What is Labioplasty?

Labioplasty or Labiaplasty, is a vagina surgery, which involves reduction of the labia. 

 The female external genitalia consists of the vaginal opening, urinary opening and a peak with many sensitive nervous endings called the clitoris. This whole area is covered on all sides with gentle folds of skin tissue. The inner lips (labia minora) come together in the area of clitoris. The female external genitalia is covered on all sides with larger skin folds with fat cushions, known as the outer lips (labia majora). The outer lips usually cover and protect the external genitalia. Sometimes the labia minora grows larger in size or length and thus protrudes between the labia majora.  If the inner lips protrude too much they can cause discomfort in an aesthetic way and also in everyday life. Sometimes it is difficult to fit an abnormally enlarged labis into tight underwear or a swimsuit, sometimes it can cause discomfort during sport activities – for example bicycle riding. It can also cause problems with intimate hygiene and this “defect” can also represent a psychological obstacle during intercourse. Labiaplasty is effective with good results.

Who is a Candidate?

Most patients have Labiaplasty to reduce the length of the genetalia.

If you have long or hanging vaginal lips/genetalia, you can benefit from a labia reduction. Some women have always been this way, whereas others develop the problem after childbirth or as they get older. Those with full fatty vaginal lips can safely undergo liposuction of that area.

Labiaplasty will permit the reduction of large labia (labia minora and labia majora) to reduce their outward appearance and correct misshapenness or irregularities.

Performing Labiaplasty

• Sedatives and pain relievers are administered to reduce anxiety and pain before the procedure begins.

• Once properly positioned, a surgical outline is drawn on the area.

• Local anesthetic is injected into the area.

• Labiaplasty is performed by removing excess labial tissue.

• After this tissue is removed, the area is sutured to make sure it heals properly.

• Surgery usually takes about an hour

• The surgical scar may be hidden in the natural crease between the labia majora and labia minora

Recovery

Recovery time for Labiaplasty is generally fairly brief, with the majority of healing occurring in the first few weeks. If you don’t have a physically demanding job, you can generally return to work in a week or so. During recovery, it is very important to avoid strenuous activity, keep the area clean, and take antibiotics as prescribed. You will be informed of your follow -up appointment the day of your surgery, before you leave, so proper monitoring is ensured for towards your healing.

Minor irritation and discomfort may occur, and pain medication may be prescribed.  There cannot be any sexual activity for 6-8 weeks.

 Labiaplasty results

Labiaplasty almost always brings satisfactory results to the patient. Of course, much depends on the experiences of the Labiaplasty surgeon so that he/she is able to avoid possible complications. It also depends very much on the cooperation and discipline of the patient so that she can fulfill all the recommendations following the surgery. Some doctors – sexologists – don’t like these surgeries too much as they are afraid of a possible reduction of sexual sensation in women who have undergone Labioplasty. When Labiaplasty has been performed here, the opposite has been seen. Women who have had the surgery mention mostly improved sensations during sexual intercourse. Also by having the surgery, most psychological problems with their genitalia appearance may be removed. This contributes to a more relaxed and improved sex life.