Labiaplasty (vulval surgery) is also known by many other names, including vaginal rejuvenation, vaginoplasty, and aesthetic genital plastic surgery. Essentially, it is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves modifying the inner or outer vaginal lips to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Find out what a labiaplasty involves, why some women choose to have it, and what are the potential benefits and risks.
What are the labia major and labia minora?
The term labia majora means "larger lips." They are a pair of prominent skin folds that form the border of the vulva. They enclose the labia minora or "smaller lips," which are also skin folds that extend downward from the clitoris. The labias cover the vulva, the opening of the vagina, and the urethra. They become engorged with blood and swollen when a woman is sexually aroused.
What is labiaplasty plastic surgery?
Labiaplasty is a procedure in which plastic surgeons modify the shape and size of the labia majora and labia minora. It is usually performed on the inner labia to create a more tucked in appearance, which many people believe is a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. It is worth noting, however, that the perception of what constitutes normal or aesthetically pleasing labia can vary greatly from person to person. In general, a labiaplasty is offered when a patient feels her labia are too long.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, around 12,000 women undergo a labiaplasty each year in the United States. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that around 165,000 labiaplasties are performed annually worldwide.
Why do women get a labiaplasty?
There can be many reasons for patients to want a labiaplasty, including cosmetic and functional reasons. Studies have shown that the motivation to have this surgical treatment is practical as often as it is to improve appearance.
Some women suffer from self consciousness about the length of their labia, especially if they are visible through a bathing suit, yoga pants, or other form-fitting garments. Removal of excess skin during a labiaplasty procedure allows the labia minora to sit neatly tucked in within the labia majora, making them less prominent and noticeable.
In some women, childbirth or aging can lead to an elongation of the labia minora inner lips, causing discomfort and making a labiaplasty necessary.
Occasionally, there are people who are influenced by cultural messaging in mainstream porn in terms of what female genitalia should look like. It is important for women to decide for themselves whether they are unhappy with the appearance of their genitalia and body in general, rather than allowing the media or sexual partners to influence them. Surgeons who perform labiaplasties can help with the decision making process.
While it is usually a cosmetic surgery, a labiaplasty procedure may be medically necessary in some patients. It is offered when a patient experiences physical discomfort during sexual intercourse or problems during activities like riding a bicycle or running. The excess labia tissue gets tucked into the vagina during sex or rubs against the legs during sports, leading to irritation and painful tears. The vaginal tissue can even become irritated and painful due to chafing simply by wearing fitted clothes.
As noted before, there is no single standard for the labia to be considered normal or beautiful. Cosmetic surgery on labial tissue is therefore a matter of choice. If you are considering getting a labiaplasty, a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon can help you determine whether you are undergoing the surgery for the right reasons.
What does a labiaplasty involve?
The aim of the surgery is to decrease the size of the labia minora or labia majora. Plastic surgeons can use various surgical techniques to accomplish this, depending on the patient's anatomy and aesthetic or functional goals.
Types of labiaplasty
Edge resection technique
This is a labiaplasty procedure in which excess tissue is trimmed, much like trimming hair during a haircut.
Central wedge resection
This is a technique in which the surgeon makes incisions and removes wedges of tissue, then brings the edges of the skin together and stitches them up with dissolvable sutures.
Labiaplasty with clitoral hood reduction
This technique restores the balance in the female genitalia by reducing a heavy clitoral hood that can appear exaggerated after the labia are reduced during a labiaplasty.
Laser labiaplasty technique
This is a gentler method of removing excess labial tissue compared to traditional surgery. There is less trauma and faster recovery. It is usually performed with a CO2 laser.
Fat or filler injections
This technique involves injection of autologous fat or filler material to make the labia more full based on the patient's desires.
Anesthesia for labiapasty
The procedure can be done either under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss the plan with you during your consultation. If you are undergoing the plastic surgery under general anesthesia, you will be given instructions to not eat or drink anything for 6-8 hours before the scheduled procedure. You may also be prescribed certain lab tests in preparation for the surgery.
Recovering from labiaplasty
Labiaplasty is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day of your surgery. You should, however, plan to take 5-7 days off from work to recuperate at home. Your genitalia will be sore and swollen after the procedure. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to reduce discomfort as well as antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
During the recovery period, you should wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. You may need to use a panty liner or sanitary pad to absorb any minor bleeding. Sitz baths can help relieve some of the soreness in the genital area. Placing an ice pack over your underwear may also help. You will be advised to avoid strenuous activity and rigorous exercise while you heal from the surgery. You will also need to avoid the use of tampons and abstain from sexual activity for 4-6 weeks after labiaplasty. Your doctor will call you in for 1-2 followup appointments to make sure everything is healing up nicely. It can take up to 6 months for all the residual swelling to subside.
Results
A labiaplasty is performed to shorten the labias, and it can usually achieve this result quite well. Patients who suffered from tugging, tearing, and chafing of the skin due to prominent labia often say the procedure was life-changing for them. More than 90% of women who undergo this cosmetic surgery are pleased with the aesthetic appearance of their genitalia afterwards and report increased sexual satisfaction. However, there are no studies that have looked at how labiaplasty affects childbirth or menopause. The procedure is relatively new and its long-term effects are not well known.
Will I lose feeling if I have a labiaplasty?
You will likely have some numbness in the genital area during the recovery period. This side effect is usually temporary and goes away over a few days to weeks. Long-term loss of sensation after labiaplasty is also a possible complication. Experienced surgeons can work around the areas where sensation occurs to ensure minimal loss of sensitivity. In fact, many women who undergo these procedures report that they are more relaxed and comfortable after the removal of the excess tissue that was causing chafing and pain during sex and other activities. Nonetheless, the final outcome can vary from patient to patient.
What are the risks of a labiaplasty?
Like any surgical procedure, a labiaplasty carries some risks. Besides common surgical complications like bleeding and infection, the main risks and potential complications of a labiaplasty procedure include decreased sensitivity in the vulva, numbness, chronic dryness, and scarring that causes pain during sex.
It is worth noting that the labia have a functional role to play, which is to protect the vaginal opening. Therefore, excessive resection of labial tissue is not recommended as it can lead to an imbalance in the vaginal pH as well as make it easier for germs to enter through the vaginal opening, increasing the incidence of infections.
You can reduce your risk of side effects, complications, and over-resection by choosing an experienced plastic surgeon who has performed many such procedures.
How much does labiaplasty cost?
In most cases, the procedure is deemed a cosmetic one and is not covered by insurance. The average cost of labiaplasty surgery is $3,000, but this can vary greatly depending on where you live, how experienced your surgeon is, and how many surgeons offer this procedure in your area.
Finding a surgeon
If you are considering a labiaplasty, it is important to choose a plastic or cosmetic surgeon who regularly performs this type of procedure. A reputable surgeon will discuss various options with you and give you information about alternative treatments. They will also help you understand whether your labia are "normal," especially if your reasons for undergoing the procedure are purely cosmetic.
The MeTime app makes it easy to find experienced labiaplasty surgeons in your area. You can click and upload pictures and have suggestions sent directly to you. Find out if labiaplasty surgery is right for you. Try the MeTime app now!
