What Is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is nothing but a medical term for vaginal rejuvenation. The vagina is a crucial organ of the female reproductive tract that regulates menstrual blood flow and receives semen from the male reproductive tract for fertilization. Normally, the folds of skin known as the labia minora are present around the vagina and urethra. In addition, the two folds present on the outer side of the vagina are known as labia majora. The main function of these folds is to protect the genitals from trauma and cover the pubic hair. However, the problem arises when there is excess skin around the folds. As a result, the skin might get pinched during physical activities or sexual intercourse, causing discomfort for the patient. This is when labiaplasty comes into action. This surgery relieves the patient of the discomfort and can be done for cosmetic purposes or as a part of gender-affirming surgery. During the surgery, the doctor either removes the excess tissue, injects a specific material to enlarge the labia, or reconstructs the labia.
Why Is a Labiaplasty Done?
Labiaplasty is a part of cosmetic surgery procedures done to improve the look and length of the labia. Sometimes the labia minora and labia majora are of unequal sizes and asymmetrical. Hence, labiaplasty is a one-stop solution for such problems. In addition, labiaplasty is done for the following reasons:
-
It helps reduce the size of the labia minora so that it does not extend beyond the outlines of the labia majora.
-
It helps a female eliminate the excess skin folds that might twist, turn, or get pinched, causing extreme pain and discomfort during daily physical activities.
-
Labiaplasty also helps improve genital hygiene because excessive skin folds can provide shelter to bacteria resulting in urinary tract infections.
-
Some females opt for labiaplasty to improve the look that has got disturbed due to childbirth or aging.
-
It helps the labia majora achieve a symmetrical and even shape.
-
Labiaplasty helps improve self-esteem and reduce the visible lines or bulges that become noticeable while wearing leggings or pants.
-
It helps improve confidence during sexual intercourse and enhances sexual performance.
-
Labiaplasty is also crucial for gender-affirming procedures. The surgeon can reconstruct the labia or create new labia using the surrounding tissues.
How Should the Patient Prepare for Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is used to correct the oversized skin folds around the vagina. The skin folds can become enlarged due to menopause, hormonal variations, childbirth, changes in weight, and genetics. The below-mentioned things need to be followed before the procedure:
-
The doctor will first discuss the procedure with the patient.
-
The doctor also explains the surgery's pros and cons and would like to know the patient's reasons for undergoing labiaplasty.
-
The patient must clearly state her expectations from the surgery.
-
Next, the doctor might refer the patient to a psychiatrist for psychological examination and evaluation of the symptoms like stress and anxiety.
-
The doctor will also explain the sites where the incisions will be made and the changes that can be expected in the vagina post-surgery.
-
Finally, the patient will be asked to undergo certain tests like urinalysis and a complete blood count to ensure that the patient is medically fit for undergoing the procedure.
-
Some adjustments might be recommended in the diet and medications to ensure the surgery can be done safely.
What Happens During the Surgery?
The patient will be asked to wear a surgical gown on the day of surgery. Next, the doctor will record the patient's vitals, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, and oxygen levels. Next, the patient must undergo a blood test and urinalysis. Next, the doctor attaches an intravenous line to the patient's arm or might insert a catheter in the urethra. Finally, the doctor cleans the labia and the surrounding skin to make it bacteria free. Local or general anesthesia is administered depending on the situation. Next, the doctor carries out the procedure using the techniques required to reshape or resize the labia. The surgical reduction can be made using the following two approaches:
-
Wedge Technique - During this procedure, the doctor incises a wedge-shaped tissue from the inner sides of the labia minora leaving the submucosal tissue intact. The advantage of this procedure is that the normal look of the labia remains unaffected.
-
Trim Technique - During this procedure, the doctor removes the excess tissues from the outer edges of the labia minora so that it becomes even.
Other procedures:
-
Enlarging Procedure - The doctor takes a small amount of fat from a particular area of the body, such as the thighs or abdomen, and injects it into the labia majora. It resembles the liposuction procedure. Hyaluronic acid can also be injected into the labia majora as an alternative.
-
Gender-Affirming Surgery - During this procedure, the tissue from the penis can be used to reconstruct the labia. Labiaplasty is an integral step of the gender-affirming procedure.
What Happens After Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is always performed at the doctor's office and is usually completed in two hours. Once the surgery is complete, the doctor removes the catheter, and the patient is allowed to rest until the effect of the anesthesia wears off. Next, the patient will be checked for bleeding and other symptoms. Finally, the patient will be provided necessary instructions and discharged.
What Are the Complications of Labiaplasty?
The patient can have mild swelling, pain, or discomfort after the surgery, which can be managed with over-the-counter drugs like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen. However, if the pain or swelling persists even after taking medications, the patient can contact the surgeon immediately. In addition, home remedies like ice packs can be helpful at times. The ice pack can be applied to the affected area for 20 minutes to overcome pain or tenderness. The patient must wear loose-fitting pants and avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes for a few days after the procedure. The patient needs to wash the wound using lukewarm water. Wipe the area gently but do not rub it. The patient should eat only those foods that the doctor recommends to avoid constipation and strain on the vagina. Unfortunately, though the procedure is simple, the patient can present with the following complications rarely:
-
The vaginal tissue might have been incompletely removed.
-
Profuse bleeding.
-
Bruising or hematoma.
-
Infections.
-
Scarring.
-
Loss of sensations.
-
Pus discharge.
-
Fever.
-
Pain while passing urine.
-
Excessive swelling.
Conclusion:
Labiaplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure commonly done to improve the physical appearance of the vagina. It helps females restore the symmetry and size of the labia majora and labia minora. Though it is an outpatient procedure, the patient must consult the doctor to know about the risks and long-term benefits. Hence, this surgery is a boon for the ones looking for vaginal rejuvenation.
