A Suitable Candidate for Labioplasty (Labiaplasty)
Patients requesting a Labiaplasty do so because the Labia Minora (inner tissue of the Vulva) is particularly elongated causing irritation and a rash, discomfort in tight clothing, during sexual intercourse or patients are simply self conscious.
Labiaplasty Surgery An Overview
Labiaplasty is a popular surgical procedure aimed at reshaping or resizing the female genitalia, specifically the labia minora and labia majora. Often, patients opt for a labiaplasty procedure due to enlarged labia minora or majora that may cause physical discomfort. This enlargement of the vaginal lips, often termed as enlarged labia, might lead to irritation, rashes, and even issues during sexual intercourse. Additionally, some women may feel self-conscious about the appearance of their labia, especially in tighter clothing.
Labiaplasty surgery, a specific type of cosmetic surgery, aims to reduce this elongation, alleviating the symptoms associated with enlarged labia. Beyond that, it’s known to improve sexual function, gratification, and boost the self-confidence of patients when wearing certain types of clothing. The overall goal is to achieve a more natural and aesthetic result, making the female patient feel more at ease with her body.
It’s crucial to differentiate between labiaplasty and vaginaplasty. While the former focuses on the labia, a vaginaplasty is geared towards tightening the vaginal vault or canal. Those seeking the latter should consult with a Gynaecologist.
When it comes to the actual labiaplasty procedure, plastic surgeons typically carry out the surgery under local anesthesia or a mix of sedation and local anesthesia. The excess labial tissue or excess skin is usually removed through a trim procedure. To ensure minimal scarring, the incisions made during the surgery are meticulously hidden and typically heal to be inconspicuous. After the removal of excess tissue, the area is sutured using dissolving stitches. To aid in healing, patients are advised to apply copious amounts of petroleum jelly combined with an antibacterial gel, along with a pad for around two weeks post-surgery.
Recovery & Possible Complications
Recovery from labiaplasty procedures is generally swift. The daily care of the wound promotes quicker healing, and patients can usually return to normal sexual function in about a month. Though some swelling, discomfort, or pain might be present initially, these usually diminish over time and can be alleviated with simple analgesics. On rare occasions, some patients might experience persistent bleeding from the wound, which tends to resolve on its own. However, in even rarer cases, cauterization of the bleeding point might be necessary. Patients should also expect potential bruising or hematoma, which could last anywhere from 7-10 days.
It’s also worth noting that like any plastic surgery, labiaplasty has possible complications, including urinary tract infections. Thus, it’s essential to consult thoroughly with skilled plastic surgeons before opting for the surgery. Moreover, it’s a good idea to check if your private health insurance covers this type of reduction surgery for the vaginal opening.