Am I a good candidate for Labiaplasty in Cleveland??
Ideal candidates are adult women (typically non-smokers or willing to quit temporarily), who experience discomfort — for example from tugging or irritation of the labia during exercise, sexual activity or while wearing tight clothing. You should have realistic expectations, be in good general health, and not be pregnant. During your consultation in Beachwood/ Cleveland, we’ll evaluate your specific anatomy, discuss your goals and decide whether labiaplasty is the best option. We can also evaluate photos in a virtual consult and tell you what to expect.
Do I need general anesthesia during my Labiaplasty?
No! Most of my Cleveland labiaplasty procedures are done comfortably under local anesthesia with oral sedation. You’ll be awake but relaxed, and the area will be completely numb. This avoids the risks and downtime associated with general anesthesia. For patients combining labiaplasty with larger surgeries, general anesthesia is available, but it’s rarely needed.
What technique will Dr. Medalie use. Trim vs. Wedge?
Dr. Medalie always starts with a wedge resection and then adds trimming in select areas.
What is the chance of infection?
I typically give my patients antibiotics for three days around the surgery. I have NEVER had a post-operative infection. Sometimes patients who take antibiotics get yeast infections and this has happened to several of my patients. The treatment consists of stopping the antibiotics and applying a topical anti-yeast agent. Please be aware that smoking is the number one reason for post-operative infections and healing problems. I thus require my patients to STOP SMOKING at least 6 weeks to 3 months prior to any labiaplasty procedure.
Are there bleeding risks or other risks from labiaplasty?
The labia are very vascular and bleed easily. During the surgery, local anesthetic is injected into the tissue-this blocks the sensation and also constricts blood vessels. As a result, there is very little bleeding during the surgery. I have NEVER had a patient have a bleeding complication post-op. Like any surgery, labiaplasty carries risks: infection, temporary changes in sensation, asymmetry, wound healing issues, or the need for revision. When performed by Dr. Medalie in his Cleveland facility, the complication rate is low. Results are long-lasting — assuming you maintain a stable weight and avoid trauma, your new labial contours should remain stable for many years.
What is the recovery and scarring after labiaplasty?
While it may seem that this is a very bad area to have surgery on, in fact, the labia are very resilient and heal speedily. Pain that may require narcotic pain medicine typically lasts only a few days. After that, ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil) is sufficient. I recommend that patients take a week off from work, but if you have a desk job, you can go back sooner. The post-op care is fairly easy and involves cleansing several times per day and the application of antibiotic ointment for a week. Most of the swelling and all of the external stitches have disappeared by two weeks. In Dr. Medalie’s Cleveland practice, incisions are placed in natural creases or folds of the labia, ensuring that scarring is minimal and well-concealed. Most patients report that, once fully healed, the scar is barely perceptible—even in intimate situations. Although healing is individual, the goal is a natural appearance with symmetrical, comfortable labia.
When can I resume my normal activity after labiaplasty?
Recovery typically follows this pattern:
Days 0-3: moderate swelling and bruising; prescription/over-the-counter pain relief.
Days 4-7: improved comfort; many patients are ready to return to non-physical work.
Weeks 2-4: swelling continues to reduce; still avoid strenuous activity, sexual intercourse.
Weeks 4-6: most normal physical activities resume, but full healing continues; minor swelling may persist for 3-6 months.
Dr. Medalie’s Cleveland team provides detailed after-care instructions (cleaning the area gently, avoiding pressure/friction, wearing loose clothing) to ensure optimal healing. I recommend that patients refrain from intercourse for at least 4 weeks after surgery. This does not mean that other types of sexual activity cannot take place. Even after 4 weeks, the labia incisions may be sensitive and patients need to use caution and plenty of lubrication.
When will I be completely healed after my labiaplasty?
Some of the deep sutures under the skin can take up to four months to completely dissolve. For this reason, some patients may report sensitivity issues such as itching for up to four months post-op. After that, sensation issues are very uncommon. Damage to the clitoris with resulting changes in the ability to have orgasm has never happened in my patient population.
Can other procedures be performed at the same time as labiaplasty?
Yes – I frequently perform multiple procedures on labiaplasty patients. Sometimes I perform clitoral unhooding. This procedure removes some of the skin overlying the clitoris to allow for greater stimulation during intercourse. It can also remove some of the lateral hood tissue to reduce the “top heavy ” appearance after labaiplasty. The labia majora can also be reduced (this is more typically asked for by my older patients or patients who have lost significant amounts of weight). I have performed Labia Majora Fat Grafting on many patients who have lost tone in the skin after pregnancy. Vaginoplasty or vaginal rejuvenation is a procedure to tighten the vaginal introitus after child bearing. This is easily performed in conjunction with labiaplasty (but does require general anesthesia). Finally, all the other cosmetic procedures that I perform (e.g. breast augmentation, tummy tuck etc.) can be performed at the same time as labiaplasty. These would also require a trip to the operating room and general anesthesia.
What does labiaplasty cost in Cleveland Ohio and is it covered by insurance?
Fees vary depending on factors such as technique used, whether labia major and/or minor are addressed, and whether general anesthesia is required. At Cleveland Plastic Surgery we provide a detailed cost estimate during your consultation and outline financing options. Most cosmetic labiaplasty procedures are not covered by insurance unless a functional problem (e.g., persistent discomfort, hygiene issues) is documented — we can help you explore this during your visit. Simple labiaplasty under local anesthesia and mild sedation costs around $4300 at Dr. Medalie’s outpatient procedure clinic. Clitoral hood reduction can be added for $750. Labia majora reduction is an additional $2000 (or $3500 as a stand alone procedure). All procedures are less expensive when combined with other procedures such as vaginoplasty or breast augmentation.
What if I am from out of town and would like Dr. Medalie to perform my Labiaplasty?
I frequently perform labia reduction and vagina rejuvenation surgery on patients who live out of town and are unable to easily to see me in consultation prior to the procedure. I have several requirements for these patients: I must see pictures of them prior to scheduling surgery. They need to contact my office and have my patient care manager e-mail them a history and physical form to be filled out and sent back. Typically the patient will come into town 1 day prior to the procedure, and I will see them the day of surgery. A phone consultation will be performed about 3 weeks prior to surgery. I will then perform the operation and patients can usually return home the day after surgery. Your post-op visit will be a virtual visit with my nurse, Michelle, about 10-14 days after surgery. I will then follow the progress of the patient via e-mailed pictures. My patient care manager has information about hotels in the area as well as financing. You may contact her at valerie@clevelandplasticsurgery.com.
Where can I get more information about Labiplasty?
Please visit Dr. Medalie’s photo gallery to see before and after labiaplasty and vaginoplasty pictures. You may also call him at (216) 393-9924. You can also e-mail his patient care manager at Valerie@ClevelandPlasticSurgery.com.
