What to Know About Labiaplasty Price

Labiaplasty price is one of the first subjects patients broach at their consultation appointment.

Naturally, patients want to know how much their labiaplasty is going to cost. They'll then use this information to determine whether they want to move forward with the surgery. After all, if the cost of labiaplasty is too high, patients usually feel there's not much use in discussing the matter further with their surgeon, and we understand that.

Once a patient understands the overall labiaplasty price, we like to break down the individual costs so that patients actually understand what they're paying for. This is what we will be doing in this article.

If you are considering this surgery but are concerned about the labiaplasty price, we can help you understand how much each element of the procedure will cost and what options you have for payment.

First, though, let's go over what labiaplasty actually entails.

What Is the Purpose of a Labiaplasty?

The purpose of labiaplasty — a common element of “vaginal rejuvenation” as well as “ mommy makeover” surgery — is to change the size and/or shape of the female labia.

Women have two types of labia: labia minora (inner lips) and labia majora (outer lips). For the most part, labiaplasty addresses the labia minora — or inner lips — of the female vaginal opening.

The surgery specifically addresses enlarged labia minora (when a woman has an excessive amount of inner labia tissue). Generally speaking, labia are considered “enlarged” when there is four to five centimeters of tissue, much of which will be exposed past the labia majora (outer lips).

What Causes Labia Hypertrophy?

Enlarged labia, also known as labia hypertrophy, can be caused by a number of things, from childbirth or aging, to genetics. Some women are just born with larger-than-average labia minora.

If you have enlarged labia minora but it does not bother you physically or emotionally, there is no reason to do anything about it. On the other hand, some women with this condition have uncomfortable side effects, such as:

• Painful vaginal opening
• Painful sex
• Discomfort when wearing certain (usually tight-fitting) clothing
• Chafing and skin irritations
• Emotional sensitivity
• Self-consciousness
• Hygiene issues
• Discomfort and pain when walking or exercising

When a patient struggles with these issues, they are often interested in learning more about labiaplasty, which can shorten the length of their labia minora and improve their comfort and confidence.

Labiaplasty Cost Breakdown

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) estimates that an average labiaplasty will cost approximately $3,053 in the United States today. This is according to statistics from 2020.

Of course, this estimate is likely on the low end, and there are many factors that may change this labiaplasty cost.

For example, the location of the surgery, the surgeon you choose, and the exact improvements you aim to make through surgery will all influence your labiaplasty cost. In the end, the cost of labiaplasty will vary from patient to patient and surgery to surgery.

Now, let's take a look at each element of an average labiaplasty cost breakdown.

Consultation and Pre- and Post- Surgery Appointment Fees (to Your Surgeon)

From your very first consultation appointment until the last pre-op appointment before your surgery, you'll be expected to pay a fee every time you visit your surgeon. These are payments for your surgeon's work reviewing your medical history, performing medical exams, assisting you with surgical planning, preparing you for surgery, and more.

Blood Work Costs

Most patients will need blood work prior to surgery. Your surgeon will want to ensure that you are in good health before undergoing any type of invasive procedure, including labiaplasty.

Facility Fees

Patients must pay the facility where they will have their surgery as well. This is for the use of their property during the procedure (and directly before and after). For most patients, their surgical facility will be a local hospital. You are paying for the use of the hospital's facilities, staff, and more.

Anesthesiologist's Fee

An anesthesiologist will be present for most invasive plastic surgeries (like labiaplasty). It is their job to sedate you safely and keep you sedated.

Surgeon's Fee

In addition to paying for your pre- and post-operative appointments, patients will need to pay their surgeon's actual surgeon's fee, which is their payment for actually performing the surgery.

Payment Options for Labiaplasty

There are several ways patients can pay for labiaplasty.

First, patients can always pay in full. Some may decide to pay out-of-pocket in cash while others put the cost of their surgery on a credit card.

When patients are unable to pay the complete amount in cash or by credit card, certain plastic surgeons may offer payment plans for individuals with qualifying credit. Keep in mind, however, that this is not always an option.

Will insurance companies pay for labiaplasty?

This is a common question we get from patients who are interested in this surgery and have a medical or functional reason for needing it (they struggle with pain and discomfort due to having long labia minora). What's important to remember here is that labiaplasty is a type of plastic surgery, and in most cases, it is still usually an elective surgery.

Because of this, insurance companies will generally not pay for labiaplasty surgeries. In very few cases, an insurance plan may cover a partial amount of your labiaplasty cost. But this will need to be discussed directly with your insurance company, and it is usually only an option for individuals with high quality plans and those who have a true medical need for an adjustment of their labia.

Interested in Labiaplasty? Book a Consultation

If you have been considering labiaplasty in the Portland OR area, get in touch with Après Plastic Surgery today to book your consultation appointment with Dr. Aric Aghayan. Learn more about this surgery, find out if you're a candidate, and see what improvements it can make in your life.

References

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-is-a-labiaplasty-and-what-does-it-involve

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/aesthetic-genital-plastic-surgery/labiaplasty