A Gynecologist or a Plastic Surgeon For Your Labiaplasty?

At Associated Plastic Surgeons S.C. in Chicago, we offer more than the typical range of plastic surgery. We do offer breast augmentation, tummy tucks, and liposuction, and all the much-in-demand cosmetic surgery procedures that have become so popular in recent years. But we also offer female vaginal rejuvenation procedures, of which labiaplasty is the most common.

Different Specialty Training

Both a gynecologist and a plastic surgeon are qualified and able to perform a labiaplasty. Gynecologists are highly trained in female anatomy and physiology and familiar with the changes that childbirth can make to the labia. Although they are medical doctors, they have done their specialty training in gynecology rather than plastic surgery. Their experience has focused on pregnancy and childbirth rather than on surgically modifying the human body.

Plastic surgeons have done their specialty training in surgery, and have gone further to focus on reconstructive or cosmetic surgery. They have undergone extra training in surgical techniques and are very familiar with the risks, benefits, and recovery requirements of major surgery that involves general anesthesia. To a large degree, many of the surgical procedures they perform are considered elective (and by nature not necessary).

Different Mindsets

A plastic surgeon is more accustomed than a gynecologist to listening to patients cosmetic desires as to their body appearance and shape. The two specialties have different mindsets.

• A plastic surgeon gives more weight to a woman's subjective attitudes to her femininity and is typically more comfortable performing elective surgery.
• A gynecologist will more typically reserve any surgeries for disease treatment and will not consider a woman's desire or preference as sufficient reason for a surgery.

You may have an excellent and longstanding relationship with your gynecologist. But rather than turn to him or her for specialized cosmetic surgery, you may consider the option to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon. Chicago Plastic Surgeon Dr. Placik has very wide experience in all plastic surgery procedures. He will be happy to give you a personal, private consultation and answer your questions. At Associated Plastic Surgeons S.C., we put a high value on patient education. If you would like to know more about your cosmetic surgery options, please call our Chicago or Arlington Heights plastic surgery offices or send our Chicago Cosmetic Surgeon an email.