The term labiaplasty refers to a surgical procedure that is carried out on female genitals. This surgery reduces the length of the labia minora, a part of the vagina in females. It is the most commonly performed labiaplasty. This is a rather simple procedure. In this procedure the labia minora is cut and shortened. It helps in eliminating the uneasiness caused by twisting and tugging of the labia.

Reasons patients want a labiaplasty

This surgery is done to reshape a woman’s labia minora. The labia minora is also known as the inner “lips” of the vulva. The numbers of women seeking this very surgery has been going up high. According to a surgery, it was found that after the year 2015, many women out there have been going for this very surgery.

Some women get it done for cosmetic reasons. There are certain parameter that women think as fit for getting this surgery. These parameters that determines the attractiveness of this very body part of a person depends upon the outlook of theirs. So, this surgery can be readily done if at all a woman is not happy with the shape and size of her labia minora.

Why Have a Labiaplasty?

Labia size and shape depends on one individual to another. It is like a person’s as eye color, and the definition of it being normal is wide. A woman who goes out for this very surgery has her own predefined reasons. However, when a woman’s labia are especially elongated, they get it shortened. Thus, the discomfort caused because of this can be eliminated by this very surgery. If in case a person is suffering from an elongated labia tissue then the best fit solution that there is getting it cut with the help of surgery. An elongated labia can cause discomfort in sitting, cycling and running.

And yes, there are women who decide to have a labiaplasty for aesthetic reason. There are women out there who do not feel comfortable in their body when it comes to the size of the labia. A longer labia minora can show in tight pants and yoga pants. This is not at all a good sight. So, women out there go for a surgery. Then another reason for women going for labiaplasty is that they feel uncomfortable in front of their partner during sex. So, they get the size of their labia altered.

What does a labiaplasty do?

The goal of the procedure is to reduce the labia minora so that they don’t hang below labia majora. A labiaplasty reduces asymmetry. There are certain clothing pieces that cannot be worn with a big labia. This includes a bikini. Thus, women do not want an elongated labia to hang out of their bikini bottoms. Thus, they look out for this surgery to get this problem solved.

How much does a labiaplasty cost?

In the UK, labial reduction costs ranges from £1,500 to £5,000. This is the average process of the procedure. There are many facilities that carryout this very procedure. The wide price range is due to a number of factors. It depends on a number of parameters like the consultation fees, extent of the surgery, post surgery requirements, location of the clinic, type of the clinic etc.

Like many elective surgeries, price can be a deciding factor.

A typical labiaplasty price may include the following costs in it-

• Hospital fees
• Surgeon fees
• Postoperative appointments
• Medications prescribed by your surgeon

So, if you are on a lookout for a good clinic or surgeon then there are a number of factors that one must keep in mind. Try to do plenty of research before choosing a particular clinic or surgeon. It is important to pay the right price. Since, we are here dealing with a sensitive part of a female body, one needs to be really careful. Make sure that the surgeon is good.

Reasons for a labiaplasty

There are a host of reasons for females going for this very surgery. Some of them includes reasons like enlarged labia, including childbirth, aging, sexual activity and genetics. There are females who suffer from an enlarged labia. They experience difficulty with exercise, hygiene, urinary tract infections, sexual activity and other physical activity. So, for them this surgery is like a huge blessing. It makes their day to day life easier and happier.

Furthermore, with the increasing trend of wearing tight clothing, the craze for labiaplasty has increased. For wearing these one needs to have the perfect body and this surgery ensures that. However, most female patients describe feeling extremely self-conscious when in bed. This is because of an abnormally shaped labia. So, in order to counter this labiaplasty can work wonders.

Labiaplasty procedures

There are two main techniques for labial reduction.

Trim Technique Labiaplasty

Also called a strip labiaplasty, this surgical procedure is carried out or performed on the inner labia minora. It is the simplest of all the procedures that there are out there when it comes to labiaplasty.

This method requires an incision. This incision is made along the length of the labia minora. This effectively trims off the edge of the labia. This ensures that the sides of the labia gets short. It can thus be shaped as per ones wishes and demands.

The incision can be made with a standard metal scalpel. Many a time laser is also used. The incisions are then stuck together with surgical glue. The incision and resulting scar is at the edge of the labia minora. The scars incurred as a result of this surgery are more noticeable.

The benefits of a trim labiaplasty are:

• Faster and less invasive
• better wedge labiaplasty
• Removes the edge of the labia minora
• Can remove excess tissue from the clitoral hood
• The edges are removed and thus there is no chance of darkening

The potential drawbacks of a trim labiaplasty are:

• More visible scarring
• Less likely to have a natural-looking transition
• Can only be performed on the labia minora

Wedge Technique Labiaplasty

The wedge labiaplasty method is a more complex surgery. It is best for patients who have more excess tissue . So, if you fall under this very category then try to go for this surgery type. This technique removes a V-shaped wedge of tissue from the labia. The outer edges are not removed here. The V-shaped incision is then closed. Scars here are less visible than other methods. So, it is a good option for getting a labiaplasty surgery done.

The benefits of a wedge labiaplasty are:

• More tissue can be removed than during a trim labiaplasty
• Tissue can be removed from both the labia majora and minora
• The outer edge of the labia is preserved
• Preserves the natural transition
• Scarring is more concealed
•  results are more natural-looking

The potential drawbacks of a wedge labiaplasty are:

• More complex surgical procedure
• Potentially longer healing time
• Dark areas of skin on the outer edges are not removed here
• Cannot remove excess tissue from the clitoral hood

 Anesthesia for a labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is an outpatient surgery. The procedure can be performed within an hour and is performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. This depends on the surgeon. Mostly the surgeon talks about all of thsi during the consultation of this very surgery.

When will I see results from my labiaplasty?

Your labial reduction results will be immediately visible after surgery. But some amount of swelling is also a given. Your final results from labial reduction will be visible after half a year. As the swelling subsides, the real results of the same are then again brought to life.

Postsurgical care

The genital region of females is very sensitive and requires proper care in general. So, one must take extra care of the body part concerned in this surgery. Keep the vaginal area clean and dry. Make sure that you do not get inflammation or infection of any sort.

You should avoid long showers. Antibiotics as prescribed by the surgeon should be taken. Do not let the wound encounter friction. Try avoiding wearing tight clothes. Eating a healthy diet is also necessary here. Make sure that you eat well and sleep well.

What are the risks of a labiaplasty?

The risks associated with labiaplasty include those of most surgical procedures. This may include bleeding, hematoma and infection. Some women encounter chronic dryness, scarring at or near the vaginal opening. In addition to thispain with intercourse may also be one of them. Healing problems are more likely to occur with a wedge procedure.

Recovering from a labiaplasty

Most patients take a week to recover. After this period one can reduce swelling and pain by icing with a cold pack. Try to lie on your tummy after this surgery. Patients can resume wearing tampons or having intercourse after four to six weeks. Trim labiaplasty generally allows for a quicker recovery. A complete recover from this condition takes place after six complete weeks.

What are the results of a labiaplasty?

After labiaplasty surgery women end up getting a reformed and redefined labia minora. In most of the cases the size of the labia is reduced. Some women go for this purely for cosmetic reasons while others for some other reason entirely. Whatever the reason may be, it works wonders and boosts the confidence of women out there.

Choosing to have a labiaplasty

Labiaplasty has both functional and cosmetic benefits in women. Most women undergo surgery to reduce the excess labia. Since, this surgery takes into account a delicate part of the female body, it can be referred to as a complex surgery. But it is rather simple and the success rate of the same is very high too. So, before going for for this very surgery try to get in contact with a surgeon who is experienced and certified.

What should I expect during a consultation for labiaplasty?

One by looking for a board-certified plastic surgeon. It is good to look into before-and-after photos. Advance preparation is an investment and it must be taken seriously.

During your labiaplasty be prepared to discuss:

• Your surgical goals
• Medical conditions
• drug allergies and medical treatments
• Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use
• Previous surgeries

Your surgeon may also:

• Evaluate your general health status
• Take photographs
• Discuss your options
• Recommend a course of treatment
• Discuss likely outcomes of labiaplasty
• any risks or potential complications
• use of anesthesia

One must talk very openly with the surgeon. Try not to shy away from clarifying your queries about the very surgery. Make sure you talk things through at length with the surgeon. Any kind of communication gap here can prove to be really troublesome here.

What questions should I ask my plastic surgeon about labiaplasty?

One can follow the below-mentioned checklist-

• Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
• Were you trained specifically in the field of plastic surgery?
• How many years of plastic surgery training have you had?
• Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure? If so, at which hospitals?
• Is the office-based surgical facility accredited by a nationally- or state-recognized accrediting agency, or is it state-licensed or Medicare-certified?
• Am I a good candidate for labiaplasty?
• What will be expected of me to get the best results?
• Have you been specifically trained in this procedure?
• Where and how will you perform my procedure?
• What surgical technique is recommended for me?
• How long of a recovery period can I expect?
• What are the risks and complications?
• How are complications handled?
• Will I experience any changes during sexual intercourse?
• How long will I need to wait after the procedure to engage in sexual intercourse?
• Will I be able to have a vaginal childbirth after labiaplasty?
• Would vaginal childbirth affect the results of the procedure?
• What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome?
• Do you have before-and-after photos?

How do I choose a plastic surgeon for labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty involves a number of choices. The first and most important is selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon. Make sure that the surgeon that you are going for is certified. The surgeon should be very well qualified and an expert. The skill of the surgeon determines the success of the surgery.

ASPS member surgeons meet rigorous standards:

• Board certification by the Indian Board of Plastic Surgery
• Complete at least six years of surgical training
• medical school with a minimum of three years of plastic surgery residency training
• Pass comprehensive oral and written exams
• Graduate from an accredited medical school
• Complete continuing medical education, including patient safety, each year
• Perform surgery in accredited, state-licensed
• Medicare-certified surgical facilities

Labiaplasty FAQs

What are some common labiaplasty FAQs?

Most of the time women do not know what to ask and question a surgeon. So, in order to make this easy, the below mentioned questions and answers can come in handy.

What do normal labia look like?

There is no “normal” and “abnormal” when it comes to the shape and size of female genitals. Every individual is unique. So, there is no definite shape or size of the labia as such. If you wanna go for a surgery then it should be in light of any difficulties that you may be noticing. It has got nothing to do with attaining normalcy.

Will the NHS pay for my labiaplasty surgery?

Labiaplasty is not usually free. But it is possible that it can be provided by the NHS if your labia is causing difficulty in carrying out day to day activities.

What causes the labia to enlarge?

Some women are born with labia that is large or elongated. While other women may get this post-childbirth, pregnancy, ageing and hormonal change.

Do I need a GP referral for labiaplasty surgery?

You can usually have an initial meeting with one of our surgeons without a referral. You can very well go and discuss about your issue candidly there.

What are the effects of smoking, drugs and alcohol on labiaplasty surgery?

Smoking greatly increases the risk of complications. It can decrease the healing process. Therefore, almost all surgeons suggest patients to stop taking any kind of drug six weeks prior to the surgery. It can hamper your health. The risk of complications increases as a result of which. So, make sure you get into a healthy lifestyel before you opt for a labiaplasty surgery.