The term “surgical vaginal rejuvenation” encompasses a variety of procedures designed to alter the function and aesthetics of this area. If the treatment aims to address functional problems, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. At our Melbourne facility, our Specialist Plastic Surgeon most often performs labiaplasty; however, in alternative cases, he may recommend vaginoplasty.
Due to the personal nature of these procedures, we understand that you may feel more at ease talking with a female staff member first. We have highly experienced nurses who can be available to give you support before, during and after your consultation with Dr Vlad Milovic is sensitive to the comfort of his female patients and will ensure that he has a female nurse in attendance during examinations for your support.
Quick Facts about Labiaplasty Procedures
- Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia or twilight sedation
- Inpatient/Outpatient: Generally outpatient
- Potential Benefits: Reduction of excess labial tissue to meet aesthetic or functional goals (labiaplasty); tightening of stretched muscles (vaginoplasty and other options)
- Potential Side Effects: Soreness, bruising, swelling; risks associated with all surgical procedures (see below)
- Recovery Time: Approximately six weeks before all activities can be continued
- Labiaplasty Risks
- What Is Vaginal Rejuvenation Surgery?
- Labiaplasty Candidates
- Labiaplasty Procedure
- Labiaplasty Recovery
- Labiaplasty Scarring
Risks of Surgery
All surgical procedures carry risks and the potential for complications. While Dr Milovic is extensively trained and experienced with a comprehensive array of plastic surgery procedures and utilises advanced techniques to help mitigate those risks, patients considering treatment should always be fully aware of them beforehand. Dr Milovic will go over all risks and potential complications associated with the procedure during the initial consultation, and we are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Risks of this procedure include, but are not limited to:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Excessive bleeding
- Pain/discomfort
- Nerve damage
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Complications relating to anaesthesia
- Seroma (a growth/lump near the surgery site that may become infectious)
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic results
- Death
- Poor wound healing
- Potential for an additional surgery
- Blood clots
- Altered sensation in the treatment area
- Damage to surrounding/underlying tissues or structures
What Is Vaginal Rejuvenation Surgery?
As mentioned above, there are a few types of vaginal rejuvenation surgery, namely labiaplasty and vaginoplasty. These two strategies are explained in further detail below.
Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty, or “labia minora reduction” as it is sometimes called, aims to reduce the size of the lips that surround the vaginal opening.* While labiaplasty can ease discomfort during sexual intercourse or exercise, it is also commonly pursued for aesthetic reasons.
Vaginoplasty
The vaginoplasty procedure involves narrowing the vaginal canal to address the stretched muscles. It can help women who have experienced significant vaginal laxity after childbirth.
Please note that Dr Milovic does not perform hymen repair. If you are interested in this solution, we advise you to speak to your GP or gynaecologist.
Who Is a Candidate for Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a very personal decision and you should have realistic goals and expectations before undergoing any surgical intervention. Dr Milovic will examine you (in the presence of his female nurse) and evaluate how a labiaplasty may be able to meet your goals and expectations. If you are in good health and you are a non-smoker (or you are prepared to give up smoking for at least six weeks prior to and after surgery), you may be suited to having a labiaplasty procedure.
What Does the Labiaplasty Procedure Entail?
Labiaplasty is typically a day procedure performed under general anaesthesia or twilight sedation, and in some cases a hospital stay may be required. Dr Milovic will only perform your labiaplasty surgery in an accredited operating facility.
The labiaplasty procedure generally takes one to two hours to complete. To conduct the surgery, Dr Milovic will gently and carefully remove excess tissue with a scalpel, reshape the remaining labia and suture the edges with dissolvable stitches.
Dr Milovic will engage the services of a qualified anaesthetist who is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and NZ College of anaesthetists (ANZCA) to perform your sedation or general anaesthesia. For your safety, please make sure you have an up-to-date list of your medications and allergies.
What Can I Expect From Labiaplasty Recovery?
Recovery time will vary from patient to patient. With this in mind, expect to wait at least a week before you can return to normal activity. Strenuous exercise and sexual intercourse should be avoided for four to six weeks.
You will be given post-surgery instructions to follow and if you have any questions, please speak to Dr Milovic and/or our office. As with all surgery, there are potential risks and complications, and Dr Milovic will discuss these with you prior to any surgery taking place.
Does Labiaplasty Cause Scarring?
The labiaplasty procedure involves labial tissue reduction and the tissues generally heal fast. Scarring is typically minimal, but as with all body plastic surgery, there can be no guarantee for a perfect outcome. That said, Dr Milovic will endeavour to minimise scarring and to keep your scars as inconspicuous as possible.