What Is Labiaplasty? The Surgery, Benefits & What to Expect

Labiaplasty, a procedure that has garnered attention globally, is a form of elective vaginal reconstructive surgery designed to surgically alter the length and/or shape of the labia minora, commonly referred to as the inner lips of the female genitalia. 

This article delves into the basics of labiaplasty: exploring its purpose, the surgical procedure itself, potential benefits, and general considerations to help you make an informed decision about this aspect of women’s health and well-being.

What Does Not Count As A Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is distinct from other genital procedures, including vaginal rejuvenation treatments such as hymenoplasty and clitoral hood reduction. While vaginal rejuvenation involves various procedures within the vaginal canal, hymenoplasty aims to reconstruct the hymen, and clitoral hood reduction, as the name implies, is a procedure to reduce the foreskin covering the clitoris.

Each procedure serves unique purposes, and understanding these distinctions is essential to make an informed decision. Labiaplasty is focused explicitly on altering the length of the labia minora and is unrelated to genital piercings. Labiaplasty is also not a form of female genital mutilation.

The Purpose Of A Labiaplasty

The primary goal of labiaplasty is to achieve labial proportion and vaginal functionality that aligns seamlessly with the unique anatomy of each patient. Notably, statistics¹ underscore the prevalence of labiaplasty as the foremost genital cosmetic procedure performed. The procedure’s popularity reflects a growing awareness and acceptance of the diverse reasons individuals may choose to undergo this surgery.

What Are The Indications For Having A Labiaplasty?

There are several reasons why women consider undergoing a labiaplasty procedure. While individual motivations may vary, the decision to undergo a labiaplasty procedure is usually personal. 

Below are common indications for having this procedure:

Contraindications For Undergoing A Labiaplasty

While the procedure is generally considered safe, there are certain contra-indications.

They include:

1. Age: Labiaplasty is usually not recommended for women below 18 years as the labia continues to develop into adulthood. There are rare instances when it can be performed on a minor, for instance, due to birth anomalies where it hampers normal physical activities.
2. Medical conditions: pre-existing medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders and poorly controlled diabetes, may pose risks during surgery and recovery. 
3. Genital infections: active genital infections increase the risk of complications during and after the surgical procedure. It is typically recommended to delay the procedure until the infection is fully resolved.
4. Pregnancy and puerperal period: labiaplasty is generally not recommended during pregnancy or within six weeks of childbirth. This allows the body to heal naturally and allows the pregnancy-related changes in the labia to be redressed.
5. Psychological concerns: women with cognitive impairment, unrealistic expectations or other mental health challenges may be advised to seek counselling or psychological evaluation before undergoing a labiaplasty.

Benefits of a Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty has several benefits, some of which include:

1. Relief from pain and discomfort.
2. Enhanced comfort with clothing: after a labiaplasty, women can enjoy increased comfort in snug-fitting clothing like underwear, pants, or swimwear, as the procedure addresses concerns related to the size and shape of the labia. 
3. Improved intimacy: the surgery can contribute to improved intimacy by addressing physical discomfort or self-consciousness, potentially fostering a more positive sexual experience. 
4. Comfortable physical activities: women who have interferences due to excess labial tissue can anticipate improved comfort during various physical activities like riding a bike, exercising, and participating in sports, as labiaplasty addresses these concerns.
5. Heightened self-confidence: beyond the physical benefits, labiaplasty can boost self-confidence as it allows women to feel more at ease with their bodies.

What To Expect Before a Labiaplasty Procedure

Before undergoing a labiaplasty procedure, the following are key preoperative considerations:

1. Consultation: you will be expected to schedule a visit with your healthcare provider. Your objectives, expectations, and concerns will be discussed with your surgeon during this visit.
2. Medical evaluation: you will undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation to ensure you are physically fit for the surgery and have no contraindications that may pose risks.
3. Surgical planning: your healthcare provider will create a personalized surgical plan, taking into account factors such as the size and shape of your labia, your expectations, and the appropriate surgical techniques to be used.
4. Preoperative instructions: you will be required to follow specific instructions, which may include an overnight fast, discontinuing certain medications, abstaining from smoking and alcohol in the days leading up to the procedure, scheduling the surgery after your menstruation and shaving the genital area. 
5. Anesthetic choice: the type of anesthesia to be used will be discussed. This may range from local anesthesia with sedation to regional or general anesthesia based on your preference and your surgeon’s recommendations.

These steps collectively ensure you are well prepared for the surgery and that both you and your healthcare team are aligned on the goals and expectations of the procedure. 

The Labiaplasty Procedure

Carrying out a labiaplasty involves a series of steps to address cosmetic concerns and functional issues.

Anesthesia

The type of anesthesia for the procedure can be tailored to individual preferences, with options including general, regional, or local anesthesia.

Positioning

The procedure is conducted with the patient in a lithotomy position, where the legs are positioned in stirrups, ensuring optimal exposure for the surgeon under well-lit conditions. This positioning facilitates the procedure by providing the surgeon with the necessary visibility and access.

Incisions

After routine cleaning and draping, your skilled surgeon will make precise incisions on the labia minora, choosing the type and locations of incision based on the selected technique (trim, wedge, or Z-plasty).

1. The trim or edge technique involves removing excess or redundant tissue from the outer edge of the labia minora and, in doing so, reduces its length and size.
2. The wedge labiaplasty technique is a specific technique in which a wedge or V-shaped portion of tissue from the middle third of the labia minora is removed, and the edges from the upper and lower third are joined together, resulting in a shorter and narrower appearing labia minora that is more cosmetically appealing.
3. The Z-plasty technique is a modification of the wedge labiaplasty. Here, several triangular incisions are made, and then the labial tissues are repositioned in a zig-zag pattern. It is used where the excess labial tissue inserts at the prepuce and/or the perineum and in cases of asymmetry or scarring. 

Regardless of whichever technique is chosen, the incisions are strategically placed along the natural folds of the labia minora to minimize visible scarring and ensure optimal cosmetic outcomes.

Tissue Removal

Redundant or excess labial tissue is carefully identified and removed precisely. This step is tailored to meet your cosmetic preferences and address functional concerns, promoting a harmonious balance between aesthetic appearance and functionality.

Reshaping

The surgeon focuses on reshaping the labia minora to achieve the desired appearance. This meticulous approach is integral to meeting the patient’s individualized goals, promoting both cosmetic satisfaction and functional comfort.

Suturing

The final step involves carefully closing the incisions using absorbable, fine sutures. This is crucial not only for securing the newly shaped labia but also for promoting proper wound healing and minimizing labiaplasty recovery time.

Throughout the procedure, the surgeon pays attention to preserving the natural contours of the labia minora and achieving results that align with the patient’s expectations. Advanced surgical techniques and a personalized approach ensure that the outcomes are not only cosmetically pleasing but also contribute to the patient’s overall well-being and comfort.

What to Expect After a Labiaplasty Procedure

Following the procedure, you will be given several instructions to follow, some of which are as follows:

1. You will be asked to refrain from prolonged standing as this may cause the surgical site to swell.
2. You may be asked to apply ice packs to the surgical area to reduce swelling.
3. You may be asked to use a squirt bottle to maintain personal hygiene after using the restroom and encouraged to keep the perineum clean and dry.
4. You will be asked to avoid the use of tampons for approximately eight weeks post-surgery.
5. You will be asked to abstain from sexual intercourse or strenuous exercise for at least eight weeks after the procedure to allow the site to heal properly.

You must maintain patience and have realistic expectations as you recover and observe the outcomes of the treatment. 

Possible Risks & Complications Associated With a Labiaplasty Procedure

The following are possible adverse effects and complications that may follow a labiaplasty procedure:

1. Potential for infection
2. Occurrence of bleeding
3. Formation of hematoma, leading to discomfort, pain, and swelling.
4. Possibility of scarring, though this is less probable with the wedge and Z-plasty techniques. 
5. Temporary or permanent changes in sensation around the labia minora.
6. Risk of asymmetry in the appearance of the labia.
7. Challenges such as poor wound healing, breakdown and separation, particularly associated with wedge labiaplasty. 
8. Unsatisfactory cosmetic results that may not align with patient expectations, potentially necessitating a revision labiaplasty.

However, there is typically little to no risk or complication if a highly experienced surgeon performs the labiaplasty.

Choose The Right Surgeon For Your Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is an elective vaginal reconstructive surgery aimed at reducing the length and cosmetically altering the shape of the labia minora. While the procedure is generally safe when performed by an experienced surgeon, thorough preoperative considerations, surgical planning, and postoperative care contribute to successful outcomes.

Individuals considering this procedure should carefully approach the decision, seeking guidance from qualified professionals. We suggest you schedule your no-obligation consultation with the experts at Alinea Labiaplasty & Vaginoplasty Michigan to learn more about the procedure.

Reference

1. https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12905-022-01921-9