Frequently Asked Questions

Can Extra Skin Over the Clitoris Be Removed?

Posted on January 19, 2016 in Frequently Asked Questions

Female intimate surgery can effectively correct a wide range of issues from which women may be suffering. To get a realistic understanding of what they can achieve through a procedure like labiaplasty and optimum results, patients should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in performing various vaginal rejuvenation techniques.

Dr. Dimitri Koumanis has offered his expertise on a number of questions posed by people regarding topics like labiaplasty on the online resource Realself. In one of the entries, a woman expressed her discomfort with the excessive skin overlying her clitoris, saying that it was affecting her sex life. She had met with a plastic surgeon about the problem but was told a significant improvement couldn’t be achieved, which ultimately led to her looking for a second opinion.

Dr. Koumanis was pleased to set the record straight for this concerned woman. He responded that excessively visible clitoral hood skin can be removed or reduced effectively with a double-wedge type labiaplasty. If the labia minora are not prominent, a lateral skin wedge resection alone may provide her with the result that she desired. Dr. Koumanis described the procedure, noting that an anterior external wedge of skin is removed from either side of the hood of skin overlying the clitoris. By doing this, the desired trimmer appearance can be achieved. While Dr. Koumanis’ patients have found that a clitoral hood reduction may also increase clitoral sensitivity and satisfaction during intercourse, no particular result can be guaranteed.

Does Insurance Cover Labiaplasty?

Posted on December 23, 2015 in Frequently Asked Questions

In a recent post on the medical forum RealSelf, a woman interested in labiaplasty explained that she was experiencing pain from friction and traction, skin tearing, and other issues from having an enlarged labia. Since she viewed these problems as purely medical and needed surgery to correct them, the woman inquired whether insurance would cover her labiaplasty. Dr. Dimitri Koumanis offered the unfortunate truth to this question in his response.

Although the procedure can resolve physical discomfort like chafing and irritation during intimacy or sporting activities, health insurance rarely covers labiaplasty. While some doctors may say they offer the surgery under insurance, this is typically not true. Surgeons who claim this are often under-trained or inexperienced in labiaplasty or are offering a straight tissue excision approach that can lead to abnormally painful and visible scars, as well as excessive vaginal dryness.

Even if the purpose of undergoing female intimate surgery is to alleviate discomfort and hygiene difficulties, the procedure is still considered “cosmetic,” and as a result, it is not covered by most insurance providers. Despite expert surgeons pleading with these companies to cover the procedure, labiaplasty is still deemed “medically unnecessary” and “cosmetic” in nature. Dr. Koumanis and his colleagues hope one day this view will change.

Whether you wish to improve your appearance and/or relieve physical discomfort due to prominent labia minora, we offer different financing options to help you afford the procedure you need. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Koumanis to learn how you can pay for labiaplasty with a manageable payment plan with convenient monthly payments.

How Much Is a Labiaplasty?

Posted on December 2, 2015 in Frequently Asked Questions

Among the many questions Dr. Dimitri Koumanis receives about female intimate surgery, one of the most popular is, “How much does labiaplasty cost?” In addition to answering this question during consultations at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, he has also provided an explanation for a woman posing the question on the online forum RealSelf.

Dr. Koumanis emphasizes that the total cost of a labiaplasty depends upon many factors. These include the experience of the surgeon, technique used, anesthesia, facility type, and medications. Additionally, while some women may only need minor work to achieve their desired outcome, others may have more complex needs for correction, which take more time in the operating room and therefore may cost more.

Overall, patients can expect to pay anywhere between $4,000 and $10,000 in total for a labiaplasty at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery. The cost is greater in large cities and if done in the hospital setting. Dr. Koumanis keeps the cost down by performing labiaplasty at his own Joint Commission accredited office-based surgery center. When evaluating price quotes from different surgeons, it is important to consider the following:

• Is the price quote for the exact same procedure they’re referring to?
• Are all expenses being considered? (including post-operative care visits)
• Does it include anesthesia and supplies?
• Is a potential “touch up surgery” being included?

Although patients can almost always find a lower cost for cosmetic procedures, quality of the results definitely varies. Like many luxuries in life, with cosmetic surgery you typically get what you pay for. Plastic surgeons are generally more trained and experienced doing labiaplasty skin flaps and the required delicate tissue rearrangement compared with gynecologists and other surgical specialists. Rather than selecting a labiaplasty plastic surgeon based on who will offer the lowest cost, women need to find someone they trust and who can help them achieve the desired results. Dr. Koumanis says to get to know the surgeon and their work, patients should request to look at before and after pictures as well as to speak with the surgeon’s previous labiaplasty patients via their own cosmetic surgery patient phone referral network. If the surgeon doesn’t have past labiaplasty patients able to speak to prospective patients, or can’t show their work with before and after photos, this may indicate they are not very experienced with the procedure.

You should be aware of surgeons who quote abnormally low prices. This may indicate inexperience or having difficulty obtaining new patients.

In the end, those interested in labiaplasty should choose an expert who can offer the best possible results. Once a trusted and experienced professional has been selected, the patient can begin saving money or looking into financing options to make your labiaplasty a reality.

To learn if you are a good candidate for labiaplasty, as well as how much you can expect to pay, please contact us to schedule your consultation with Dr. Koumanis.

How Old Do You Need to Be to Get Labiaplasty?

Posted on November 16, 2015 in Frequently Asked Questions

Labiaplasty can provide significant improvement in appearance and symptons for the right candidate, but how old do you need to be to qualify? Dr. Dimitri Koumanis recently provided his professional opinion for this question on the online medical forum RealSelf. He explains that labiaplasty–more specifically, labia minora reduction–can be performed on younger women or teenagers, but if underage, the following must apply to the patient:

• Mature-minded
• Motivated by her own desire and not influenced by others
• Realistic expectations
• Consent from a parent or legal guardian

While most of his patients are women over the age of 18, Dr. Koumanis has performed labiaplasty on patients as young as 16 years of age. He says that a labiaplasty is appropriate and quite beneficial whenever there is chafing, irritation, and pain resulting from playing sports or wearing tight clothing. It is important for these young women to understand, however, that labiaplasty is not the answer to social or relationship problems. Since the motivation behind young women seeking labiaplasty varies, Dr. Koumanis discourages some women from undergoing the procedure if he feels their goals and physical needs cannot be met.

To learn if you are a good candidate for labiaplasty, you should schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in treatment of labia minora hypertrophy, one who has a consistent track record of excellent results. If you are under the age of 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian accompany you to your consultation (unless you are legally emancipated). During your appointment, you will be able to discuss your physical needs, expectations, and goals for surgery. Dr. Koumanis also takes this time to explain the different types of female intimate surgery. He provides before and after pictures of previous patients to help you understand what you can achieve with surgery. Additionally, Dr. Koumanis will go over potential complications that may arise and how these are managed.

In the end, you should feel completely comfortable and confident with your choice of plastic surgeon. If you have any doubt, it may be helpful to get a second opinion from another qualified plastic surgeon.

Contact Us

Labiaplasty can be a life-changing procedure for women of all ages. Dr. Koumanis has seen how ecstatic young women can be with their surgical outcome, as they can live their life with more comfort and confidence. What used to be a “problem area” is no longer an issue. If you would like to schedule a consultation to learn how labiaplasty can address your physical and cosmetic needs, please contact us today.

Will I Lose Sensation After Labiaplasty?

Posted on October 28, 2015 in Frequently Asked Questions

As part of his dedication to educating patients about female intimate surgery, Dr. Dimitri Koumanis often contributes to online forums to answer commonly asked questions. He recently shared his knowledge on labiaplasty to help a patient who had undergone the procedure two weeks prior. This individual reported that her healing was going smoothly so far–and sensation to the area seemed normal–but she had one major concern: could she still experience a loss of sensation in the future due to her labiaplasty?

Having performed this intimate procedure for the past 20+ years, Dr. Koumanis is familiar with concerns like this and was happy to respond to the woman’s question. In his comment, he explains that a loss of sensation from labiaplasty–that utilizes the wedge or trim technique–is a rare occurrence. In fact, women are more likely to experience an increase in labial and clitoral sensitivity. This fact along with a woman’s increase in self-esteem after labiaplasty may further enhance enjoyment with sexual relations.

Dr. Koumanis notes that after a properly done labiaplasty sensation should not change in the long term, though it may temporarily diminish as the wounds heal and the swelling subsides. Should the sensation be affected post-operatively, his patients have found that the sensory nerves typically go back to normal function within 12 weeks after surgery. However, if labiaplasty is combined with a clitoral hood reduction, the clitoris becomes more exposed and may enhance sensitivity during sexual intimacy.

“The bottom line is that if your sensation is good right after surgery it will not suddenly be lost in the future.” Dr. Koumanis concluded his response by encouraging the RealSelf patient to enjoy her results and to check with her surgeon to know exactly when it is safe to resume intimate relations without compromising her surgical outcome. He recommends that his labiaplasty patients avoid any friction on the pubic region from sports or intimacy until they are 8-10 weeks postop.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about female intimate surgery, or would like to set up a consultation with Dr. Koumanis, please don’t hesitate to contact us. One of our female staff members would be more than happy to help you.