Labiaplasty
Definition
Labiaplasty is a plastic surgery that create or alters the size of your labia.
Alternative name
Aesthetic genital surgery
Description
A labia procedure is an option sometimes considered by women after giving birth, the surgery is commonly done as a part of mommy makeovers or gender affirming.
Labiaplasty is often associated with other body contouring and mommy makeover procedures such as a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, breast lift, breast procedures in general, thigh lift, clitoral hood reduction and fat transfer.
As the patient, you will need someone by your side when the procedure is done and for about a week post-operation. You will need to make sure not to have sexual activity, especially sexual intercourse, for at least two months after the procedure. Labiaplasty recovery time is often shorter than other body contouring procedures.
Why is this procedure performed?
Most people who get a labiaplasty procedure done are patients who are experiencing physical discomfort or undergoing gender-affirming surgery. Sometimes, it can be for cosmetic reasons.
Risks
Risks from having a surgical procedure in general:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Poor-healing incisions
- Unfavorable scarring
Before the procedure
First of all, you must be in good physical health and be a non-smoker.
It’s helpful to explain what the issue is to your physician, and that can range from:
- Pain or discomfort during intercourse or wearing tight clothes
- Unhappiness with how it looks like
- Wanting gender-affirmation
Plan who will take care of you for at least a week. Stay hydrated, get plenty of sleep and eat healthy foods before the surgery.
After the procedure
You will need at least a week to recover after the reconstructive surgery. Having someone by your side during this time is important. On average, most women can return to their regular daily activities after one to two weeks. However, it’s important to note you can’t have sexual intercourse for at least six weeks.
After the swelling goes down, the patient will see the best results. Always listen to your plastic surgeon's instructions.
Outlook (prognosis)
Scarring will be permanent but should eventually fade. It may take up to a year to notice the labiaplasty results. Labiaplasty is permanent.
References
Miklos JR , Moore RD, Labiaplasty of the Labia Minora: Patients’ Indications for Pursuing Surgery, The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Volume 5, Issue 6, 2008, Pages 1492-1495, ISSN 1743-6095, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.00813.x
Aleem S, Adams EJ, Labiaplasty, Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Reproductive Medicine, Volume 22, Issue 2, 2012, Pages 50-53, ISSN 1751-7214, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ogrm.2011.11.006
Sorice SC, Li AY, Canales FL, Furnas HJ. Why Women Request Labiaplasty. Plastic Reconstructive Surgery. 2017 Apr;139(4):856-863. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000003181. PMID: 28350660
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2019, December 19). Elective female genital cosmetic surgery. ACOG. https://www.acog.org/clinical/...