How Do I Choose a Labiaplasty Surgeon?

It seems that more and more surgeons are offering labiaplasty to their patients. But with the nuance and skill involved in producing an aesthetically pleasing, comfortable result, it is more important than ever to be careful about whom you entrust with this procedure. This blog will discuss what qualities patients should look for in a labiaplasty surgeon, including credentials, experience with the procedure, patient testimonials, and more.

Choose the Right Surgeon for Your Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is a fantastic procedure for improving your self-confidence, self-image, and overall physical and mental comfort. Women’s bodies come in all shapes and sizes, but if you dislike the appearance of your inner vaginal lips, or labia minora, labiaplasty can help. Deciding to undergo the procedure is only the first step; next, you have to choose the right surgeon.

Choosing the right surgeon for your labiaplasty is crucial and can make or break your results and overall experience. Unfortunately, too many inexperienced, untrained, or unqualified surgeons (and even gynecologists) are performing this procedure with disastrous results.

Meet World-Renowned Labiaplasty and Labiaplasty Revision Expert: Dr. Gary Alter

Dr. Alter is a legendary labiaplasty and labiaplasty revision expert, holding unique qualifications as a double board-certified plastic surgeon and urologist, which means he has detailed, extensive knowledge of aesthetic surgery and genital anatomy. 

Dr. Alter is renowned globally among his peers as the preeminent expert on the procedure, having invented advanced techniques widely used today, including the Alter Wedge labiaplasty technique, which offers superior aesthetic and functional results compared to the trim method, which can leave painful scarring and result in overexcision of the tissue. He also uses his expertise to repair botched labiaplasties, performing complex reconstruction for even the most difficult cases.

Why It’s Important to Choose a Qualified Labiaplasty Surgeon

Choosing a qualified, experienced surgeon is essential for labiaplasty, as it’s commonly misunderstood as a simple procedure. Many gynecologists or inexperienced surgeons perform this procedure and end up over-excising tissue, creating painful scars or affecting the nerves. Here are some top reasons you should choose a qualified labiaplasty expert:

Reduce Complications

As stated, the labia minora is a very delicate, highly vascularized, and understudied area of the body. It’s not a simple flap of skin; it requires an experienced surgeon who understands the nuances of both plastic surgery techniques and the nature of this area of the body. 

Common complications caused by poor surgical technique include the following: 

• Too much tissue removal, especially with the trim method, can lead to aesthetic issues, asymmetries, chronic dryness, pain, or impairment, not to mention emotional distress.
• Nerve damage is another risk if your surgeon lacks advanced knowledge of the anatomy, which can result in numbness or hypersensitivity to pain.
• Severe scarring or scalloped edges can be painful, unsightly, and distort the contour of the labial edge.

Functional and Aesthetic Benefits

An expert labiaplasty surgeon does not just cut tissue; they understand the importance of preserving the natural contour and color of the labial edge and can best customize the treatment to each patient’s needs and goals. Too many cavalier surgeons simply snip the tissue away, robbing patients of the beautiful result they deserve.

Patient Safety and Care

Labiaplasty can be a simple process with an experienced surgeon, or it can be daunting and painful without one. Your procedure should be performed in an outpatient surgical center or hospital, not in an office. You should have proper anesthesia for your comfort, as well as extensive recovery information and instructions. 

Additionally, this procedure can be sensitive in nature, and your surgeon should be compassionate about your potential concerns or insecurities. You should feel comfortable talking to them—and their staff—about your goals, needs, and fears. A reputable, experienced surgeon understands their patients’ needs and does everything in their power to make them comfortable and confident.

Prevent Revisions

Botched labiaplasties are an unfortunately common occurrence today, which is why Dr. Alter has developed numerous techniques to address these issues. While no one wants to pay for a second surgery, if you do have a botched result, it’s important that you choose a reputable surgeon for your secondary procedure and ensure a successful result the second time around. 

What Credentials to Look for in a Labiaplasty Surgeon

Given the specialized nature of this procedure, you want someone with experience. Credentials to look for include: 

Board Certification in Plastic Surgery and/or Urology

Being board certified means your surgeon has undergone additional training and testing to deepen their understanding of their field and demonstrate mastery. You always want to choose a board-certified surgeon, as this shows their dedication to excellence and safety.

Expertise in Plastic Surgery or Urology

Each of these fields touches on the requirements of labiaplasty: Plastic surgeons are trained to manipulate nerves, tissues, skin, and muscles to restore function and aesthetics, and urologists are experts in the urinary tract in men and women and can also treat sexual dysfunction.

As noted, Dr. Alter is double board-certified in plastic surgery and urology, a rare combination of medical specialties that makes him well-suited for this procedure.

Additional Credentials

Other factors to consider in a labiaplasty surgeon include the number of successful labiaplasties they have performed. Not every board-certified plastic surgeon has experience with this procedure, so it’s important to ask. 

Before and after images and patient testimonials are excellent measures of a surgeon’s abilities. You can see for yourself how Dr. Alter has successfully repaired botched labiaplasties, creating beautiful, functional results and making a real difference for countless women.

Want to Learn More About Labiaplasty and Labiaplasty Revision in Beverly Hills, CA?

Dr. Alter and his team are ready to help you restore your confidence and love your body–every part of it! Call Dr. Alter today at (310) 275-5566 or complete the contact form to schedule your private consultation and learn more about your options.