Experiencing Vaginal Discomfort? It Might Be Time to See a Vaginal Rejuvenation Specialist

Childbirth, aging, or genetics may have caused you to develop enlarged labia minora (the lips around your vagina) that hang below the level of your hair-bearing labia majora. While some women live comfortably and confidently with enlarged labia, also known as labial hypertrophy, others don’t.

In 2018, more than 10,000 women in the U.S. underwent surgical labiaplasty to shorten and reshape their labia minora or majora, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Dr. Jack Hensel, Jr., and the expert team at Lowcountry Plastic Surgery Center in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, help women improve the look and feel of their vulvar area with on-site labiaplasty. If you’re not sure whether labiaplasty is for you, ask yourself the following questions.

Do you have chronic yeast infections?

Labial hypertrophy is characterized by excess skin and tissue. These extra folds of skin must be carefully cleaned to minimize the risk of triggering a yeast infection. You must also wash your hands before handling your labia, including when you reposition it for greater comfort.

If you have chronic yeast infections and enlarged labia, labiaplasty may help you control your symptoms. After this simple, 30- to 45-minute surgery, your inner lips will be shorter than your vulvar lips, and easier to keep free of bacteria and yeast.

Do you have trouble wearing certain kinds of clothing?

Long, heavy labia are sometimes large enough to change your silhouette when you wear tight-fitting clothes. Some women report that their enlarged labia get caught in their jeans, or make it difficult to wear a bathing suit or leotard in comfort.

During labiaplasty, Dr. Hensel trims your inner labia so they’re shorter than your outer lips. He can also perform a “wedge procedure,” which shortens the labia but maintains a natural border by removing a wedge of tissue nearer the center. Both approaches create a more aesthetic appearance.

Do you have uncomfortable symptoms?

Having long labia can make sports and other activities uncomfortable, due to excessive friction on this most sensitive area of your body. Many women complain of itching, tugging, and pain when engaged in activities such as:

• Biking
• Horseback riding
• Sexual intercourse

Some women experience these symptoms simply from the friction of wearing underwear or tight pants.

Do you lack confidence in the bedroom?

While every woman is beautiful, if the appearance of your labia makes you feel self-conscious during sex, you may benefit from labiaplasty. Sometimes one lip may be larger than the other, too. Dr. Hensel corrects any asymmetry during your surgery.

Are you ready for a change?

According to the ASPS, more than 90% of women who undergo labiaplasty are happy with how they look and feel after their procedure. Treating yourself to a labiaplasty is a great time to add in other rejuvenating or aesthetic treatments that boost your confidence and quality of life, including a facelift, browlift, or nonsurgical skin renewal.

To find out if you’re a candidate for vaginal rejuvenation, call us today or book an appointment with our online form.