Labiaplasty Increasingly Popular Says Orlando Plastic Surgeon

ORLANDO, FL--(Marketwire - Jun 27, 2012) - While less than 2,200 labiaplasty procedures were performed in 2011 according to the latest study from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. James Matas says the procedure is gaining popularity at his Orlando practice, the Advanced Centre for Plastic Surgery. He says female patients are increasingly concerned with their appearance as a whole, and consider genital rejuvenation as a way to improve self-confidence and address a number of issues related to the extension or asymmetry of the labia minora or labia majora.

Two distinct groups of women seek consultation for labiaplasty at his Orlando plastic surgery practice, according to Dr. Matas. First, he says younger women with congenital asymmetry come to his office to improve the cosmetic appearance of the labia. These women often undergo either a one-sided labiaplasty, or a bilateral labiaplasty with asymmetric tissue removal for an overall aesthetic improvement.

The second group Dr. Matas sees in his practice are women looking to improve the aesthetic quality of the labia following pregnancy or significant weight loss, or changes that have occurred due to the natural aging process. The Orlando plastic surgeon says the goals of this group of women are closely aligned with patients seeking procedures such as breast enhancement, as they want to feel both comfortable and confident with their bodies. Dr. Matas says the labia majora can be reduced to improve the wrinkling and skin redundancy that is common for this group of women. He adds that injectable treatments are also an option that can volumize the labia majora, but says this is not a permanent solution.

Regardless of the motivation, Dr. Matas stresses the importance of consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon when considering female genital rejuvenation. While scars can be hidden in the labia minora, he says they tend to be more visible in the labia majora, therefore requiring specific placement of the incisions. Proper closure of the incisions with absorbable sutures is also extremely important according to Dr. Matas, as well as an injection of a long-acting anesthetic that can improve post-operative discomfort. Following a labiaplasty, Dr. Matas says patients will require four to five days of bed rest and should avoid excessive sitting for two weeks. He adds that sexual intercourse, exercise, or other activities with direct perineal pressure should be delayed for six weeks. When complete, Dr. Matas says the positive impact labiaplasty has had for his patients is evident: "Despite the growing popularity of this procedure, the opinion of many gynecologists is that the value of this procedure is unproven. Although a delicate issue to address, the cases that I have performed made a huge difference in the area of self-esteem with the resulting aesthetic improvement of the female genitalia."

About James Matas, MD

After earning his medical degree at the University of Miami, Dr. James Matas completed an internship and general surgery residency at the University of Cincinnati. He then completed a plastic surgery residency at Indiana University Medical Center, followed by clinical fellowships in hand surgery and plastic surgery. Dr. Matas a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the Orange County Medical Society.

Advanced Centre for Plastic Surgery is located at 7300 Sandlake Commons Blvd. Medplex Building A, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32819, and can be reached at (407) 792-0429. Dr. Matas and his team can also be found online at yournewlook.com and their Orlando Plastic Surgery Facebook page.