Things are getting real—down there

A recent article in the New York Post put a spotlight on the topic of—come on, say it with me—labiaplasty. The headline blasted “Women are getting labiaplasty to look good in their yoga pants”, and as it was intended, caught the attention of men and women alike.

Some commenters screamed others laughed, others shared the article in shock and awe. But the fact is, labiaplasty was the cosmetic surgery trend of 2013, 2014 and 2015.*

And yes, women are doing it to look good in their yoga pants.

Here at The Centre, P.C., our data matches national trends. We’re receiving more calls and scheduling more of these surgeries than ever before. So, what is it? And why is it becoming more popular? We asked Ronald K. Downs, MD, FACS, Founder of The Centre, P.C. to tell us more.

What is labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is one part of the overall category of vaginal rejuvenation surgery. Vaginal rejuvenation—you might hear some people call it “vontouring”—usually combines vaginoplasty, which tightens the vagina, along with labiaplasty or vulvaplasty, which reshapes the vulva and labia (the outer and inner lips of the vagina).

How does it work?

The process is fairly straightforward. We use a laser to remove extra tissue beyond the desired contour of the area both inside and outside of the vagina.

In some cases, liposuction will be used to remove fatty tissue from the mons (the upper pubic region). Any incisions will be stapled or sutured, depending on the circumstances.

Why are women so concerned with the look of this intimate area of their body?

That’s an interesting question. The article states that it’s a superficial need to “look good” while wearing tight-fitting clothing like yoga pants or leggings. I agree that’s part of it, but we know from our patients that after childbirth and with age, they just don’t have the tightness and feeling that was there in their youth, which leads to diminished enjoyment of sex and in their self-confidence, not to mention urinary incontinence.

It’s a very personal decision, but it’s really no different than a woman who wants a breast lift after she’s finished nursing her children.

Is it expensive?

The range in cost varies, but commonly the surgery is $3,500 to $6,000.

Is there much downtime after?

Typical of surgeries, there is some time needed for recovery of the sutures and from any lifting. Medication for discomfort might be needed and intercourse is discouraged for up to one month. Most patients are cleared to return to work, however, after five to seven days, sometimes sooner.

For more information on labiaplasty, vulvaplasty or vaginal rejuvenation surgery, please contact our office at (574) 968-9100.

*Labiaplasty is one of the fastest growing cosmetic surgeries with more than 5,000 procedures performed in the US in 2014, a 49% increase from 2013, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).