For a variety of reasons, women contemplate labiaplasty. Labiaplasty is a treatment that removes extra skin from the labia, or vaginal area. The most prevalent cause for labiaplasty surgery, according to studies, is to address swollen or elongated labia that might arise after childbirth or with aging. Some women may have been concerned about the size of their labia since puberty or after successfully reducing a significant amount of weight through a weight loss treatment or diet and exercise. Regardless of why you’re considering labiaplasty, one of the most typical questions is whether insurance will cover the price.
Insurance guidelines
Unfortunately, labiaplasty surgery is rarely covered or approved by insurance. Insurance companies examine a procedure to see if it is covered “Medically required.” They accomplish this in a variety of ways. One way to categorize surgery is if it is reconstructive or aesthetic. Reconstructive surgery is a process that improves function or appearance by correcting aberrant structure (such as a birth defect or after a traumatic injury). Cosmetic surgery is the reshaping or improvement of normal structures in a broad sense. This includes surgery to improve a patient’s self-esteem or physical appearance. Because labia vary in a variety of sizes and forms, and labiaplasty improves the contour or appearance of a normal body component, insurance companies will almost always classify it as cosmetic rather than medical “Medically required.”
In some cases, insurance companies will assess the impact of the problem on daily life. Breast reduction surgery, for example, can result in continuing upper back and neck pain due to large, heavy breasts. The impact of upper back and neck pain will be one factor in determining whether the operation is covered or considered cosmetic by the insurance provider. Women seeking labiaplasty complain of irritation when riding a bike or feeling uncomfortable in tight clothing such as yoga pants or bikinis due to their swollen labia. The skin in this delicate area is prone to chafing, which is a common source of irritation. Insurance companies are seeking for demonstrable health difficulties rather than a cause of discomfort, which can have a detrimental impact on your day-to-day life. Despite the fact that each insurance policy is different, most consider labiaplasty to be a cosmetic treatment.
How is labiaplasty covered by insurance?
Labiaplasty can be used as a cosmetic operation or to treat labial hypertrophy that causes discomfort. Cosmetic labiaplasty is a procedure that can be performed in the office but is not covered by insurance. A labiaplasty can be billed through insurance and performed as an outpatient operation at a surgery facility if it is deemed medically necessary. We will verify your benefits prior to your treatment to provide you with a cost comparison of in-office versus insurance outpatient coverage.
Do I qualify for labiaplasty?
Women who have had extensive labial alterations postpartum or who have always had big and/or irregular labia majora, minora, or both are typical candidates for vaginal rejuvenation. Dr. Robert Rothfield, our plastic surgeon, emphasizes that there is no conventional shape for genitalia; yet, many of our patients are unhappy with having a more prominent labia.
Patients under the age of 18 who have substantial abnormalities may be candidates for labiaplasty. Dr. Rothfield prefers to discuss the issues with the patient, her parents, and the patient’s OB/GYN in these cases.
Can you pay monthly for labiaplasty?
Our patient needs are satisfied at the clinic of Dr. Courtenay Poucher, MD FACOG, thanks to our flexible financial policies. Our patients are always first and foremost in our minds, and we strive to make our services as accessible as possible. Financial difficulties do not have to prevent you from receiving treatment at our facility.
VISA, American Express, Discover, and MasterCard are among the credit cards we accept. In addition, we provide CareCredit as a unique financing option. Patients who have a card can get therapies that aren’t covered by most insurances.
CareCredit can help you get treatment right away without having to worry about upfront fees. Your treatment is paid for over time in a series of low monthly payments. You can avoid paying interest by making the bare minimum payments each month. Using our CareCredit option, many patients have been able to receive professional, high-quality care at our facility.
Can a gynecologist perform a labiaplasty?
When choosing a surgeon to conduct cosmetic female genital surgery, there are various aspects to consider, including specialty and expertise. Labiaplasty and vaginoplasty, often known as vaginal rejuvenation, are two types of cosmetic female genital surgery.
A gynecologist or a plastic surgeon can do cosmetic female genital surgery, such as vaginoplasty and labiaplasty, if they have undergone the necessary training. Plastic surgeons are educated in every aspect of cosmetic surgery. Gynecologists are doctors who specialize in women’s health and surgery.
Whether you go with a gynecologist or a plastic surgeon, make sure your doctor is board certified and skilled in cosmetic female genital surgery. While a surgeon does not need to be certified to do vaginoplasty or labiaplasty, there are specialized training programs available.
To safeguard the nerves and provide natural-looking results, make sure your surgeon has been educated to execute the delicate skin repair required for both vaginoplasty and labiaplasty.
Another thing to think about before choosing a surgeon is their experience with cosmetic female genital surgery. Plastic surgeons conduct a limited number of vaginal surgeries every year, with an emphasis on labiaplasty, which entails trimming the inner and outer lips of the vaginal canal.
Gynecologists can assess your problems and provide a range of surgery and non-surgical options. Gynecologists are experienced in performing intra-vaginal operations when surgery is requested or required.
How much is labiaplasty surgery cost?
What is the price of labiaplasty? While the cost of labiaplasty varies from patient to patient, you should budget between $4,750 and $6,000 for the treatment.
How long does a labiaplasty take?
To begin, you and your surgeon will talk about why you want to have labiaplasty. You’ll talk about your expectations and aspirations, as well as the surgery’s dangers. You may be subjected to a psychological examination, which may include questions concerning depression and anxiety.
Following that, your surgeon will go through the specifics of your operation, such as where incisions will be done and what to expect in terms of labia size and shape changes.
Some presurgical testing, including as blood work, urinalysis, and a chest X-ray, may be required. You’ll be given instructions on what to wear to your procedure, when to stop eating and drinking, when to change or temporarily stop certain medications, and other preparation information.
What happens on the day of surgery?
You will change into a surgical gown once you arrive at your surgery location. Your vital signs will be taken by a healthcare provider (temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level, breathing rate). You may need to repeat some blood tests and urinalysis. An intravenous line (IV) will be placed in your arm or hand, and an urine catheter may be placed in your urethra.
Your provider will then cleanse your labia and surrounding skin, as well as shave your pubic area if necessary. Then they’ll begin administering anesthetic. Depending on the operation, you may have IV sedation with local anesthetic or general anesthesia. During the planning stage of your surgery, your physician will explain which form of anesthetic is appropriate for you.
Depending on how your labia (labia majora and/or labia minora) will be resized or reshaped, your physician will choose a surgical approach. This surgery is frequently done with a scalpel, scissors, or a laser.
Reduction procedures
There are two general techniques of reducing your labia (labia minora and/or labia majora):
- Procedure for trimming. Your surgeon will remove superfluous tissue from the outer margin of one or both sides of your labia minora, bringing it level with or receding from the edges of your labia majora.
- Procedure with a wedge. Your surgeon will remove a wedge or pie-shaped piece of tissue from the inner portions of one or both sides of your labia minora using this method. They leave the submucosa intact so that the wrinkled border of the labia is preserved when the labia is sewn (sutured). This gives the labia minora a more natural appearance. In the same way, if you’re having surgery to shrink your labia majora, an inner piece of each labium can be removed.
Depending on their surgical experience or the intended outcome, your surgeon may recommend a different strategy. Together, you and your surgeon will decide which surgical method will best suit your goals and concerns.
Enlarging procedure
- In a liposuction treatment, your surgeon removes a little quantity of fat from another bodily location, such as your abdomen or thigh, and injects it into your labia majora. Another approach is to inject hyaluronic acid into your labia majora.
Gender-affirming surgery
- Your labia might be made from of tissue from your penis. Labiaplasty is just one stage in the process of gender-affirming reconstructive surgery.
In the operations described above, all incisions are closed with absorbable stitches (sutures) that disintegrate over time and do not require removal. Surgical dressing is applied to the surgical site.
What happens after surgery?
Your urine catheter (if you have one) will be removed after surgery, and you will become more alert as the anaesthetic wears off. You’ll be examined for signs of bleeding. You’ll be given information on how to care for your wound as it heals before being discharged. Your healthcare experts will also talk about pain management and inform you about activity limitations and follow-up consultations.
How long does labiaplasty take to heal?
2-4 weeks after surgery, most women resume their busy lifestyles and workout routines. It may take 6-8 weeks for the scars to heal sufficiently for you to resume sexual activity, but consult your doctor first.
A labiaplasty is a pleasurable and effective operation that produces long-term results. Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon if you think a labiaplasty would be right for you.
Does labiaplasty make you tighter?
Labiaplasty cosmetic surgery is one of the most common aesthetic operations for women nowadays. Women are more open to finding ways to improve their sexual attractiveness and reclaim a more youthful appearance. The operation has become more effective and less invasive thanks to new surgical labiaplasty procedures.
Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) is a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs a variety of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. Dr. Q is a labiaplasty surgeon who specializes in vaginal tightening. Women in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and the surrounding areas can receive this therapy from Dr. Q.
Vaginal Tightening and Rejuvenation
Aging, childbirth, heredity, and other factors can cause vaginal skin and tissue to loosen. The external and internal structures of the vaginal canal may become slack, causing physical and emotional problems for a woman. General or local anesthesia with light sedation can be used for vaginal rejuvenation plastic surgery treatments.
Vaginal tightening is commonly done as an outpatient procedure that takes less than two hours to complete. During the procedure, the anterior or posterior vaginal walls, or both, may be tightened. The vaginal structures that support and allow the vagina to contract will be rebuilt by the surgeon. The vaginal muscle and tissue will be tightened to narrow the vaginal canal and open it up to improve contraction.
Labiaplasty
Elongation of the labia can occur as a result of aging, childbirth, injury, or sickness. Labiaplasty can be performed by a cosmetic surgeon to improve both the aesthetic and functional elements of the labia. Labiaplasty is a procedure that is used to reduce the size and improve the shape of the labia minora and majora. In certain circumstances, only the labia minora needs to be improved.
To make the labial tissue tighter, the surgeon will clip it. To get smaller but more natural-looking labia, adequate tissue laxity of the stretchy tissue should be kept before reducing the size. The incisions will be hidden and repaired with absorbable sutures once the surgery is completed. Dr. Q, a leading cosmetic surgeon, sees patients for labiaplasty from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and the surrounding areas.
Labiaplasty Repair
If the blood supply is damaged during the primary labiaplasty, the patient may require labiaplasty repair surgery from a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon. In order to do repair after a botched labiaplasty, a few months gap will be required for proper healing. Patients pick Dr. Q for labiaplasty because of her extensive knowledge, cutting-edge training, and successful track record in cosmetic surgery operations.
The length of the labiaplasty repair surgery is determined by the degree of vaginal deformity and the exact labiaplasty revision approach chosen by the surgeon. It can take anywhere from one to five hours to complete. Procedures for revision are usually more demanding and complex. In order to acquire excellent, optimal, and spectacular results the first time, patients should seek out a properly trained and board certified plastic surgeon.