Finding The Right Doctor For Labiaplasty In Florida?

Our Chief Medical Officer and founder, Dr. Thomas A. Pane, specializes in labiaplasty and similar procedures, so this week’s Atlantic Coast Aesthetics Question of the Week really resonated with him. The question comes from one of our viewers and asks, “I am in the process of finding the right doctor to perform labiaplasty. I don’t want things to come out terribly wrong. I do know I need labiaplasty with clitoral unhooding done as well. How does one find out how many clitoral unhoodings a doctor has [previously] performed without a consultation?”

Dr. Pane says that in general, choosing a surgeon to perform labiaplasty is the same as vetting a doctor for any other type of cosmetic procedure, with a few unique features pertaining to that particular area. Primarily, the first starting points are to consider the surgeon’s experience and credentials with regard to the specific kind of procedure the patient desires. Because labiaplasty has become such a trendy procedure, many surgeons are beginning to offer labiaplasty as a regular part of their clinical work, but may or may not have the skill and experience to fully deliver the results the patient wants.

In addition, some surgeons, especially those who are new to this type of surgery, tend to be “married” to only one methodology for performing labiaplasty, when in reality there are two major methods, each of which may offer benefits and drawbacks depending upon the patient’s needs. Dr. Pane says his preference would be for a surgeon who has the capability to do both types of labiaplasty as needed.

Another consideration is whether the surgeon can show examples of previous work, such as before and after pictures of patients the doctor has assisted. Labiaplasty is one of the more complex forms of cosmetic surgery and sometimes requires revisions or “touch-ups.” Surgeons who are new to this type of procedure may have a higher revision rate than those with more skill and experience. While there is no such thing as a surgeon whose patients “never” need touch-up procedures, a very low incidence of these is generally a good indicator of competence and ability, while a rate of zero should be considered a red flag that the surgeon in question simply has not done many or any labiaplasties.

Dr. Pane notes that there are a number of procedures that fall under the broad heading of “labiaplasty,” and each of these may require a different approach depending upon what is required. However, to speak on this, we first have to examine the structure of the vulva, the area that surrounds and protects the vagina. The labia majora are the outer lips or flaps of the vulva, while the labia minora are the inner, smaller lips that directly cover and protect the vaginal opening. Within the labia minora and above the urethra are the clitoris and the clitoral hood.

Amendment of the labia majora and labia minora are largely the same procedure, with variances depending upon how they are to be revised and why. Clitoral unhooding, which involves removing some or all of the flap of skin that covers and protects the clitoris, is a somewhat different procedure. Finally, the patient may wish to add volume or “plumpness” to the labia majora, which again is a different procedure than what is typically thought of when labiaplasty is discussed. The best surgeon for a given patient is likely to be one who is experienced with all of these procedures and varying methodologies, rather than one who sticks with one type of procedure as a catch-all.

The final factor to consider is how the surgeon’s patients generally recover from labiaplasty. If the surgeon uses techniques that help minimize postoperative discomfort and risk of complications, and previous patients report a low incidence of postop pain and problems including revisions, chances are you’re in the hands of a surgeon who can give you the best possible chance for a successful labiaplasty or any other procedure you may be interested in.

If you would like to ask the staff of ACA or Dr. Pane a question about anything pertaining to cosmetic surgery, we invite you to email us at https://acplasticsurg.com, follow us on Facebook or Twitter, or call us at (561) 422-4116. Your question could even be chosen by Dr. Pane as our next ACA Question of the Week, to be answered live by Dr. Pane himself in an upcoming Google Hangouts session so your question can help other patients too. Remember, there’s only one bad question, and that’s the question you don’t ask!