Labiaplasty or labioplasty is a recently popularized plastic surgery procedure of the female external genitalia folds- the labia minora and/or the labia majora. Labiaplasty reduces the size and reshapes the inner lips of the outside of the vagina or the labia minora, or the outer lips, called labia majora.
Many women are born with too large, irregular, or asymmetrical labia minor. Others develop stretching and elongation of the labia as a result of childbirth or with aging. This presents not only an aesthetic predicament but more importantly a functional hindrance. Women with large and irregular labia are often embarrassed during sexual interactions, and feel uncomfortable with wearing bathing suites, tight clothes, or jogging shorts. Others experience pain or irritation during intercourse or feel that they can not reach optimal sexual pleasure because of the hindrance of their bulky labia minor.
Meanwhile, there are some women than develop very full and large labia majora (outer lips) as a result of weight gain. This becomes a noticeable nuisance when wearing tight pants, shorts, or bathing suits. It also traps moisture and causes skin irritation, rash, or even promotes yeast infection.
Traditionally, most gynecologists or plastic surgeons utilize the direct excision and reduction method of labiaplasty. With this method a long strip of the labia minora is excised, leaving a surgical incision at the edge of the Labia which takes longer to heal and can become sensitive. When feasible doctor utilizes technique which leaves no external scars, preserves maximum genital sensation, and looks very natural.
Reduction of the labia majora involves liposculpture and liposuction to reduce the unsightly protuberance of the labia majora. At times it is combined with the reduction and tightening of the mons pubis, otherwise called monsplasty.
Labioplasty female surgery is an outpatient procedure that is performed with sedation and local anesthesia. This procedure is rather short, and takes less than hour. At times labiaplasty is performed in conjunction with vagionoplasty (vaginal rejuvenation), tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation, or other cosmetic procedures.
Most patients experience mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising after labioplasty which lasts two to seven days. During this time, women can experience some spotting, and/or urinary hesitance. They should wear pads, and apply ointment to the surgical sites for comfort. They can take a shower or wash within six hours of surgery, and as frequently as they wish, then after. Although you can return to a sedate activities and work within two days, you should refrain from jogging, biking, horseback riding, running, heavy lifting, and sexual intercourse for about 4-6 weeks.
Labiaplasty is considered a minor surgical procedure, and thus is relatively safe. The most common potential complications are bleeding, minor infection, incision breakdown, scarring, and/or irritation
During your consultation doctor will show you preoperative and postoperative photos, discuss all details including: the latest available treatment options and techniques, potential risks and complications, pre- and post-treatment instructions, recovery course, as well as what to expect afterwards.