Many women suffer from enlarged labia minora, the inner genital lips. Some may not like the appearance of their large uneven or thick labia, which can sometimes extend beyond the labia majora. Others may be bothered by labial irritation while conducting normal activities or may find it difficult to keep the labial area clean. Still others may experience pain during sexual intercourse, sports or other vigorous activities. Large, thick or uneven labia can be an embarrassing condition to discuss with a doctor or gynecologist, but there is a procedure available to help. Labiaplasty reduces large labia or reshapes uneven labia improving their appearance and reducing associated discomfort.
What is labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a relatively minor surgical procedure that trims large or uneven labia minora for cosmetic, hygienic, pain relief and/or functional reasons. Labiaplasty can be performed alone or together with other procedures such as vaginoplasty and liposuction for more extensive vaginal rejuvenation.
What causes large or irregular labia?
Some women are born with large, thick or irregular labia. Others may develop large labia after giving birth or as they age. Whatever the cause, you do not have to live with large labia if they cause you pain or lower your self-confidence. If you are unhappy with the way your labia look, feel or interfere in your life, then labiaplasty may be the solution for you.
How is labiaplsty or labia reduction procedure performed?
Labiaplasty is generally done just after the patient has had her period. Before the labia reduction procedure, the patient receives anesthesia or IV sedation along with medications to block nerve signals and minimize bleeding; and then the excess labial tissue is trimmed. Recent advances in surgical techniques allow surgeons to recreate the edges of the labia with a natural looking color and shape. The wounds are closed with absorbable stitches. An antibiotic cream is applied to the area and covered with a sanitary pad.
What is the recovery like after labiaplasty?
Most patients have an easy recovery after labiaplasty, experiencing only mild swelling and little to no discomfort. Patients typically return to work in two to four days and resume sexual activity in six weeks. Post-operative care involves carefully washing the area and using antibiotic creams to prevent infection. The body naturally absorbs the stitches used during surgery over time, so no follow-up procedure is needed to take them out.
What are the possible complications of labia reduction?
Complications with labiaplasty are rare, but as with any surgery there are risks. These risks can include bleeding, infection, poor healing, labial asymmetry, labia that are smaller or larger than desired and the need for a second surgery. Labiaplasty is a delicate procedure. One way to ensure that your surgery is as safe as possible and achieves your goals is to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon who has performed many successful labiaplasty procedures. Vaginal rejuvenation specialists are often plastic surgeons, OB/GYNs or urologists.