Labiaplasty Failures - An Overview

What Is Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that increases or decreases the size of the labia. In other words, the appearance of the labia can be improved by labiaplasty. In addition, the surgery may also be performed to reduce discomfort in the area and also enhance the confidence of the patient. It is a type of aesthetic or cosmetic genital surgery. ‘Plasty’ means modification. Labiaplasty, in simpler terms, is the modification of the labia.

What Is Labia?

Vulva is the external part of the female genitalia. It includes the part called the labia. The skin folds found on the external genital opening are called the labia or the lips. It is made of two parts- labia majora and labia minora. The outer lip covered by the pubic hair is the labia majora, while the inner lip is called the labia minora. The appearance of the labia varies from one to another- smooth or wrinkled, long or short. The color may also vary from pinkish to brownish or brownish-black.

Why Is Labiaplasty Done?

People opt for labiaplasty for a variety of reasons:

• To rectify enlarged labia due to vaginal birth, aging, hereditary or sexual activity.

• To correct enlarged labia minora, which protrudes and causes physical discomfort. It will prevent the woman from wearing tight-fitting bottoms.

• To increase self-confidence while participating in sexual activity.

• To prevent infections and improve hygiene, excess tissue can increase the growth of infectious organisms.

• To rectify asymmetric labia.

• To increase the thickness of the labia.

What Are the Different Types of Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty may include the following procedures:

• Labia Minora Procedure: Labia minora procedure improves the appearance of the labia minora.

• Labia Majora Procedure: Labia majora procedures are done to remove excess tissues or fat from the outer lips.

• Mons Pubis Procedure: Mons pubis is the fatty tissue found over the pubic bone. By mons pubis procedure, excess fat will be removed from the area by liposuction. Excess fat deposits develop due to obesity, pregnancy, or vaginal birth.

• Clitoral Hood Reduction: The pleasure center of the female reproductive system is the clitoris. By clitoral hood reduction, excess tissue will be removed to regain appearance and sensation.

What Are the Things to Take Into Consideration Before Labiaplasty?

Some things should be considered before undergoing the surgery. They are as follows:

• Quitting smoking, as smoking can increase postoperative complications and may cause the failure of the surgery.

• Managing weight and decreasing excess weight in case of obesity.

• Discussing with the doctor about the medications that the patient is already taking.

• Discussing medical conditions and hospitalization history.

How Is Labiaplasty Performed?

The different labiaplasty techniques are:

• Edge Trim Technique: This is the most commonly used procedure by surgeons, where the excess tissues from the labia minora will be removed, and the end will be sutured with soluble materials. The procedure will make the labia minora even with the labia majora.

• Wedge Technique: In this technique, a partial thickness wedge will be removed from the inner side of the thickest portion of the labia minora. The submucosa of the tissues beneath the mucous membrane should be left intact. This helps in preserving the wrinkled edge of the vagina, making it look natural.

• De-epithelization Technique: With this technique, the lining tissue of the labia will be removed.

• Enlargement Procedure: This technique is done to make the labia enlarged in its size. For this, tissue or fat will be taken from a different body part by a process called liposuction. This fat tissue will be injected into the labia majora.

Risks Associated With Labiaplasty:

There are risks associated with labiaplasty procedures. They are:

• Asymmetry: Even if the procedure aims to improve the appearance, the result may not be achieved. In some cases, the lips may get asymmetrical in their size.

• Infection: The surgical area can get infected, and the wound may develop scarring.

• Bleeding: There are chances of excessive bleeding and hematoma.

• Discomfort: The treated area may become extremely painful or swollen. If infected, these symptoms get even worse.

• Over Correction: Overcorrection happens when excess removal of fat or tissue is done during the procedure. This may also lead to negative outcomes.

• Altered Sensation: When a vascular injury takes place during the surgery, the sensation gets affected. The person may either experience a decreased sensation or numbness.

• Painful Sex: Labiaplasty can cause sexual intercourse to be painful and hard in the future.

• Delayed Wound Healing: This may be due to reasons like poor post-operative care, systemic conditions, or infections.

How to Manage Discomfort After Labiaplasty?

• Over-the-counter medications like Acetaminophen help in decreasing discomforts like pain and swelling.

• If the discomforts are severe, it is essential to consult the doctor.

• It is important to take the prescribed antibiotic medications to prevent or relieve infections.

• Wearing loose-fitting clothes helps in the easy healing of the wound. This may also prevent infections.

• It is necessary to pat the area dry intermittently to prevent infections.

• Taking long showers should be avoided.

• Performing strenuous activities or riding bikes or two-wheelers may exert more pressure on the area and should be avoided. Such activities can affect wound healing and can also increase bleeding.

• The patient should not participate in sexual activities for a few days to weeks after the surgery.

• No soap should be applied to wash the area. Instead, the wound can be gently washed with lukewarm water.

• Chances of constipation are high post-operatively. Therefore, the diet should contain an adequate amount of fiber to relieve constipation.

• It is necessary to consult the doctor in cases like severe bleeding, extreme pain, pus discharge, excessive swelling, and unmanageable constipation.

Conclusion

Labiaplasty is a cosmetic genital surgery done to improve the appearance of the genitalia and to reduce discomfort in the area. The procedure may improve the appearance and sensation but may also lead to complications or failures. It is also necessary to visit a surgeon who is experienced to improve the outcome of the procedure. Taking proper pre-operative care, carrying out the surgery in a hygienic way, and caring well during post-operative time help in decreasing the complications.