Computer Imaging In Labiaplasty / Vaginoplasty

It's a question that many women stress over: What will I look like after I have my labiaplasty or vaginoplasty operation? With most forms of cosmetic surgery, computer imaging allows the patient to see this ahead of time. And a new imaging system being tested at Vanderbilt University Medical Center is answering the question with even greater accuracy.

Currently, the system is being used to show patients what they will look like as a result of facial plastic surgery. However, what begins being used for facial surgery inevitably makes its way to other cosmetic procedures as well.

Dr. Russell Ries, an associate professor of Otolaryngology at the university, says the system is extremely powerful. The doctor notes that the computer is able to show the patient with stunning realism what her face will look like. While it's no guarantee, the likeness between the computer image and the final result is amazing.

Dr. Ries notes that it is, of course, helpful to show the patient what other patients looked like after a similar procedure. But nothing compares to showing the patient a glimpse of her possible future--that is, what she personally will look like. And of course, should the technology make its way to labiaplasty and vaginoplasty, this same truth will hold.

The computer even has the ability to morph from what the patient looks like now to the proposed new look. It can also show the results of laser resurfacing by blending away the patient's wrinkles and fine lines. The computer also has special modules for teaching specific cosmetic procedures to other physicians.

Currently, Dr. Ries and two nurses have been trained on the imaging system. While the image is almost always close to the final result, the staff is still careful to notify patients that the image is just a simulation, and that their final results might vary somewhat. Furthermore, Ries says he sometimes shows something on the computer screen that is a bit less than the best he can achieve. This way, they are never disappointed, but many times, find that the final result is even better than they'd expected.

And of course, one of the greatest advantages is that the patient can work with the doctor. She can look at the image and say, No, I'd like it a bit smaller here, or express other changes she'd prefer. The doctor can then keep modifying the image until the medical staff and patient are all on the same page, and in total agreement.

An totally accurate imaging system such as this might hold future potential for vaginoplasty patients, since they are primarily concerned with the appearance of the vagina. Together with the doctor, the patient will be able to work on sculpting the perfect image that will have the woman leaving the doctor's office fully confident in herself.

Until then, there are still methods in place for you to know, with some certainty, what the final, new vagina will look like. To find out more, talk in-depth about the subject with your surgeon, before the procedure takes place.