Our approach goes beyond technique in surgery. It starts with being a good surgeon. There is no reason your experience cannot be fun, easy, and real. Dr. Pratt is more than a talent in the art of plastic surgery – he has established a completely unique approach to plastic surgery – informal and where honesty rules.
Are there stitches that have to come out following my surgery?
The suture used in labiaplasty is extremely delicate and completely dissolvable. There is no need for removal of stitches. Additionally, the nature of the skin quality on the labia makes for a virtually imperceptible incision after healing.
Do I need to anesthesia for labiaplasty?
Typically, a mild sedative or in some cases moderate sedation can be used quite effectively. The procedure takes about 1 hour, and a gentle cold compress is places on the area in our recovery room.
Many plastic surgeons do not do this procedure; how long has Dr. Pratt been doing labiaplasty?
Prior to going into private practice, Dr. Pratt was a full-time faculty member and clinical instructor in the Department of Plastic Surgery at Carolinas Medical Center. It was here, that he worked closely with the Department of Gynecologic Oncology and was the primary plastic surgeon that performed the vaginal reconstructive work following cancer surgery. The transition to aesthetic surgery in this area was a natural progression.
Does reduction labiaplasty do anything to the inside of the vagina?
No. Labiaplasty strictly involves the external components of the vaginal region – primarily the inner vaginal lips (labia minora) and sometimes involving the outer (labia majora).
What about sensitivity during intercourse following surgery, is this affected?
Since labia reduction is a superficial procedure and the structures important for sexual pleasure are deep, they are avoided and preserved.
When can I have sex after my surgery?
Recovery is very quick following labiaplasty but too much aerobic activity the first two weeks will lead to undesired swelling and throbbing. Premature sexual activity will have a similar same effect, so Dr. Pratt will encourage a cautious approach. He will provide you with a specific plan following your procedure based on individual progress.
Only one of my labia is enlarged, the other is just fine. Can you just do one side?
Yes. This is quite common. Sometimes, however, the ‘normal’ side is actually just less ‘abnormal’ than the enlarged side. Both sides are done in this instance.
My labia definitely are elongated but I have excess skin over my clitoral area as well. Can anything be done with this?
Absolutely. More often than not, skin redundancy is not isolated to the labia on the sides but extend upwards and around the clitoris. This is referred to as clitoral hooding. Dr. Pratt frequently incorporates tailoring in this area when needed, which is about 85% of all patients.