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Vaginoplasty vs Labiaplasty: The Differences Explained

vaginoplasty vs labiaplasty

An ASDA Online Doctor survey found that 34% of women avoid sex due to anxieties about their vulva. While this is a British study, we’d assume that sentiments are similar in the US.

The fact is that modern society puts lots of pressure on us to look perfect, especially when it comes to intimate matters. So you might feel so insecure that it’s had a negative effect on your sex life.

Fortunately, there are procedures for women that can address genital issues, such as vaginoplasty and labiaplasty. So for an in-depth vaginoplasty vs labiaplasty discussion, read on. We’ll show you what each one entails and which one(s) may help address your insecurities.

What’s a Vaginoplasty?

A vaginoplasty is a type of female genital surgery that tightens the vaginal canal. You can have it done for cosmetic, functional, or medical reasons, such as:

  • Restoring vaginal tone after childbirth or aging
  • Improving sexual satisfaction due to laxity
  • Addressing congenital defects or trauma
  • Gender affirmation surgery in transgender women

How It Works

Generally speaking, the surgeon will remove excess vaginal lining and tighten the surrounding muscles and tissues. Depending on what you wish to achieve, the internal and external tissues may also be adjusted.

Recovery Time

Initially, you’ll need 1-2 weeks of downtime. After that, expect full recovery to take 6-8 weeks, after which you can resume sexual activity.

Risks and Side Effects

These are the possible risks and side effects of a vaginoplasty:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Infection
  • Scarring
  • Changes in sensation

You may also experience tightness that can lead to discomfort during sexual intercourse.

What’s a Labiaplasty?

A labiaplasty is also a type of female genital surgery, but it involves reshapeing or reducing the labia minora or labia majora (the inner or outer vaginal lips). Typically, it’s done for aesthetic reasons, but it can also resolve physical discomfort.

Women usually get this procedure done because they have:

  • Enlarged or asymmetrical labia
  • Discomfort during exercise, intercourse, or wearing tight clothing
  • A personal preference for a neater or more symmetrical appearance

If you’re asking, “Does labiaplasty make you tighter?” then the answer is no. It only addresses the external genitalia.

How It Works

There are two primary surgical techniques used:

  • Trim method: Excess tissue is trimmed and stitched
  • Wedge method (less common): A V-shaped wedge of tissue is removed to maintain natural edges

Recovery Time

The initial downtime lasts 3-7 days, while full healing takes 6-8 weeks. You can resume sexual activity around 6 weeks.

Risks and Side Effects

Here are the possible risks and side effects you may experience:

  • Bruising
  • Swelling
  • Temporary numbness
  • Infection
  • Asymmetry
  • Scarring

Vaginoplasty vs Labiaplasty: The Key Differences

The most obvious difference is that a vaginoplasty focuses on vaginal canal tightening, while labiaplasty focuses on labial tightening. But what are the other key differences?

FeatureVaginoplastyLabiaplasty
Main goalTightening and functional improvementAesthetic reshaping or size reduction
Common reasonPost-childbirth laxity or sexual functionDiscomfort or appearance of labia
Downtime1-2 weeks initially; 6-8 weeks total3-7 days initially; 6-8 weeks total
InvasivenessMore invasiveLess invasive

Costs

An important subject on your mind may be the cost of surgery. 

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a labiaplasty in the US is just under $4,000. You can expect to pay a couple of thousand dollars more for a vaginoplasty, as it’s a more complicated procedure. Do note that these numbers are for the surgeries alone, and don’t include things like the surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, etc.

Unfortunately, insurance doesn’t usually cover these procedures unless they’re medically necessary. But if you combine the two (more on this later), you may have a reduced total cost compared to having them done separately. Or you can go to Mexico, where there’s affordable yet safe plastic surgery available.

Vaginoplasty and Labiaplasty: You Can Get Both

After learning about the differences between the two surgeries, you may have realized that they’re very different. But no one says you have to choose one or the other; if both sound ideal for you, then you can combine them for vaginal rejuvenation.

If you get both surgeries at once, then there’s only one surgical session and recovery period. As a result, this can be cost-effective. You’ll get balanced aesthetic and functional improvement too.

There will be a slightly longer surgery duration, but the recovery period will still be approximately 6-8 weeks. However, it may be a more difficult period, as you’ll have more areas to heal.

Who’s a Good Candidate?

Are you hesitant about making the next step? Are you unsure about whether you’d be a good candidate for either or both procedures?

Here’s a list of criteria that likely make you a good candidate for them:

  • You’ve experienced vaginal laxity after childbirth or aging
  • You feel physical discomfort due to excess labial tissue
  • You’re self-conscious about the appearance of your genital area
  • You’ve completed childbearing (this is recommended, but not required)
  • You have no untreated medical conditions that would impair healing

Alternatives to Surgery

Perhaps after reading the above, you don’t feel like you’re a good candidate for either surgery, but you’d still like to address your insecurities. Luckily, there are a few alternatives you can consider instead.

For one, Kegel exercises and pelvic floor therapy are excellent for improving vaginal muscle tone. You can also get laser vaginal tightening for mild laxity. In addition, if you have labial volume loss, you can try dermal fillers or fat grafting.

Do note that these options won’t provide the same results as surgery, such as having a vaginoplasty after childbirth. However, they may suffice if you have less serious concerns.

Start Feeling Confident Again

Your genitalia is a very private and intimate part of you, and you deserve to feel beautiful and confident about it. Now that you know more about getting a vaginoplasty vs labiaplasty, you can make an informed decision that takes you one step closer to your ideal body.

Get in touch with us now if you’re interested in either procedure. Dr. Valdez is a specialist in female genital surgery and has over 16 years of experience in the field.

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