Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty: What is it?
Labiaplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that reshapes or reduces the size of the labia minora (inner lips of the vulva) or labia majora (outer lips of the vulva). The procedure is becoming increasingly popular among women who are dissatisfied or self-conscious about the appearance of their genitalia. Labiaplasty, also known as Vulvaplasty or Labia reduction, is a surgical procedure that aims to alter the size and shape of the labia minora or labia majora.
Procedure of Labiaplasty
The procedure can be performed on one or both sides of the labia, and it can be a combination of both. The surgery can be performed using various techniques, including the trim method, the wedge method, and the de-epithelialization method. The trim method involves removing excess labial tissue and suturing the incision edges together.
Types of Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty, a vaginal rejuvenation procedure that involves surgically reducing the inner (and occasionally outer) labia, can enhance a woman’s physical and emotional health. There are three main kinds of labiaplasty, and each one provides different outcomes and advantages.
- The wedge:
The widest area of the labia are exposed by cutting a V-shaped wedge of skin using the wedge technique. The outer margins are preserved while the two exposed edges are sewn together to create a labia that protrudes much less.
- The de-epithelialization:
A wedge- or diamond-shaped portion of tissue is lost from the inner face of the labia during de-epithelialization. After that, the region is stitched shut, resulting in a smaller overall size for the labia.
- Trim(Liner) Technique:
Trim labiaplasty involves making a linear incision along the outer edge of the inner labia and removing excess skin. The scarring is concealed by closing the incision at the margin of the labia. Rarely, this scar may turn into a ridge and leave a less-natural-looking edge.
The procedure can take between one to two hours, and it can be performed under local anesthesia, general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. In the preceding treatments, all wounds are stitched shut using absorbable sutures, which don’t require removal after a certain amount of time. surgery dressing has been applied to your surgery site.
What motivates someone to want a Labiaplasty?
- Physical and medical conditions:
- For Emotional and Cosmetic Purposes:
- Gender-affirming medical procedures:
- Labia minora should be made smaller so that it does not extend past the margins of labia majora. During exercise, physical activities (like biking or jogging), and intercourse, extra labial tissue can twist, turn, get pinched or twisted, and create physical discomfort and annoyance.
- To promote better hygiene and wellness since too much tissue can clog up drains and harbor germs that can cause urinary tract infections.
- Regain a more youthful appearance following childbearing or aging.
- Minimize the labia minora or labia majora’s asymmetry (uneven shape), which occurs when one side is longer or formed differently than the other.
- To boost confidence and get rid of the “camel toe” appearance or visual lines when wearing body-conforming pants or leggings. If there is too much tissue in the labia, wearing tight clothing might be physically uncomfortable.
- To increase sexual well-being, comfort, and confidence over how your genitalia look during close contact.
Labia can be made from genital tissue if surgery is a part of a gender-affirming procedure. Labiaplasty can be done either before or after other reconstruction procedures.
Benefits of Labiaplasty
There are several benefits of undergoing labiaplasty, including:
- Improved Appearance:
Women may choose labiaplasty to address the discomfort or embarrassment caused by a large or asymmetrical labia that protrudes beyond the labia majora.
- Increased Comfort:
Some women experience discomfort, pain or irritation during activities such as sex, exercise, or wearing tight clothes due to a protruding labia. Labiaplasty can relieve these symptoms.
- Enhanced Self-Esteem:
Labiaplasty can help women feel more confident and comfortable with their genitalia, leading to an overall improvement in self-esteem and body image.
- Improved Sexual Function:
Labiaplasty can improve sexual function in women with excess labia tissue, leading to enhanced sexual pleasure and satisfaction.
How to clean the area around the labia after surgery?
Wash your wound with lukewarm water and no soap. After urinating, gently wipe or dab the area to dry; do not massage the surgical area.
Pre-operative Consultation Before undergoing labiaplasty
During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the patient’s medical history, medical conditions, medications and any allergies.
The surgeon will also discuss the expected results of the surgery, the benefits, risks, and complications associated with the procedure. Patients will also have the opportunity to ask any questions they may have and discuss their expectations of the surgery.
Post-operative Care After the Procedure
The majority of the time, doctors encourage their patients to take quick showers rather than long baths or swimming sessions. The vulva should be gently cleaned, patted dry, and dressed every day with clean dressings. Warm water rinses are also advised. Rinsing ought to be done following each bathroom visit. Reapplying dry, clean dressings on a regular basis for at least five days, or until the wound is dry, is advised.
Patients are advised to refrain from sexual activity for at least 6 to 8 weeks after surgery in order to encourage quick healing, reduce scarring, and prevent infection.
After a labiaplasty, pain is typically present, and when necessary, anti-inflammatory medications are frequently provided. Applying cold packs can help to reduce inflammation, discomfort, and swelling.
Running, heavy lifting, and straining all create pressure on the perineum and can lead to wound collapse. Once the discomfort is manageable without the use of medication, driving should be resumed. Additionally, it is advised against riding a bicycle or a horse while seated astride the object.