definitely. In fact, it can be an ideal time since you are going to have some spotting anyway.
No. The genital area possesses an incredibly robust blood supply, which promotes rapid and seamless tissue healing. Your surgeon strategically places incisions within the natural folds of the labia using very fine, dissolvable sutures. Once fully healed, the incisions fade so completely that the results are virtually imperceptible, even to a gynecologist.
You must avoid tight clothing, including leggings, yoga pants, and tight jeans, for at least four to six weeks following surgery. Tight garments create unnecessary friction and apply direct pressure to the healing incisions, which can increase swelling or disrupt the sutures. Stick to loose, breathable cotton bottoms during your initial recovery.
You may experience a mild stinging sensation when urinating during the first few days of recovery. To prevent this, use a peri bottle filled with warm water to gently rinse the area while you pee. This dilutes the urine so it does not irritate the fresh incisions. Always pat the area dry gently—never rub.
Yes. A labiaplasty does not affect your internal reproductive organs, your ability to get pregnant, or your ability to deliver a baby vaginally. However, vaginal childbirth can alter your anatomy and potentially stretch the labia again. Many patients choose to wait until they are finished having children to ensure their results remain completely permanent.
You must avoid shaving, waxing, or utilizing laser hair removal near the surgical site for at least six weeks. The tissues remain highly delicate and sensitive while healing. Tugging at the skin or applying hot wax can severely compromise your incisions. Wait until your surgeon formally clears you for hair removal at your follow-up appointment.
