labiaplasty
Why is labiaplasty a thing?
Labiaplasty much like the name, is a sensitive topic which sometimes divides medical professionals. The truth is regardless of your personal feelings or your doctor’s feelings about labiaplasty, it is something that a significant amount of women do think about and consider important to their overall wellbeing. At En Sante Clinic & Medical Spa, we welcome open discussion and a safe space for women to voice their concerns, wether it’s simply to know if their body parts are normal or explore barriers intimate wellness.
What is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the labia, or outer lips, of the vulva. During this procedure, excess or asymmetrical tissue from either side of the labia minora (inner lips) can be reduced or removed entirely. This can provide greater comfort and relief during physical activity, and also give a more aesthetically pleasing appearance to the external genitalia. In some cases, the labia majora (outer lips) may also be altered through fat transfer or liposuction, to create a more symmetrical shape.
Why Labiaplasty?
Women typically desire this procedure due to purely physical or deeply personal reasons.
Often there is exaggerated asymmetry of the labia minora or excessive growth of the tissue causing emotional and physical discomfort.
Enlarged and hypertrophic labia can affect ability to engage in exercises, riding a bike, taking a spinning class or horseback riding. For some women, excessively large labia affect the ability to be intimate in relationships due to pain with intercourse.
For others, it may simply be feeling self conscious about the appearance and as such affects their ability to relax and engage in intimate sexual relationships.
For women who have had vaginal deliveries and menopausal women, hormone changes can cause changes in color, elasticity and plumpless of the tissue, leaving a wrinkly deflated appearance that affects confidence.
Labiaplasty is performed to address specific needs such as changes in color, rough texture and sagging tissue.
Who is a good candidate for Labiaplasty?
The labiaplasty procedure typically begins with an initial consultation between patient and surgeon. During this meeting, the surgeon will assess the patient’s anatomical structure, discuss goals and expectations for outcomes, review medical history and any associated risks, as well as provide preoperative care instructions such as discontinuing certain medications prior to surgery.
How is Labiaplasty performed?
The exact steps taken in performing the procedure depends on specific needs addressed during consultation. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia and typically takes between one and three hours depending on the complexity of the desired results.
During this time, excess tissue from either side of the labia minora will be removed with a scalpel or laser in order to achieve a desired shape and size. Fat may be removed from the mons pubis and inner thigh regions in order to achieve greater symmetry between both sides of genitalia.
In some cases, liposuction may also be used in order to reduce any excess fat in the area. Afterward, dissolvable sutures will be used to close up any remaining incisions before being covered with sterile dressings.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Labiaplasty?
- Enlarged or misshapen, distorted or asymmetrical labia
- Feeling body conscious and decreased confidence in sexual relations
- Undesired protrusion of labia through tight clothing, swimwear or gym clothes
- Healthy and able to heal normally after surgery
- Having pain with intercourse
- Rubbing or chafing with exercise and sporting activities
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Labiaplasty?
Following the procedure patients may experience mild discomfort for around 7 to 14 days which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and Tylenol. It is important to abstain from strenuous activities such as swimming and exercise during this time period in order for optimal healing.
Antibiotics may be prescribed as a preventative measure against infection, and panty liners or pads are used to protect the sensitive skin around the area being treated. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling and discomfort during recovery; heavier activities including exercise should not be resumed until cleared by your surgeon to do so.
Postoperative swelling may also occur but generally resolves within two weeks following surgery. Patients should also avoid sexual activity about four weeks post operation in order to ensure proper healing has taken place.
