Labiaplasty
What is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty, also known as a labia reshaping, is a surgical procedure, a type of vaginal rejuvenation that is used to either enhance the look of female genitals or to treat functional impairments. It is done on the inner (labia minora). Labiaplasty, which is the most commonly requested vaginal rejuvenation procedure, is a cosmetic surgery that reduces the length of the labia minora, or the outer portion of the female genitalia. A long labia minora may also cause discomfort during intercourse. Most women, however, opt to have labiaplasty because the appearance of their genitalia makes them feel self-conscious. Childbirth, significant weight loss, and aging can all change the contours of the vaginal structures, resulting in tissues that have stretched over time.
Needs to Get Labiaplasty
There are several needs why to select for labiaplasty that ranges from health reasons to enhance aesthetics. Some of the reasons why an individual gets labiaplasty are listed below:
- Discomfort while walking, exercising, cycling and horseriding and other regular activities as it is pulled or twisted due to its enlarged size.
- Lower self-confidence
- Conscious about wearing tight clothes
- Catches infections frequently, especially urinary tract infections
As each patient’s body is different, some might have unique reasons to get labiaplasty.
Good Candidate for Labiaplasty?
If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your vagina and it makes you feel self-conscious, labiaplasty may be an ideal solution for you. Whether you were born with an atypical structure, or your genitalia went through changes during puberty or following weight loss, childbirth, or menopause, labiaplasty can help correct:
- Long, hanging, or obvious labia
- Extruding vaginal lips
- Asymmetrical appearance
- Vaginal/labial discomfort
Before you undergo labiaplasty, you should be in good health, both physically and emotionally, and set realistic expectations for your results. If you’re a smoker, you should quit prior to your procedure to make healing easier and ensure optimal results.
How is Labiaplasty Surgery done?
Labiaplasty requires a local aesthetic or intravenous sedation to ensure total comfort throughout the procedure. Because the initial incisions go on either side of the labia, they’re barely noticeable once they’ve healed. After removal of the excess tissues, skin is sutured into place.
Different techniques for labiaplasty
Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure which means you should be able to return home the same day. There are two kinds of labiaplasty:
- Trim labiaplasty: will reduce the size of your labia by removing excess skin along the outer edge of the labia and stitching it back up.
- Wedge labiaplasty: will reduce the size of your labia by removing a wedge or V-shaped section of your labia at the widest point and then stitching the edges together
Labiaplasty Recovery Timeline
Patient can be sent back home with a dressing over the surgery site similar to a pad used for menstruation. Swelling is normal after a procedure and can be reduced by placing a cold pack between your underwear and an elastic garment . While swelling will somewhat obscure your results for the first several days, you’ll be able to see your new, contoured shape once the swelling dissipates. You should be able to resume normal activities, including sexual intercourse, in two to three weeks. Pain can be managed with over-counter-medications or stronger medications prescribed. Stitches used in labiaplasty are generally absorbable and will dissolve over the course of a few weeks. Generally patient able to return to your typical daily activities in 5-7 days
Labiaplasty Results
The goal of labiaplasty surgery is to reduce the labia minora so they do not hang below the labia majora. A labiaplasty can also be performed to make the labia more symmetrical. Scarring from labiaplasty is minimal. Most women who experienced discomfort during sexual intercourse, pain while performing certain physical activities, or were displeased with the appearance of their vagina, indicate relief of symptoms and happiness with appearance after surgery. Many women feel more comfortable wearing yoga pants and other work-out gear.
Risks and complications of labia surgery?
Complications are infrequent, but can include:
- Too much tissue or not enough tissue is removed.
- Bleeding.
- Bruising (hematoma).
- Infection.
- Wound breakdown.