Cosmetic Genital Surgery

Many women are born with too large, irregular, or asymmetrical labia minor. Others develop stretching and elongation of the labia as a result of childbirth or with aging. This presents not only an aesthetic predicament but more importantly a functional hindrance. Women with large and irregular labia are often embarrassed during sexual interactions, and feel uncomfortable while wearing bathing suites, tight clothes, or jogging shorts. Others experience pain or irritation during intercourse or feel that they can not reach optimal sexual pleasure because of the hindrance of their bulky labia minor.

There are also some women that develop very full and large labia majora (outer lips) as a result of weight gain. This becomes a noticeable when wearing tight pants, shorts, or bathing suits. It also traps moisture and causes skin irritation, rash, or even helps yeast infection.

Consultation

During your consultation, doctor will show you before and after photos, discuss all the details including: the latest available treatment options and techniques, potential risks and complications, pre- and post-treatment instructions, recovery course, as well as what to expect afterwards. 

The Procedure

Traditionally, most gynaecologists or plastic surgeons use the direct excision and reduction method of labiaplasty. With this method a long strip of the labia minora is excised, leaving a surgical incision at the edge of the Labia which takes longer to heal and can become sensitive. When possible doctor employs technique which leaves no external scars, preserves maximum genital sensation, and looks very natural.

Reduction of the labia majora involves liposculpture and liposuction to reduce the protuberance of the labia majora. At times it is combined with the reduction and tightening of the mons pubis, also called monsplasty.

Labiaplasty female genital surgery is an outpatient procedure that is performed with sedation and local anaesthesia. This procedure is rather short, and takes less than an hour. Labiaplasty could be with vaginoplasty (vaginal rejuvenation), tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation, or other cosmetic procedures. In our partner clinic, normally, this genital surgery is performed by a female plastic surgeon, but you may choose a male plastic surgeon as well.

After the Procedure

Most patients experience mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising after labiaplasty which lasts two to seven days. During this time, women can experience some spotting, and/or urinary hesitance. Patients should wear pads, and apply ointment to the treated areas for comfort. Shower and bathing is allowed within six hours of the surgery, and as frequently as wished, then after. Although you can return to normal activities and work within two days, you should refrain from jogging, biking, horseback riding, running, heavy lifting, and sexual intercourse for about 4-6 weeks.

Labiaplasty is considered a minor surgical procedure, and thus is relatively risk free. The most common potential complications are bleeding, minor infection, incision breakdown, scarring, and/or irritation.

The history of labiaplasty dates back to ancient Egypt and was based on the Pharaonic belief in the bisexuality of gods. In contrast to the controversial labiaplasty procedures being performed for religious reasons, many Westernized women seek labiaplasty surgery for functional or aesthetic concerns and the number of such patients has been continuously increasing. Although labiaplasty procedures have traditionally been performed by gynaecologists or urologists, this procedure is becoming more common in plastic surgery practices. It’s important to notice that distinction between normal and abnormal anatomy is quite challenging. Sometimes labial hypertrophy may be a normal variant and asymmetry of the female genitalia is a natural occurrence as well. But when enlarged outer lips of the vagina cause embarrassment or physical discomfort women take a bold step – address plastic surgeon. The most common reasons of labial hypertrophy include aging, weight loss, as well as childbirth or heredity. There are many techniques to reduce their size and to improve aesthetic appearance: Elliptical and Wedge Excision, Extended Central-Wedge Excision, Zig-Zag Technique, Modified Double Wedge Resection (“Star” Labioplasty).

The Procedure

This surgery takes about one and a half hours and is usually performed under general or local anaesthesia. During operation the scar is hidden in the concavity between the inner and outer labia. After the genital surgery patients experience moderate postoperative discomfort for up to two weeks, which can be partially alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs and ice packs. Good hygiene is essential in order to prevent infection. Patients can return to work in 5 days, resume sexual relations in about 4-8 weeks. No decline in sensation or ability to have orgasms is noticed. Normally, in our partner clinic for our patients’ comfort this genital surgery is performed by a female plastic surgeon, but you may choose a male plastic surgeon as well.

Possible complications are quite rare and include distal flap necrosis, hematoma, superficial infection, skin retraction, late local pain, and transient dyspareunia.