October 2009 Glossary Archive

In Flushing, New York and around the nation, patients have discovered firsthand the benefits that cosmetic procedures such as labiaplasty may offer. Designed to reshape the labia minora?the skin that covers the clitoris and vaginal opening?labiaplasty has helped many women relieve pain during intercourse and increase sexual gratification by removing some of the skin near the vaginal opening and clitoris. Some women with large labia may simply feel self-conscious and turn to this procedure as a means of obtaining desired results. Whatever their reason, many women have found success through this procedure.

Women may develop large labia after childbirth or as they age. Others may be born with it. Some women may find the appearance of large labia as embarrassing when with a sexual partner. This surgical procedure may help to reduce the size of the labia and may help to improve its appearance. Women should speak to a medical professional with knowledge of and experience in performing this procedure for more information regarding the possible benefits that this procedure may offer.

In comparison with other surgical procedures, labiaplasty is a relatively minor procedure. Women are often able to return to work after 5 days and resume sexual activity after 4 to 6 weeks. However, women should discuss recovery time with a medical professional and follow his or her strict instructions to ensure their safety and the success of the procedure.

The complication rate is very low for labiaplasty and the procedure is often performed on an outpatient basis. Women choose to undergo this procedure for many reasons?sexual dissatisfaction, physical pain or embarrassment due to aesthetic appearance?but all women should discuss their goals with their surgeon and explain to them what they hope to accomplish with this procedure.

Women are examined pre-operatively to determine if any underlying health issues are present. Patients should offer full disclosure of any allergies or medical conditions prior to the procedure. The procedure takes about an hour to complete and general anesthesia is required. During the procedure, the surgeon will adjust the inner lips of the vulva so that they are symmetrical. The surgeon will work towards as natural a result as possible. Minimal scarring may be present following the procedure, but the scars are often only noticeable to the trained eye. Women concerned with scarring should discuss the matter with the surgeon prior to the procedure.

Following surgery a pad similar to those used during menstruation may be used as a dressing. Bed rest is often required for about a week following the procedure. During this time, women may be required to ice the area. Patients should avoid any strenuous activity for about 4 to 6 weeks following surgery. As mentioned earlier, sexual activity should also be avoided during this time.

For a more detailed and thorough explanation of labiaplasty or any other cosmetic vaginal procedure, patients are advised to speak to a medical professional with experience and knowledge of the procedure at a reputable clinic in the Flushing, New York area.

Losing weight may seem like a daunting task to many patients faced with the prospect. While some patients may be advised to speak with a nutritional counselor or undergo various other treatments before undergoing a treatment such as laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, speaking to a medical professional regarding this treatment may provide patients with valuable information that may help them decide if the treatment is right for them. Patients in New Haven, Connecticut and throughout the United States have found that this procedure can be very effective in helping patients lose weight.

Unlike some procedures, LAP BAND does not permanently alter the stomach or small intestine. Instead, it is a reversible and, as its name implies, adjustable procedure. There is also no risk of severe deficiencies in necessary nutrition. Despite all of its advantages, LAP BAND may not offer the same weight loss success that other procedures such as gastric bypass may offer. It may be effective in improving certain weight related conditions such as sleep apnea, type II diabetes and hypertension, but this procedure may offer less success in weight loss endeavors than other similar procedures.

Patients in New Haven should speak to a medical professional with experience and knowledge of the weight loss field. Losing weight in a healthy manner is the goal of many obese or overweight individuals. With so many diet solutions, weight loss pills, medical treatments and weight loss programs on the market, patients may grow confused about their options and may have a difficult time deciphering which treatments may provide actual, safe results and which may not. The assistance of a medical professional is often vital in determining which treatment may provide the most benefits for each patient.

In the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedure, a balloon is connected to a band around the upper part of the stomach. To adjust the gastric band and inflate the balloon, a reservoir is placed under the skin. When the balloon is inflated, the gastric band tightens, thus restricting the amount of food that may pass at any given time. If the balloon is deflated, the gastric band is loosened and the weight loss is slowed.

Some studies have revealed complications associated with this procedure. In some cases, patients have required an operation to correct complications with the gastric band. Also, converting a failed LAP BAND to another bariatric procedure may be more difficult than with first time operations. While these complications have not occurred in all patients, it is nevertheless very important to discuss the risks and complications sometimes associated with this procedure. The patient and his or her doctor should discuss all available procedures including LAP BAND to determine which treatment is right for them.