Labiaplasty
Over the course of time there can be changes in the size of the labia resulting from childbirth, sexual intercourse, inflammation from urinary problems and even constant skin irritations such as chronic dermatitis. In some cases, women just want to feel better about themselves and less self-conscious about their labia irregularities. Labiaplasty is the surgical reduction of the inner vaginal lips or labia minora. Most women desire this type of surgery for improvement of the appearance, but some require a labiaplasty for medical reasons.
What Is a Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a simple surgery designed to reduce the dangling and protrusion of the inner lips (labia minora). Labia majora reduction or outer vaginal lip reduction is available for women complaining of bulkiness in their swimsuit bottom. Clitoral hood redundancies may also be addressed surgically for improved appearance and confidence in the bedroom. Like facial rejuvenation, fillers and fat are used to plump the outer vaginal lips to achieve a more youthful vaginal area.
Why Choose Labiaplasty?
Many women now shave or wax the bikini area and are more interested in looking neat and trim. Specifically, while looking at themselves in the mirror standing nude, some women dislike the dangling of the inner lips (labia minora) beyond the outer lips (labia majora). Some women are bothered by asymmetry in the labia (one side hangs down lower than the other), others note changes in length and texture after childbirth and menopause, and yet others experience rubbing and discomfort during cycling or during intercourse.
What Are The Benefits?
Can Other Surgeries Be Performed At The Same Time?
Correction of the dangling or redundancy of the inner lips or labia minora makes women more comfortable in their clothes and decreases rubbing during active sports. Women may feel sexier in sheer lingerie and studies have shown that women who are happy with the appearance of their vaginal area are more confident in the bedroom.
Labia minora reduction can be combined safely with other surgeries for vaginal rejuvenation. For instance, clitoral hood reduction, labia majora reduction and fat injection of the mons pubis or labia majora can be combined with labiaplasty.
Scarring, bleeding, infection, and excess removal of tissue resulting in asymmetry are rare complication with the procedure.
What Are The Risks?
How Is Labiaplasty Preformed?
Depending on the type of surgery and your comfort level with surgery, your doctor may choose either local or general anesthesia. Labiaplasty is generally performed in an outpatient surgical facility and takes about 60 minutes.
What is Recovery Like?
After the labiaplasty procedure, in most cases, the patient can leave the surgery center within an hour. Patients can shower that day and are recommended to ice and stay off their feet for a few days to reduce swelling and bruising. Anti-inflammatory agents and pain medications may be prescribed. Their goal is to improve the appearance and function of the vaginal area.
