Labiaplasty “Designer Vagina” in San Francisco Bay Area, CA

Why Consider Labiaplasty?

Over the last two decades, labiaplasty (labia reduction surgery) has become the in-demand procedure for women across the world. In the United States alone, over 7,400 labiaplasty surgeries were completed in 2014 (a 44% increase from the previous year); marking the procedure as one of the fastest-growing in the nation. Labiaplasty is a cosmetic procedure used to modify the shape and size of a woman's vaginal area. 

Many women are born with enlarged or asymmetrical labia or have elongated labia from multiple childbirths. Enlarged labia presents everyday challenges for women; as certain physical activities, such as biking or exercise, can cause vaginal pain and discomfort. Women with overstated labia often find themselves self-conscious about their appearance. Some may be overly aware of the way their labia looks and feels to them, making socializing and moments of intimacy embarrassing or uncomfortable.

Labiaplasty is a modern-day remedy to these concerns. Labiaplasty is a simple outpatient procedure that can dramatically alter a woman’s appearance and outlook when performed with care. At San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center, Dr. Rajagopal has specialized in vaginal procedures for over 17 years, helping women solve issues they face with their body and self-image.

To learn more about the benefits any vaginal rejuvenation procedure, schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Usha Rajagopal at our San Francisco location: 415-392-3333

Video: Top Reasons Why Women Have Labiaplasty

Getting Your Labiaplasty

We perform labia reduction surgery at our local San Francisco office site using state of the art tools and equipment. The procedure takes place in our in-house operating room and is usually completed in under 1.5 hours. Patient comfort and safety are the highest priority in all our procedures. Our patients are treated with light, short-term anesthesia at the start of the procedure which completely numbs the treatment area.

We begin surgery by removing labia tissue through small incisions. As labia is excised, contours of the labia minora are delicately reshaped to create symmetry across the region. Tiny sutures are then placed at the incision sites, which dissolve after a few weeks. Dr. Rajagopal strives to retain the organic contour, skin tones and sensitivity of labia tissue during the procedure. Successful labiaplasties result in little visible scarring.

Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure. Once your surgery is complete, an advanced long-term anesthetic is administered to significantly reduce post-operative soreness. Patients who complete their surgery can leave our office on the same day they arrive, with minor post-operative care required.

Patients are personally guided through every stage of this process, from consultation to surgery and recovery. Dr. Rajagopal ensures each patient receives the same trademark care and surgical precision that has made her labiaplasty techniques known around the world.

After Your Labia Reduction Surgery

After labiaplasty, patients are able to return back to work within a few days (usually 3-4 days). Patients can shower the next day, have no stitches to remove and can have intercourse by 3-4 weeks. In most cases, the labia reduction is virtually undetectable after complete healing with patients in follow-up being extremely pleased with the results.

How Much Does Labiaplasty Cost? 

Please give our office a call at 415-392-3333 to inquire about the cost of our labiaplasty procedure. If you have any questions regarding this procedure and want to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rajagopal.

Dr Rajagopal also specializes in Vaginal Tightening and Vaginal Skin Resurfacing and Vaginal Tightening using the Femilift Laser. This procedure helps with mild incontinence, dryness and restores elasticity.

Bad or "Botched" Labiaplasty Correction

Improperly or poorly performed labiaplasty surgery may leave the affected with an irregularly shaped labia and severe scarring, or simply, an unsatisfactory end result. However, a labiaplasty revision procedure performed by an experienced and reliable surgeon can correct the damage done during the initial surgery

Our esteemed female surgeon Dr. Usha Rajagopal is highly skilled with years of experience in performing labiaplasty and vaginoplasty revisions.  Side effects of incorrectly performed surgeries include: pain, scarring, protrusions and more. With nearly 20 years experience in cosmetic surgery, Dr. Rajagopal takes time to listen to her patient's concerns and is blessed with a truly artistic vision; allowing her to produce your desired result.

Rejuvenating the vulvar area can include a labia minora reduction, labia majora reduction, labia majora enhancement, and a reduction or lifting of the pubic area. Asymmetrical labia minora and majora can also be treated with this vulvar rejuvenation procedure. Vulvar rejuvenation surgery can greatly enhance genital aesthetics and is often done by Dr. Rajagopal when performing a mommy makeover procedure.

Click the following link for more information on Labiaplasty Revision. 

Dr. Usha Rajagopal performing a labiaplasty procedure (graphic content warning):

*Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person.

Common Questions

Labiaplasty Recovery - How Long Does It Take?

How long is the typical recovery period for Labiaplasty? What can I expect during the recovery period?

1. You will generally need 3-4 days at home to recover.

2. Take Tylenol or the pain medication prescribed by your plastic surgeon to relieve your pain/discomfort. DO NOT take aspirin or ibuprofen because they can increase bruising and bleeding.

3. Shower the day after surgery.

4. Clean the incision site with hydrogen peroxide and put antibiotic cream/ointment on daily.

5. Your stitches should dissolve within 2-2 ½ weeks.

6. Swelling and tenderness should disappear within 6 weeks.

7. It will take between 6 months to a year before you will see the absolute final results.

What are the labiaplasty risks and complications?

Because the practice of medicine, cosmetic or otherwise, is based on clinical evidence, the lack of data from prospective, randomized, controlled trials is a serious mark against labiaplasty in the eyes of many doctors. However, from my clinical experience and own (as of yet unpublished) outcome study, the results of the procedure outweigh the potential risks. In my study, conducted from 2006 to 2007, I surveyed 77 patients about their labiaplasty experience and found that about 95% of them were overwhelmingly satisfied with the results.

My results complement many other published outcome studies. One of these studies was conducted in a Chilean clinic and surveyed 55 labiaplasty patients. Two months following surgery, 91% of the patients said they were “very satisfied” with the results and none said they were dissatisfied.4 Another study of 163 patients in France found that 89% were satisfied with the aesthetic results of the procedure and 93% were happy with the functional outcomes.

Although more studies of this sort need to be completed, I am convinced that excellent outcomes are possible with labiaplasty when you have an experienced plastic surgeon using good surgical techniques in a safe manner.

What is the Trim Method of Labiaplasty?

The trim method will remove some or all of the pigmented tissue depending on the location. The pink part of the labia will not darken over time. During the trim method, the entire edge of the labia is trimmed and the pigment part is removed. The incision heals very well and is based mostly on surgical technique. The incision should not expose the scar and recovery may take longer if the entire length of the labia needs to be trimmed. The area is closed with a very fine suture.

Wedge Method Vs Trim Method for Labiaplasty?

Depending on your anatomy and desired results, as well as the experience and preference of your surgeon, there are three different techniques that can be used.

The trim technique simply removes excess tissue by cutting away the edges of the labia minora. In general, this method is most useful when the goal of the procedure is to remove rough and/or discolored outer edges from the labia. This technique is also used when the labiaplasty is being performed in conjunction with a clitoral hood reduction because both procedures can be completed using a single incision. While this technique can successfully reshape and renew the labia minora, it can also lead to stiffness and discomfort along the incision, as well as a loss of sensation1-7 if not done by an experienced surgeon

Oftentimes lasers are used to trim the edge of the labia minora, a technique known as laser labiaplasty.8 Using the lasers instead of the traditional trim technique has some advantages: shortens the time needed to complete the procedure, reduces bleeding, but can lengthen recovery time. However, this method removes the normal labial edges and can result in an unnatural appearance. The heat generated by the laser can also damage tissue and nerve endings, leading to other complications.

In cases that do not involve issues along the labial edge, only an excess of tissue or asymmetry, the wedge method is often used. This method removes a wedge-shaped section of tissue from the middle third of the labia and then stitches the top and bottom sections back together.2 This technique preserves the normal appearance of the labial edge. The interior incision also means that less stress is placed on the stitches, reducing complications. However, occasionally this closure breaks down, causing a gap in the labia and requiring a second surgery to fix it.

As with all cosmetic procedures there are positives and negatives associated with undergoing any type of labiaplasty. However, by choosing an experience, certified plastic surgeon you can minimize the risks and finally achieve the results you desire.

Labiaplasty: Plastic Surgeon or Ob-Gyn?

The most important aspect to picking a surgeon is the amount of experience. The surgeon should have a great deal of experience with the procedure and you should be able to see before and after pictures of previous patients. During the consultation, the patient and the surgeon should discuss what can be achieved and what to expect after the surgery.

The labia majora consists of many nerves. Does labia reduction affect loss of sensation? Will it be the same?

The labia minora/majora do have some nerve endings, but the majority of sexual sensation in the labia minora/majora area is at and around the clitoris. So as long as your surgeon stays away from your clitoris, you should be safe as to maintaining your sexual sensitivity.

Is it a dangerous to engage in sexual activity before the recommended six weeks after having had labiaplasty?

If you have sex before the labia has healed, there is a chance of tearing and injury which may lead to scarring. The labia generally requires 1 month to heal completely.

Labiaplasty Patient Reviews:

*Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person.

Dr. Usha Rajagopal's Signature Labiaplasty Method:
Kurvilinear Incisional Surgical Technique (KIST) 

Why choose Dr. Rajagopal and the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center for your Labiaplasty Surgery?

• Practice Led by Board Certified Female Surgeon

• 20 Years of Vaginal Rejuvenation Experience

• Friendly and Professional Female Staff

• Reliable, Positively Reviewed Results

• Affordable Pricing and Financing Options

Please give us a call here at San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center to schedule your labiaplasty consultation.