Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure to trim and shape the vagina’s inner lips (labia minora), outer lips (labia majora) or both. The labia minora are the inner flaps of skin that cover the clitoris and vagina. The labia majora are the parts of the labia on the outside of the body. Surgery on the labia can be as a reduction and can improve the appearance of an abnormal labis. Some women may be born with large labia and others may develop it with childbirth or age.
The aging process, childbirth, and the effects of gravity may all deform the beauty of the female genitalia including the labia minora, labia majora, clitoral hood, and perineum. The skin that covers the female clitoris and vaginal opening, or labia minora, that is long may interfere or cause pain with exercise or intercourse. It can cause embarrassment for some when wearing certain clothes, such as bathing suits, leggings, or tight jeans which may call attention to any bulge. Over time the labia majora may relax and sag, while the perineum may show signs of scarring from an episiotomy or laceration incurred during childbirth.
The surgery is relatively minor and not known to be painful. The surgery is done as an outpatient procedure and is performed in a surgical center. With the complication rate being so low, you can you can probably return to work in 5 days. Sexual activity may resume in about 4-6 weeks.
There are many reasons why women choose to go through this type of surgery, every reason from physical pain to sexual dissatisfaction and aesthetic beauty. It is important for you to understand how your body affects you and to see how to better explain to your surgeon how you would like the procedure to be achieved. It is not meant to be a source of embarrassment or pain- but to be a normal part of your everyday life.
An enlarged or hypertrophic labia may be psycho-socially bothersome for many women. The possibility of local irritation or problems with personal hygiene can interfere with sexual intercourse and discomfort during physical activity. Patients usually decide the post operative size of their labia, but it is important to remember the function of the labia minora as well. The labia minora protect the vaginal orifice when the thighs are spread and therefore, overcorrection is not highly avoided.
Procedure:
During the Labiaplasty, the inner lips of the vulva are adjusted for symmetry (reduced). Reduction of the labia minora is performed under local or general anesthesia with care taken to obtain as natural a result as possible. Care is taken to avoid over-resection of the labia, to avoid interference with the clitoris or urethral opening. The reduction of the labia minora may serve to improve physical comfort and sexuality of the patient. Scars are minimal and normally only visible to the trained eye. Sensitivity is usually not an issue: psychological and relational components of dysfunctional vaginal experience can neither be caused, nor treated by surgery. This procedure is known as Labiaplasty, Labioplasty, Labial Reduction Surgery, Labia Reduction Surgery, or Vulvar Surgery.
Risks include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Temporary numbness
- Asymmetry between the inner and outer labia lips
- Pigmentation changes
- Decreased feeling in that area
- Pain
- Excess scar tissue buildup (appearing as lumps on the treated area)
- Hematoma (break in blood vessel causing localized blood-filled area or blood clot)
- Puckering or creases of the skin
- Sexual dysfunction
After Surgery:
After the Labiaplasty, there will be a dressing in that area that is similar to a pad worn during menstruation. Patients are expected to be on bed rest for one week. Ice may be applied to the area for that week of bed rest.
Patients may go back to their daily routines after one week but with extreme caution. Patients are asked to avoid strenuous activity as well as sexual intercourse for 4-6 weeks after surgery.
To learn more about Clinique Dallas Plastic Surgery and the wide variety of procedures we perform, please call our office at (972) 566-2010 or send us an email using the contact form.