Labiaplasty is a procedure done on the inner vaginal lips (labia minora) and/or the outer vaginal lips (labia majora) in which the inner vaginal lips are operated on to minimize their size and appearance and the outer vaginal lips are reshaped with fat injections or trimmed. The operation results in a smaller, tighter looking inner labia and an overall tucked-in looking vagina.
The labia are the folds of skin on the vaginal opening. There are two layers of this skin that are called the inner and the outer labia. They protect the genitals and after puberty become covered with pubic hair.
Some women are born with excess skin on their labia which can turn, twist or get tugged in. This is a major cause for discomfort physically and it might be the reason for emotional discomfort due to aesthetic standards. Excess labial tissue can also create problems for hygiene as it would make it harder to cleanse and this can cause the formation of bacteria and urinary tract infections.
The size of labial tissue can also increase with child birth or sagging skin can form due to aging. This increase may also create discomfort during intercourse or physical activity. Whatever the reasons are behind the formation of excess skin on the labia, labiaplasty can solve these issues to give a more youthful, symmetrical shape to the vaginal lips.
• People with excess labial skin due to genetics/childbirth/weight gain/weight loss/aging
• People who suffer from low self-esteem due to excess labial skin
• People who have asymmetrical vaginal lips
• People whose excess labial skin causes discomfort during sex, physical exercise
• People who have frequent urinary tract infections due to excess labial skin
• People who have problems with physical intimacy due to the look or function of their labial tissue
• People who are transitioning from male to female gender (gender-affirming surgery)
Labiaplasty is performed under general or local anesthesia depending on how much work needs to be done. Your doctor will let you know beforehand which type you will receive. The pubic hair will be shaved and cleansed. Then the excess skin will be cut out and the area will be sutured.
This operation usually takes around 2 hours to complete and typically patients do not need to stay overnight at the ITMT Group facilities.
If the operation is part of gender-affirming surgery then tissue from penis will be used to create the labia. In this case the patient may be receiving more surgeries so it is not right to comment on duration or whether an overnight stay will be needed.
Swelling, mild pain and discomfort are very normal. Cold compress will very likely be recommended by your doctor which helps with swelling. An oral antibiotic will also be prescribed in order to prevent any infection that might take place.
You will be able to urinate right away however it is important to clean the treated area and your doctor will tell you how to do that after using the bathroom.
It is important to wear loose fitting clothes during the healing period. Wearing tight pants like leggings can cause friction and may delay healing.
Patients can go back to work and resume their daily activities within the week of surgery however strenuous exercise, intercourse and physical activities such as running, cycling or swimming are to be avoided for four to six weeks after surgery.
Most swelling will be gone after 6 weeks but full recovery is achieved after about 6 months.
