Labiaplasty is plastic surgery on the labia. The latter are the lips surrounding the vagina. Labiaplasty modifies the labia minora (the inner lips) and the labia majora (the outer lips). Labiaplasty alters the shape, size, and appearance of the labia. It makes them smaller or larger, or corrects an asymmetry between them.
While labiaplasty is mainly a cosmetic procedure, in certain instances it becomes medically necessary. This is when your labia get sucked or tucked into the vagina during sex. This may result in painful tears in the skin of the vulva. Also, sometimes, wearing a bathing suit, or activities such as walking, biking, running, or even sitting can be painful and can irritate the delicate vulvar skin.Sometimes, childbirth and older age can result in the labia getting longer and looser and a labiaplasty becomes necessary later in life.
If you are thinking of opting for a labiaplasty, you should be in good physical and psychological health before undergoing one. So, if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should likely not opt for a labiaplasty.
There are certain risks associated with labiaplasty and these include chronic dryness; decreased vulvar sensitivity; numbness, and scarring that results in painful vaginal sex. Other more serious risks could include infection, bleeding, and haematoma. If the labia are over-resected or too much skin is removed, this may result in the labia not being able to protect the vaginal opening. This may result in it becoming easier for things to get into the vagina, and this can alter the pH balance. This could also lead to vaginal infections.
While a 2014 study found that 91 percent of women were more or less satisfied with their genital appearance after their labiaplasty, the procedure is still new and there is no data on how menopause and childbirth affect the labiaplasty results. Before the procedure you may need to take time off work as well as get plenty of sleep, eat healthy, and drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the surgery.
Before undergoing a labiaplasty you should stop taking blood thinning medications for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. You should also stop smoking for at least 4 weeks before and after the procedure. And finally, you should not drink alcohol for at least 2 days prior to the surgery.
A labiaplasty can be done using either local or general anaesthesia. There are two main procedures that alter the labia minora. These are edge resection and wedge resection. Edge resection involves trimming the protruding, excess edges of the labia minora, the way you would trim your hair during a haircut. The wedge resection maintains the original labial edges. It does this by cutting wedge-shaped slivers of skin from the centre of the labia minora and then bringing the remaining skin together with dissolvable sutures.
The procedures to address the labia majora are mainly of two types. The first is cutting out tissue or using liposuction on the labia majora. This reduces the labia majora that are longer and fuller than desired. The second is injecting fat or other filler material to plump the labia if the latter are not as full as desired.
While labiaplasty is usually an outpatient procedure, it is still surgery. Your labia will typically be pretty sore and swollen after surgery. Your cosmetic surgeon will typically advise you to take at least 3 to 7 days off work. Your cosmetic surgeon will also prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent infection and to deal with pain.
While recovering from the labiaplasty procedure you will be advised to wear loose clothing to avoid friction and pain; to take salt baths to relieve soreness; to avoid exercise and rigorous activities, and to abstain from sex and tampon use for at least 4 to 6 weeks. You can also place an ice pack over your underwear for about 20 minutes at a time, with a gap of 20 minutes between packs. While most swelling will be gone after 6 weeks, it may take up to 6 months for residual swelling to disappear.
It is important to choose the right cosmetic surgeon for your labiaplasty. This is an extremely personal and intimate area of your body and it is important that you feel comfortable with your cosmetic surgeon.
Dr. S. Suma, of Prettyu.com, located in Hyderabad, India, is a female cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgeon who works closely and empathetically with her patients to perform this most intimate of surgeries in a way that is least traumatic and invasive. She is not only an extremely skilled cosmetic surgeon, but she will also understand your mindset and your psychological state before, during, and after your labiaplasty.
She will answer all of your detailed questions during that critical first consultation and even later. She will never rush you, but will patiently work with you to make your labiaplasty as painless and seamless as possible. She will also educate you as to the labiaplasty procedure and process for feminine rejuvenation before and after.
So, if you are thinking of undergoing a labiaplasty, do consult with Dr. S. Suma, for an extremely satisfying surgical experience. After all, this is one of the most intimate and personal of procedures!
To know more about a Labiaplasty, as well as the other cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures that Dr. S. Suma performs, you can get in touch with her at +91 86 86 042 042 or email her at info@prettyu.com or visit her website at www.prettyu.com.
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