What is labioplasty and what does it involve?

Although plastic surgery is meanwhile very common, very few people have heard of labioplasty. You may have heard the name, but you may have no idea what it is or which body part is involved.

Well, if you are here, you may want some insight. Today, we’re going to give you a little background on labioplasty and what it entails.

What is a labioplasty?

A Google search may find other terms such as “vaginal rejuvenation” however, the purpose of this article is to first differentiate labioplasty from other forms of intimate surgeries and then introduce you to the actual labioplasty procedure.

Vaginal rejuvenation is a broad term that encompasses a huge number of options for this ever-evolving field of elective health care.

New devices and treatments come on the market almost every month as more and more women use these procedures more and more.

“Vaginal rejuvenation” therapies typically include energy devices such as lasers, radio waves and ultrasound, to name a few. Most vaginal rejuvenation treatments use some form of energy to achieve myriad results such as vaginal tightening, reducing incontinence, and eliminating vaginal dryness.

However, the FDA recently issued a statement on this type of treatment, explaining that some manufacturers of these devices have not been completely transparent about the clinical claims made for these machines.

The main difference between labioplasty and another procedure under the umbrella of “vaginal rejuvenation” is that labioplasty is a surgical procedure. The labioplasty procedure is designed to reduce the size of the labia minora (the inner tissues of the female genitalia) so that they overlap with the labia majora (the outer part of the female genitalia). This procedure involves several different surgical techniques depending on the patient’s specific situation. No power devices are required for labioplasty. And you will work with your plastic surgeon to determine the goals of your surgery.

Causes for labioplasty

There are many reasons why women have enlarged labia, including childbirth, ageing, sexual activity and genetics. Women choose to have surgery for several reasons. First, choosing labioplasty comes with several functional benefits. Many women who suffer from enlarged labia have difficulty with exercise, hygiene, urinary tract infections, sexual activity and other physical activities.

Moreover, with the growing trend of wearing yoga pants, workout pants, and swimsuits, enlarged labia may make it difficult to wear such clothing. However, most female patients describe feeling extreme embarrassment when they enter into romantic relationships with their partners. These and other reasons are what women consider when choosing labioplasty.

Labioplasty procedures

Initially, the labioplasty procedure was one and was also very popular. With the change of time and advancement of techniques, several techniques have evolved. Some of them are:

Trimming procedure

It is the original technique and is the most natural to perform. It is also the most commonly used technique by surgeons. In this procedure, the excess portion of the labia minora is removed and sutured so that it is symmetrical to the labia majora.

Wedge procedure

In this procedure, a wedge of partial thickness is removed from the thickest part of the labia minora. The submucosa (the layer of tissue under the mucosa) must remain intact by removing only a partial thickness. This procedure also gives the vagina a natural appearance by preserving the wrinkled edges.

There are several other techniques for reducing the labia minora, and all of these techniques have some advantages and disadvantages. If you are considering labioplasty, the key to ensuring proper results is to make sure you go to a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in this procedure.

Anesthesia for labioplasty

Labioplasty is an outpatient procedure. The procedure can be performed in one hour, individually or with another cosmetic procedure. It can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the treatment plan discussed with your plastic surgeon.

Postoperative care

The genital area is very sensitive and generally requires proper care. So, when undertaking a procedure such as labioplasty, there are certain post-operative instructions to keep in mind before the procedure is performed.

Avoid long showers and dry the wound after every wash. Antibiotics prescribed by the surgeon should be taken to reduce pain and inflammation that may occur after the procedure. Avoid cycling, running, and other physical activities until released by your plastic surgeon. A premature return to activity can put pressure on the wound and unnecessarily delay the healing process. Do not wear tight clothing or undergarments because they cause friction against the wound. You also cannot indulge in sexual intercourse for at least four weeks.

Choosing a labioplasty

Labioplasty has functional and cosmetic benefits. Most women undergo surgery to reduce excess labia that twist and cause pain and irritation. Others want to restore a youthful appearance after childbirth or aging. While there are many reasons, you should look for a board-certified plastic surgeon who understands the medical, mental and emotional factors of a procedure such as labioplasty.