LABIAPLASTY

This is often an embarrassing area to talk about but it often causes a great deal of embarrassment and concern. Labia are often referred to as the “lips” of the vagina and at times they can be elongated, fleshy and protuberant. 

Labiaplasty can reduce the outward appearance of the labia (labia minora) and correct misshapenness or irregularities.  Protruding labia may be uncomfortable, chafe against underwear or be visible through swimming costumes. Most commonly large labia may tend to make some women self conscious about their appearance, which in turn can impact on their intimate relationships.

The area most commonly needing correction is the Labia Minora (see figure below). Sometimes however with age, the labia majora also may warrant attention. The problem which may arise here is a loss of substance and also loose skin causing irritation. With the labia majora it is usually a fat transfer graft which is required to restore a more normal appearance.

Labiaplasty Goal:

• Labiaplasty is to remove the emphasis on labia minora and/or clitoral hood in women of any age

• Labiaplasty may be both for physical and/or psychological reasons

• Labiaplasty can help improve sex life as large labial folds can impact on achieving sexual gratification

• Labiaplasty can correct the tears or deformity that can occur as a result of childbirth.

• Labiaplasty can create more even appearance between your right and left sides

• Labiaplasty can reduce the size or even remove labia minora.

• Labiaplasty can be used for the correction of any scar contracture or distortion.

• Fat transfer to may restore the contour and fullness of the Labia Majora

• Clitoral Hood Reduction can reduce the size of the overhanging clitoral hood skin

• Mons Pubis Liposuction reduces the fatty excess tissue in the pubic region

• Labiaplasty is not Vaginaplasty i.e. it is not a tightening procedure of the vaginal canal.

Labiaplasty Procedure:

• Light general anaesthetic or a Twilight procedure with local anaesthetic is usually sufficient and the Labiaplasty procedure is performed as a Day surgery case.

• There is mild discomfort.

• The incision is very inconspicuous and is virtually imperceptible in time.

• The Labiaplasty procedure involves small incisions to remove the problem areas and/or the bulk of the redundant tissue. The stitches are dissolvable and do not need to be removed.
 

• Sensation and function are normal and well maintained, and not infrequently, enhanced.

• No dressings are needed in the usual situation.

• This can be combined with other cosmetic surgical procedures.
 

Recovery:

• You can go home right after the surgery.

• You can resume normal everyday light activities the same or next day and intercourse within 30 days.
 

• You can shower on the next day after surgery.
 

• There is only minimal pain that is mostly gone by the next day and usually requires mild painkillers.

• Swelling is mild to moderate and peaks at two to three days then disappears rapidly over the next three weeks.

• Minimal bruising is the usual.

• No stitches to remove (dissolvable)

• Usually need some days OFF work.
 

• You must take particular care at the toilet until the wounds are properly healed.

Outcome:

• Significant improvement in comfort.

• Often more comfortable in certain clothing, especially snug pants.
 

• Lasts the rest of your life.

• Often reported to improve sexual relations by eliminating discomfort that was present prior to surgery.

RISKS and COMPLICATIONS:

• There are the normal risks of any surgery including;

• Moderate discomfort

• Bruising

• Swelling

• Infection is uncommon but it is in an area prone to infection and so extra precautions need to be taken during toileting and washing. Antibiotics are routinely prescribed to further lessen this risk.

• Sometimes the amount of tissue removed may not be exactly what is hoped for (too much or too little). This may be corrected with revision surgery or there may be anatomical or technical issues which may result in a compromise result.

• There may be altered sensation.

• Temporary interference with the stream of passing urine.

• Poor healing of wounds leading to tight or extra sensitive scars which may affect intercourse. There are treatments available to help resolve this.
 

Significant complications are uncommon and of those that do occur they usually settle with time or may be resolved with corrective surgery.