Should I Use a Plastic Surgeon or an OB/GYN for My Labiaplasty?

If you are struggling with painful anatomical structure or are unhappy with the appearance of your vagina, you may benefit from a labiaplasty procedure. Labiaplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that removes excess labia minora and reshapes it. It is an incredibly common surgical procedure, with thousands of women choosing to have one each year.

When seeking a labiaplasty procedure, many women don’t know whether to go to a plastic surgeon or an OB/GYN. While both can perform labiaplasty surgeries, one may be a better choice than the other. Dr. Cat Begovic is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in labiaplasty in Beverly Hills. Read on to learn more about Dr. Cat and the benefits of choosing a plastic surgeon for your labiaplasty.

What Is Labiaplasty?

Sometimes referred to as “vaginal rejuvenation,” labiaplasty is a surgical cosmetic procedure that removes excess labia minora and reshapes it. Labiaplasties are one of the most common cosmetic procedures globally, with more than 9,000 being performed in the United States last year (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).

The labia minora (the thin folds of tissue surrounding the vaginal opening) is resected or shortened during a labiaplasty procedure.

Why Are Labiaplasties Important?

Patients seek labiaplasty for several reasons. The most common is that anatomical abnormalities are causing them pain and discomfort when wearing certain clothing, performing particular activities, or during sexual intercourse. Other patients seek labiaplasty because they are unhappy with the appearance of their vagina. These procedures can help correct any abnormalities and give the vagina a natural-looking, symmetric, and tucked-in shape.

Dr. Cat explains the importance of her unique labiaplasty in Beverly Hills here:

“As a woman myself, I am particularly sensitive to women seeking vaginal cosmetic surgery procedures. Often women live with discomfort, embarrassment, avoidance of certain tight-fitting clothing, and feel self-conscious in their relationships because of labial asymmetry, protrusion, or excessive labial show. In your consultation, my staff and I will do everything to make you as comfortable as possible. I will discuss what your specific concerns are and develop a customized surgical plan for you.” 

Being one of the leading plastic surgeons in Beverly Hills, Dr. Cat performs a wide range of cosmetic procedures. While she has perfected techniques for everything from rhinoplasty to mommy makeovers, she specializes in labiaplasty surgery. Dr. Cat is an excellent example of how a plastic surgeon can bring an enhanced approach to a very common procedure.

Should Your Labiaplasty Be Performed by a Plastic Surgeon or OB/GYN?

Before labiaplasty surgery, you will need to find a surgeon to perform your procedure and have a consultation appointment to create a surgical plan. Many women have a hard time deciding between a plastic surgeon specializing in labiaplasty or an OB/GYN who focuses on women’s health. Learn more about each type of doctor below and find out which one is a better choice for your labiaplasty procedure.

The Difference Between Plastic Surgeons and OB/GYNS

Both plastic surgeons and OB/GYNs can perform labiaplasty procedures, but patients often choose a plastic surgeon who specializes in labiaplasty. Learn more about the differences between plastic surgeons and obstetric-gynecologists below.

What Is a Plastic Surgeon?

Plastic surgeons are board-certified doctors who perform surgery to reconstruct the anatomy, either for aesthetic or medical purposes. Plastic surgeons must complete medical training in a wide variety of specialties to ensure that they can approach various anatomical concerns.

Plastic surgeons can perform a variety of procedures, including breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, tummy tucks, and labiaplasty. You can check your doctor is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery by visiting The American Board of Medical Specialities (ABMS) website.

While patients often seek plastic surgery for aesthetic concerns, many patients need plastic surgeons to correct anatomical abnormalities causing pain or discomfort. This applies to patients with excess labia minora tissue or an enlarged clitoral hood that is painful during certain activities, including intercourse and exercise.

What Is an OB/GYN?

An OB/GYN (otherwise known as an obs and gynae or an O&G) is a doctor who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology. This type of doctor is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) and is essential for the health and well-being of female patients. They focus on all areas of women’s health, providing everything from yearly pelvic exams and prenatal care to childbirth.

Pregnant women are reliant on their OB/GYN for all of their prenatal care and the delivery of their child. Having an established OB/GYN is necessary for getting annual pap smears, STD testing, cancer screenings, and treatment of other gynecological concerns. OB/GYNs also perform surgical procedures such as ovarian cyst removal, hysterectomies, and labiaplasty.

The Best Choice for Your Labiaplasty Procedure

Once a woman decides to have a labiaplasty procedure, she will first need to decide whether to see a plastic surgeon or an OB/GYN. While OB/GYNs do perform labiaplasty, plastic surgeons are typically the recommended doctor due to their specialized expertise.

The optimal course of action would be to have a complete gynecological exam with an OB/GYN and obtain a referral to a plastic surgeon to complete your labiaplasty. Plastic surgeons like Dr. Cat specialize in vaginal rejuvenation procedures and spend years perfecting their approach to the surgery so patients have a painless and quick recovery. As Dr. Cat explains, she has dedicated extra care and attention to the labiaplasty procedure:

“A few years ago, I authored a chapter on this subject in the International Textbook of Aesthetic Surgery and since then I have refined my technique to create natural-looking, symmetric, and tucked-in labia with an invisible scar with the large number of labiaplasty surgeries I have performed.”  

Dr. Cat has years of industry experience and a special focus on women’s health, combining the two to perform the most efficient and effective labiaplasty surgery. Female patients choose Dr. Cat because they trust her expertise and feel comfortable working with a female surgeon. As a woman herself, Dr. Cat is particularly sensitive to women seeking vaginal cosmetic surgery procedures

The Importance of Revision Labiaplasty

Another reason it is crucial to choose the best doctor to perform your labiaplasty is to avoid the need for a revision. When patients do not have their Labiaplasty performed by a labiaplasty specialist, they risk complications or a poor outcome, and eventually, they need a revision labiaplasty. Some common reasons patients need a revision labiaplasty include:

  • Asymmetry
  • Painful scar tissue
  • Inadequate labia minora removal
  • Bumpy or prominent suture lines

Dr. Cat specializes in revision labiaplasty to help patients correct any issues or undesirable results patients have had as a result of their initial labiaplasty surgery. These procedures tend to be much more complex than an initial labiaplasty, as Dr. Cat is working with delicate tissue that has been previously altered. This is why she takes extra care and attention to ensure patients have the best outcome possible from their revision labiaplasty.

Labiaplasty in Beverly Hills

Are you interested in having a labiaplasty procedure? If you want to resolve pain and discomfort in the vaginal area or enhance the appearance of your vagina, a labiaplasty can significantly help. Dr. Cat Begovic performs labiaplasty in Beverly Hills to give patients an answer to their concerns with excess vaginal tissue, creating a natural-looking, symmetric, and tucked-in shape.

Dr. Cat is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience in the industry. She has developed an advanced approach to labiaplasty procedures that minimizes pain, shortens recovery, and avoids scarring. Dr. Cat details her approach to labiaplasty surgery here:

“As I perform many vaginal rejuvenation procedures, I often see my post-op patients many times after surgery, and honestly, I can usually not find the scar. I believe it’s critical that it does not look like surgery was ever done in such a sensitive area. With the technique I have developed, my patients can achieve unparalleled results with little to no pain and a quick recovery.”

Since Dr. Cat is a female surgeon, patients feel comfortable with her working on their most intimate areas and can ask her questions and discuss the procedure without embarrassment or stress. In fact, patients travel from overseas just to have Dr. Cat perform their labiaplasty surgery. To find out more about labiaplasty procedures or schedule a consultation with Dr. Cat, please contact us online or by phone today.