Labiaplasty is a surgery performed to reduce the size of the labia minora (the inner tissues on either side of the vagina). The surgery is done on women past early adulthood because the labia minora can continue growing even after puberty.
The procedure involves surgical techniques to shorten and reshape the inner vaginal lips to align with the outer lips (labia majora) and give the vagina a natural look.
Read on and learn how the surgical procedure is performed.
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Labiaplasty Candidacy
It’s normal to have some noticeable folded skin around the vaginal opening. However, if the look lowers your esteem when getting romantically involved with your partner, you can go for labiaplasty.
Genetics can cause the labia minora to extend, making it difficult for you to wear yoga or workout pants. Childbirth is another cause for the loose vagina hence enlarged labia.
On the other hand, the labia minora can lose its look due to age. And finally, hormonal fluctuations or inflammation due to rough sexual activities can rob the vagina of its natural look.
If you are in any of the above situations, you are a good candidate for labiaplasty.
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon for Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty is done for functional and cosmetic reasons. As such, you will get labiaplasty surgeons in independent health facilities. And the best step to ensure you get quality services is to go to a licensed clinic or hospital.
As a rule of thumb, search the clinics and hospitals online to compare the labiaplasty costs and determine who offers you the best prices. But once you have decided, book an appointment to meet the surgeon in person.
To confirm the surgeon’s expertise, request to know their qualification and experience. Also, check if the surgeon is registered. On the other hand, check the number of successful operations the surgeon has done before and the patient feedback.
Finally, let the surgeon examine your body and advise you about the labiaplasty surgery.
What Labiaplasty Involves
Depending on how you want your vagina reshaped and sized, the surgeon will help you decide on the surgery technique. Labiaplasty is done using local or general anesthesia with sedation. There are two main approaches to labiaplasty, as named below:
- Trim approach
- Wedge approach
The Trim Approach
The plastic surgeon removes the excess tissue from the outer edge of the labia minora. Trimming aims to have the labia minora aligned with the labia majora edges.
The Wedge Approach
The surgeon removes the pie-shaped tissue (wedge) from the inner part of the labia minora. The labia are stitched, and the submucosa is left in the vagina so the wrinkled part remains intact. Additionally, if you intend to reduce the labia majora (outer lips), the labium can be removed. In the end, the wedge technique gives the vagina a more natural look.
Post Labiaplasty Care and Recovery
The female genitalia area is very sensitive. After surgery, you will have bruising, soreness, and swelling. So, you need to give the area proper care by keeping it free from infections. Avoid tight underwear and refrain from sex and physical activities for about six weeks until you fully recover.
Use sanitary pads instead of tampons during periods and avoid long showers. After the shower, dry the wound and take enough rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does labiaplasty make your vagina tighter?
Yes. Labiaplasty reshapes and reduces the size of the vaginal lips. So you will have smooth skin and a tight vaginal opening. But remember, you should go for labiaplasty after you have passed early adulthood. This is because the labia minora continues to grow even after puberty.
Is getting labiaplasty worth it?
Nearly 90% of the women who go for labiaplasty say it’s worth it after recovery. Many women admit to their improved self-esteem when in romance with their partners. Also, other women who face discomfort due to enlarged labia say they can wear various undergarments after the surgery and walk easily.
Do men like labiaplasty?
In a study, 51% of men admitted the new vaginal appearance after the labiaplasty gave them more desire to have sex with their women. However, 60% of men said this change didn’t affect their sexual satisfaction.
How painful is labiaplasty recovery?
Labiaplasty is done using general or local anesthesia with sedation. So, you will rarely experience pain during the surgery. After the surgery, it’s less painful and has minimal discomfort because you can go home the same day. If you maintain good hygiene, you will heal faster with no pain.
How long does labiaplasty surgery take?
Labiaplasty takes around 45 minutes to two hours. But you may spend some more minutes before the actual surgery getting the post-surgery tests.
How do you pee after labiaplasty?
Urinating after labiaplasty will be a bit painful for a few days. Ideally, use a clean cloth with warm water to wipe the area after urination.
How long after labiaplasty can I walk?
You can start walking two days after labiaplasty surgery. However, full recovery takes two to four weeks. Always observe the plastic surgeon’s instructions during this time, and you’ll have the best results afterward.
