Decreased Sensations After a Labiaplasty: Fact or Fiction?
Once upon a time, vaginal rejuvenation and the labiaplasty were fringe procedures, considered unnecessary, vain, and even controversial. However, today they have become commonplace and mainstream. Women have been fast to show they are both tired of the discomfort they may have from large, misshapen labia, and simply want to look “better down there”. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), over 12,000 labiaplasty procedures were performed in 2016, showing that more than ever, women are becoming empowered with their choice for safe and educated vaginal rejuvenation procedures.
Fact and Fiction Regarding the Labiaplasty:
Unfortunately, as with any plastic surgery procedure, rumors and uneducated bits of information float around the community. Especially in the case of up and coming techniques, these false statements mislead potential patients. They can often frighten a woman enough to abandon her question for the desired corrections.
One such concern and rumor with the labiaplasty procedure is a general decrease in area sensitivity. However, is the problem with nerve damage following the surgical procedure really an issue?
The Chance for Decreased Sensitivity After a Labiaplasty:
The labiaplasty is a highly-customizable surgical technique, used to reduce, sculpt, and reshape long or uneven labia. Taking from one to two hours, performed on an outpatient basis, the labiaplasty is a powerful rejuvenating tool that will decrease chaffing and rubbing underclothing. The pain of pinching and pulling of the labia during intercourse is immediately relieved. Overall, women will note a significant boost in self-esteem and confidence with their new aesthetically pleasing labia.
On the other side of the coin, however, negative claims report that a labiaplasty will decrease sexual sensitivity. Some people say that the process, which often includes excision of the excess labia tissue, creates nerve damage and diminishes feeling in the area.
More Vaginal Sensitivity and Stronger Orgasms:
A recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, shows the threat of decreased vaginal sensitivity is actually very small. Dr. Otto Placik, a Chicago plastic surgeon, led the research, talking in-depth to women about their unique labiaplasty experience, Dr. Placik’s results were surprising to many. Women participating in the study overwhelmingly said they did not see lowered sensitivity, and instead experienced an increase in labia sensitivity. Over ½ of the participants said they saw an upswing in orgasm strength, as well as frequency. With the combined increase in sensitivity and sexual pleasure, the labiaplasty was a win-win.
Labiaplasty Side-Effects:
Remember, as a surgical procedure, the labiaplasty does come with a slight risk for complications. Bleeding, infection, asymmetry, scarring and nerve damage can occur. However, when women choose an experienced plastic surgeon, these complications are rare.
Getting started, women need to educate themselves on the labiaplasty by reading through the information available online. The ASPS offers extensive procedure details on the technique and tools for picking a board certified surgeon. RealSelf, the most trusted online plastic surgery information site, includes labiaplasty before and after photographs, patient questions, and procedure reviews.
Last but not least, prospective patients should do their doctor-homework. In Houston, Dr. Paul Vitenas brings board certification and close to 30 years of experience to each labiaplasty procedure. Driven to provide safe, effective, and aesthetically pleasing results, Dr. Vitenas has created his own labiaplasty and vaginal rejuvenation techniques. Read more about Dr. Vitenas’ labiaplasty here. To schedule a consultation appointment at Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery, call 281.606.0007, fill out our online contact us form.
