How Much Does A Labiaplasty Cost?

Posted by Pasal on July 14th, 2021

What is the average cost of a labiaplasty?
According to best labiaplasty surgeons, the average cost of a labiaplasty in 2021 procedure was,894, but there are other expenses (more details below!) that should be considered when booking a cosmetic procedure.

Candidates considering a labiaplasty surgery will find it useful to understand the various factors that contribute to the total cost of a plastic surgery procedure. The following table offers an overview of potential factors that will contribute to the total cost.

What is a labiaplasty?
A quick overview: Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of the vulva (vaginal lips) through the removal of excess tissue from the labia majora and/or labia minora (most often, the labia minora are altered). Normal aging, pregnancy and childbirth, weight changes, and your genetics may contribute to excess or loss of labia skin. Women may choose to pursue a labia reduction for aesthetics, physical comfort, or improved function.

What affects the cost of a labiaplasty?
We’ll start by stating everything we cover in this article is an estimate and it is through consultations with the providers you are considering that you will get the most accurate cost assessment. Now, let’s start deep dive the variables from the first table. The following information should give you a feel for the questions to ask and elements to consider during a cosmetic consultation. Knowledge is power!

• Provider: A more experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon or specialized provider usually has higher fees for their skills and so higher consultation fees. Of note, the consultation fee may or may not be applied towards the final cost of the procedure.
  
  
• Anesthesiologist: Just like with the cosmetic surgeon, education, training, and experience will affect cost. Labiaplasty is performed under general anesthesia, which requires more expertise and is more expensive than local anesthesia.
  
  
• Location: Everyone knows things are more expensive on the coasts and this holds true for plastic surgeries. The 2021 ASPS Report shows labiaplasty procedure occurrences by region. The east and west coasts accounted for 71 percent of all labiaplasties performed in 2019. More labiaplasty procedures mean more experienced providers and higher cosmetic surgery costs.
  
  
• Recovery: Labiaplasty recovery and side effects will vary by candidate, but may include prescriptions, compression garments, follow-ups, and time away from work.

What does the cost of a labiaplasty include?
So, what are you actually paying for with your labiaplasty? We can help you understand what the price of a labiaplasty truly includes.

The time the surgeon spends performing the labiaplasty procedure is typically what gets reported as the ‘average cost’ or ‘surgeon’s fee.’ It’s basically an hourly rate of your surgeon. It’s helpful to keep in mind your surgeon has other costs like rent, payroll, insurance, and medical and office supplies plus their personal salary.

Labiaplasty costs continue to rise as the other variables start to get added in. Medical staff in the room (anesthesiologist, nurses, surgical assistants), tools and supplies used during your labiaplasty (needles, bandages, gowns, gloves, etc.), medications given before, during, and after your labiaplasty (sedatives, painkillers, antibiotics, etc.), and the cost of using the hospital or facility’s procedure or operating room.

And one last thing. Don’t neglect to add in the personal expenses you will encounter during your labiaplasty experience. These can possibly include consultation fees from providers, travel costs, pre-surgical care, time off from work, and recovery supplies you personally purchase.

How much does a labiaplasty cost?
With that in mind, you might be wondering how much a labiaplasty costs? Inclusive of all of the variables we’ve discussed (minus your personal expenses), a labiaplasty will cost anywhere from ,000 to ,000. It averages ,894. The lower end of that range most likely reflects a less involved labiaplasty in a smaller facility. The higher-end may reflect a more complex labiaplasty in a larger practice or facility.

How much does a labiaplasty cost across the United States?
Location, location, location! Did we make it clear location plays a major role in the overall cost of a labiaplasty? The ASPS 2019 Statistics Report shows 71 percent of all labiaplasties occur along the coasts. More procedures typically equal higher costs.

How much does a labiaplasty cost around the world?
For those considering pursuing a labiaplasty abroad, the table below looks at average costs around the globe. Don’t forget to add in the additional expenses of traveling abroad, the reputation of the provider and facility, and the possible extra expenses related to recovery when looking at the price difference. The table below reflects costs converted to United States dollars.

Does insurance cover the cost of a labiaplasty?
Will insurance cover my plastic surgery procedure? It’s a common question for those considering cosmetic surgeries and the answer is an unhelpful maybe. To at least try to answer this query, let’s look at these definitions from the American Medical Association (AMA):

• Cosmetic Surgery: Procedures for reshaping normal structures for improved appearance and self-esteem.
  
  
• Reconstructive Surgery: Procedures performed on abnormal body structures resulting from congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, disease, infection, or tumors.
  
  
• To summarize: Reconstructive surgeries have the highest likelihood of being covered by insurance. Cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. Hybrid procedures with aesthetic and functional benefits may possibly be covered.

In the case of labiaplasty, it is typically not going to be covered by medical insurance. That being said, there may be some instances in which women undergo a labiaplasty to correct vaginal damage from trauma or childbirth. In these instances, health insurance may provide some financial coverage. To possibly gain insurance benefits, your medical provider will need to document medical necessity, in addition to evidence alternative therapies have been tried. More specific criteria from the ASPS are available for you to review with a provider during consultation.