Hey, I actually just got home from my DOUBLE labiaplasty, was surfing the web for some topics on this surgery so here is my story and some advice....
I got mine done by a OBGYN, who specializes in vaginal reconstruction surgeries. When I was looking for a surgeon, 4 people who had actually gotten surgeries done by him, and at least a dozen others highly reccomended him. It's SOOOO important to find someone who has experience doing labiaplastys, and a 'plastic surgeon' hand. My surgeon was very concerned with minimal scarring, and making both sides even, and the results (so far) looks perfect. Both of my labia were completely different, one was a half circle shape, and stuck out 2 cm out of the lips, the other was very long (thin and 'icicle' shaped), hung out over 7 cm out of the lips!!!! I waited 6 years to get this done, and only got it done because of other health reasons - I've had e.coli in my bladde for 5+ years and it would never clear up because of all the excess tissue down there. But in all honesty, I should have gotten this done 5 years ago, but I'm not the type to go changing my body...
If any women out there have labias as bad as mine - and you suffer like I did - DON'T WAIT ANY LONGER. When I think about all of the sores, cuts, tears, blisters, ect., that I've had over the years - a few weeks of recovery from this surgery is 110% worth it.
Like I said, I got out of the hospital today at 2PM today (its 7pm), so far I have extensive bruising (literally black!), but minimal pain (took 350 mg of percoset), and slight swelling, but its not as bad as I anticipated yet. THE KEY IS ICE ICE ICE!!!! My surgeon told me that normal injuries require ice on and off because of the low blood flow it creates, but the vagina is a blood pumping machine and can handle as much icing as you can do! I also purchased a 'donut' cushion -they come in a blow up version and a plush version, costs about $20 or so. It's great for riding in the car - absorbs shock, great for just sitting on anything...the hole in the middle relieves the pressure on the area, AND, you can just sit the ice pack right in the hole on the cushoin instead of holding it! Such a great buy for this surgery! Prepare for swelling, and discomfort, and limited exercise/activities for a few weeks (hopefully your not a horse trainer like I am! 6 weeks no riding! - worst part...), LOL.
Like I said, I never considered this surgery before one of my vital organs was being jeprodized - but even hours after the surgery - looking in the mirror and not seeing the extra 'curtains', as a called them, hanging out of my lips, brings tears to my eyes. Knowing I will never have to 'tuck' them in, have annoying 'tampon rope burn', or 'tight jean pinches', or a 'bikini bulge' is a huge burden off my shoulders. And I am sure as I heal I will be even more grateful for getting this done - and will be doing a ton of shopping for clothes I could never wear before! My boyfriend of a few years never minded the labias, he actually thought they were 'cute and unique', but I can only imagine how badly this can effect women and their confidence and sex life
So, if you suffer with this - get it done, it is worth it. But make sure you find a proven and trustworthy surgeon, OBGYN or not... However, if you have uneven or mis-shappen labia that do not cause any problems in your life - just suck it up and deal with the way you were born!
Glad I could share my story and advice - good luck to anyone considering getting this procedure to better your quality of life!!!!