One of the most common questions patients ask before undergoing a Chicago labiaplasty procedure is, “Does labiaplasty affect sensation?”
The truth is loss of vaginal sensitivity after labiaplasty is a hot topic — and for good reason. The inner labia (labia minora), especially, are responsible for much of the sexual pleasure that a woman experiences in intimate settings. Naturally for any woman, lack of sensation or total loss of sensation in this area could be devastating.
At the same time, many women with excessively long or large inner labia are very uncomfortable and want to find a solution to this issue while maintaining sensation.
Do You Lose Sensation After Labiaplasty?
Loss of sensation is a labiaplasty risk that is not imminent, but it’s not uncommon either. The good news is that it rarely lasts. Most patients are able to regain the sensation in their labia within several months, if not several weeks.
For some patients, the change in sensation only occurs in one area of the labia or on one side. Often, a loss of sensation or change in sensation is linked with a certain type of labiaplasty procedure: The trim labiaplasty approach.
With this method, the outer edges of the labia minora are trimmed off. As there are numerous nerve endings in the labia minora, the cutting and excising of these nerves can often result in sensation changes. Though, again, the issue usually resolves itself.
On the other hand, the wedge technique makes a perpendicular incision in the middle of each vaginal lip. Then, the two sides of this incision are sewn together. Although this method does cause skin irritation during recovery and other typical symptoms like swelling, loss of sensation may be less likely with this approach.
Are You a Good Candidate for Labiaplasty?
The best candidates for labiaplasty are women who are unhappy with the size of their inner vaginal lips, also known as the inner labia or labia minora.
Many women struggle with this issue. Sometimes, it’s the cause of genetics, and certain women are simply born with enlarged labia minora. For other women, aging can cause stretched out labia, or it is possible that pregnancy and childbirth cause or exacerbate the issue.
While every woman looks different and has a unique anatomy she should feel proud of, it’s also okay to be dissatisfied with this area and want a change. A labiaplasty procedure is for removing excess tissue and can reduce the size of your inner vaginal lips, making them flush with the labia majora.
Other requirements for labiaplasty patients include good overall physical health, lack of any serious medical issues, adherence to a healthy lifestyle (healthy diet and regular exercise; being a non-smoker), and realistic expectations. While loss of sensation in the labia is a possibility, it’s reasonable to expect that you will retain your labial sensation longterm.
Labiaplasty Recovery
Post labiaplasty care will begin with the expectation to feel sore around your vaginal opening. You will also have some swelling and possibly light bleeding. Wearing cotton underwear with a light pad is recommended.
Often, patients will be encouraged to ice the area as well. This can help to reduce swelling and also limit your discomfort.
Most patients are able to tolerate any soreness without prescription pain medications. But in the event you require something stronger than over-the-counter pain meds, these can be prescribed. While you should notice your results right away, swelling may obscure your full results for a few weeks.
You’ll need to take it easy for the initial period of your recovery. Do not exercise or lift anything heavy. Take a few days off from school or work. As the swelling goes down and pain and bleeding subsides, you can ramp up your activity very slowly.
After around one month (four weeks), you may be cleared to return fully to regular activities, including light exercise, and even to return to sexual intercourse if you feel comfortable. Of course, you can always wait longer if you prefer. There’s no rush when it comes to feeling better after surgery.
FAQ: Labiaplasty and Sensation
Does labiaplasty affect pleasure?
Does labiaplasty affect pleasure?For many women, labiaplasty actually enhances pleasure. For one thing, this is because women are often sensitive about having excessively large labia minora. So, when they undergo labiaplasty, they feel more confident about the size and shape of their labia. In addition, many patients simply find that having tighter, smaller labia minora feels better during sexual intercourse.
Of course, on the other hand, there is the possibility of losing sensation either short-term or long-term following labiaplasty. This is something you can discuss further with plastic surgeons at your labiaplasty consultation appointment.
Does labiaplasty reduce sensation forever?
Not necessarily. In fact, it’s rather rare to have this occur.
Most patients who lose sexual sensation or feeling in their labia after labiaplasty or clitoral hood reduction only have this physical discomfort for several weeks or months before the issue is corrected. They also do not lose sensation in the labia majora following labiaplasty surgery for enlarged labia.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dahlia Rice is an experienced plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and well adept at performing labiaplasty procedures for her Chicago patients.
To learn more abut this procedure and find out if you’re a good candidate, please call today to set up a consultation with Dr. Rice.