Pelvic Plastic Surgery - Radiant Rejuvenation - Seattle
Labiaplasty (Labioplasty)
Concerns:
There is a normal diversity in the size, color and shape of the labia, commonly known as the “vaginal lips.” This diversity applies also to the hood over the clitoris and to the mons pubis, the fat pad and coarse skin overlying the center of the pubic bone. Women are more aware of the differences in genital appearance owing to the increase in such exposure in the public media.
Child bearing and aging can change some of the features of the external genitalia that one is born with. If the labia are enlarged or unequal in size, or conversely, shrunken and wrinkled, it may cause some women to feel deformed or abnormal, causing embarrassment and loss of self esteem. Also, in some cases, larger labia can cause local irritation, interference with sexual intercourse, and self consciousness in wearing certain clothing. Some women are also very conscious about the size or shape of their mons, which is basically a fat pad subjected to fat accumulation.
Please view the following presentation by Dr. Michael Lau regarding pelvic plastic surgery:
Solutions:
Consultation: The concerns over the appearance and feel are often caused by the lack of information, or worse, by misinformation. A consultation with an experienced pelvic plastic surgeon or gynecologist can put these concerns in proper perspective.
Surgery: Surgical solutions have been developed to correct the appearance of the external genitalia. Many of these procedures that Dr. Michael Lau performs are minimally invasive, thus involving an easier and shorter recovery period.
Labiaplasty or Labioplasty (reduction surgery for labia minora and labia majora): The surgery to reduce the size or contour of the labia is called labiaplasty (labioplasty). It is a delicate surgery tailored to meet the woman’s perception of normal genital appearance while preserving the natural contour, texture, and color of the edge of the labia minora. There are newer surgical techniques developed in France and Korea to accomplish the objectives. Some of these techniques are Wedge Resection as by Alter; Wedge Z-Plasty as by Giraldi; or Deepithelialization Reduction as by Choi. The selection of the specific technique is tailored to the individual patient’s anatomy and aesthetic objectives, leading to the optimal result.
Labia majora enhancement: Fat cells harvested by liposuction from other areas of the patient’s own body can be transferred to the labia majora to correct the shrinkage and wrinkling of the area.
Reduction of redundant clitoral hood: Usually performed in conjunction with labiaplasty (labioplasty), the redundant secondary hood over the clitoris can be reduced to give a better aesthetic effect. The primary clitoral hood is left in place to act as a protective barrier to the clitoris.
Mons pubis contouring: Liposuction contouring can be performed to reduce the fat pad over the pubic bone for women who are self conscious of the bulging appearance of that area. Dr. Lau usually contours the mons pubis to match the rest of the abdomen during his lipocontouring procedure for the lower abdomen to give a smooth contour transition between the lower abdomen and pubis.
Vaginal Rejuvenation - for Vaginal Laxity and Loose Vaginal Opening
Concerns:
Many women are self conscious that their vaginal opening may appear or feel too loose or that their vagina may have lost its tightness. These concerns usually surface after childbirth and with aging. While their genital anatomy on examination may often be within normal limits, their inadequate feelings and concerns are very real and should be addressed. At times, women may actually have genital prolapse and urinary incontinence that should be addressed as medical necessities.
Solutions:
Colpoperineoplasty (vaginal rejuvenation): Through reconstructive surgery, the size, contour, and function of the vagina and vulva can be restored to a state similar to that of before vaginal births. Even though one may argue the validity or need for such reconstruction, many women are very self conscious of their genitalia being deformed or abnormal, to the point of interference of their sexual function.
The photos show vaginal rejuvenation combined with labiaplasty.
Colpoperineoplasty, a procedure that surgically tightens the vaginal canal and the vaginal opening, can enhance the sensation of vaginal tightness and sexual gratification. A recent peer review journal paper reported that 94% of women who had colpoperineoplasty experienced a tighter vagina and enhanced sexual satisfaction (J. Pardo et al, Acta Obstet et Gyn Scand, 2006). The procedure, commonly known by its lay term “vaginal rejuvenation,” can be performed using minimal incisions, internal to the vagina, in an outpatient setting. Using the newer minimally invasive techniques, the recovery from the procedure can be relatively brief.
The technique of colpoperineoplasty usually involves opening the vaginal mucosa and then plicating the underlying fascia and muscles to tighten the vaginal canal and the vaginal opening to the pre-childbirth condition. Laser can also be used to ablate excessive tissues that were not already excised with the procedure. All the sutures used are dissolvable and need not be removed, and most dissection and suturing are inside the vagina, thus avoiding any external incisions.
Please view the following presentation by Dr. Michael Lau regarding optimizing sexual function with pelvic plastic surgery: