Labiaplasty
Many women undergo labiaplasty surgery in order to reduce the excess labia which can twist and turn causing pain and irritation.
QUICK FACTS
Anaesthesia
General Anaesthesia
In/Outpatient
Day surgery
Length of surgery
1 – 2 hours
Recovery
2 weeks
Results
Final results are seen within 6 weeks, and the duration of those results vary from one person to another due to the quality of their skin, ageing and weight changes.
What Are The Labia?
A woman’s vulva, or external genitalia, contains two sets of labia. These are the labia minora (the inner lips) and the labia majora (the outer lips). The labia majora is the external genital area and it’s the part that you will see without spreading your legs. The labia minora are the two pieces of skin that are located on either side of the vaginal opening, inside of the labia majora.
The labia minora, or inner lips, is important for maintaining optimal levels of moisture and hygiene of the vulva and vagina. The labia majora is the part of your body that protects the delicate soft tissues of your vulva and contains pubic hairs. This hair is meant to protect the rest of your vulva from stress and friction.
How Do Labia Appear?
Every woman is different and their genitals are no exception. The appearance of the labia varies widely and there is no universal aesthetic ‘normal’.
Some women find that their labia minora begins to protrude beyond the labia majora during puberty while others may find that their labia minora becomes enlarged after pregnancy.
The ideal relationship is for the labia majora to completely cover the labia minora. Over time, the labia minora may become enlarged so that they protrude beyond the labia majora, with the delicate mucosal tissue of the labia minora exposed to friction, which causes pain, discomfort, and hygiene concerns.
There is no standard or “normal” labia. The size and shape of your labia are largely determined by genetics but ageing and childbirth will create changes as well. For some women, the labia changes back after pregnancy while other women see a permanent change.
Generally speaking, these changes are only cosmetic although, in some cases, they may cause discomfort. Since your labia minora has delicate mucosal tissue, it can be easily irritated by the friction of tight clothing or exercise. Often women live with this for many years. They deal with ongoing pain, discomfort, and feelings of self-consciousness.
Enlarged labia can even be visible through tight clothing and swimsuits, which makes women feel uncomfortable.
While it may not be something that women like to discuss, this is incredibly common problem that affects countless women. Many women feel shy discussing a large or irregular labia, painful intercourse, or regular discomfort. This means that far too many women are unaware of their options.
What Can Labiaplasty Do For You?
Far too many women are unaware of the options available to them. We provide a discreet and private environment where you can discuss your concerns openly with one of our specialist Plastic Surgeons.
Some of the many benefits of Labiaplasty surgery include:
- Decrease pain and discomfort
- Correct uneven labia minora
- Adjust the appearance of the external genitalia
- Ability to wear tight clothing comfortably
- Improve exercise tolerance
- Minimise discomfort with sexual intercourse
- Minimise recurrent infections
Are You An Ideal Candidate?
A labiaplasty can be a procedure for any woman who is in good health and over the age of 18 years. While women often choose to have a labiaplasty to deal with the effects of vaginal childbirth, it is not necessary to be a mother to have the procedure. Some women develop enlarged labia during puberty and a labiaplasty can be a good solution. While you might have been dealing with the condition for years, it is important to wait until you are over 18 to ensure that your body is fully developed before making a change as it allows for much more predictable results.
What Is Labiaplasty Surgery?
With modern labiaplasty techniques, we aim to correct enlarge labia which causes symptoms.
Labiaplasty surgery is performed under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited hospital with the assistance of a consultant anaesthetist. You can expect your procedure to take one to two hours. Most women go home the same day.
During a labiaplasty procedure, small incisions are made to remove any excess tissue while reducing or reshaping the labia minora. The procedure doesn’t affect the clitoris and it won’t affect sexual sensation.
HOW IS LABIAPLASTY SURGERY DONE?
There are numerous different labiaplasty techniques that can be done to meet your unique needs and wishes. Our labiaplasty specialists will create minimal scars that are hidden along the natural creases of the labia.
There are a range of different techniques that can be used, alone or in conjunction with others.
TRIM (AMPUTATION) TECHNIQUE
The original technique used in labiaplasty was simply removing the tissue at the free edge of the labia minora. This is a procedure used by many surgeons because it’s quick to perform and easy to learn. This method can be a procedure for women who want to eliminate darkening of the inner labia that comes with age and pregnancy.
The disadvantage of this technique is that the natural texture of the labia minora is lost. This creates an overly smooth and unnatural look. There’s also an increased risk of nerve damage. A major limitation of this technique is that it can’t deal with excess tissue around the clitoral hood.
DE-EPITHELIZATION TECHNIQUE
The de-epithelization technique allows you to maintain the natural texture of the labia minora edge. With this method, an incision is made in the inner and outer wall so that you can keep a natural labia edge. The disadvantage to the de-epithelization technique is that the labium width could increase if a considerable amount of tissue needs to be de-epithelialized adding bulk to the labia. Also for those with large labia, the free margin is not reduced in length and appears wrinkly.
WEDGE RESECTION TECHNIQUE
The wedge resection technique removes a wedge of tissue from the labia minora’s thickest portion. This method preserves the labia’s natural texture for a natural look and has been a technique used by many surgeons performing labiaplasty surgery over the last decade.
There is, however, the potential of nerve damage when done as a full-thickness resection. Another drawback is that this method doesn’t address the hyperpigmentation of the labial edge and if too much tension is applied then there is a risk of wound separation.
WHAT TECHNIQUE DO FORME SURGEONS USE?
There is no one best technique and, in fact, the best option for you could require a blend of multiple techniques. Every woman is different and so is her labia. To find the best approach, your surgeon will create a plan that is customised to your unique needs and wishes. When several methods are used in combination, it is called a composite labiaplasty.
Your surgeon will have an in-depth conversation to assess your needs then discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the traditional techniques to create a treatment plan.
Our labiaplasty specialists are experienced Plastic Surgeons who use the most current techniques and surgical protocols – to reduce the risk of tissue damage and minimise scars.
Risks Associated With Labiaplasty
It is possible to have bruising, bleeding, swelling, infection, and scarring. There’s also a chance of developing asymmetry, under or over resection of labial tissue, or wound dehiscence / separation.
It’s important to note, however, that the clitoris is not affected by a labiaplasty procedure.
Sensation levels won’t be affected by the operation and your sexual satisfaction won’t be impacted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will There Be Scarring After My Labiaplasty Procedure?
Any operation will leave a scar. We take every precaution possible to ensure that you have minimal scarring. The labia minora typically heals extremely well with minimal scarring and your surgeon will place the scar along your body’s natural creases so they are well hidden.
What Should You Expect After Labiaplasty Surgery?
Good hygiene plays an essential role in reducing the risk of infection and discomfort. We highly recommend taking a salt bath everyday. Baby wipes are another great way to keep your perineum clean. Dr Somia and Dr Lim recommend that you wear a panty liner to absorb any spotting or light bleeding for the first two weeks after surgery. Since dissolvable stitches are used, your body will gradually heal itself. Swelling and discomfort of the vulva will gradually disappear over the first week after the surgery. Analgesia and ice packs are ideal for pain control after your procedure. Your surgeon will also give you a topical numbing cream and pain relieving medication to take home. You can also expect to return to work five to seven days after your procedure. It’s important, however, that you take it easy for the first six weeks. Avoid exercise and sex for the first six weeks after your procedure. One week after your procedure, you will return to one of our clinics for a post-operative check. Your surgeon will examine you and ensure that you are healing properly. You will return again in one month for a follow-up with the doctor. The full results will be evident in about four to six months.
When Can I Start Exercising Again?
You’ll want to wait one to two months to start exercising again. Every woman is different so there are no exact guidelines. Your surgeon will regularly monitor your progress to see exactly where you are in the healing process. When you visit your clinic for follow-up appointments. Your surgeon will advise you when you can go back to your regular routine. In the meantime, you can still walk around and do other light exercise. Keeping your blood circulating will actually be good for you and speed up your recovery. Pushing yourself too hard, however, can cause issues. You’ll also want to be careful about wearing tight exercise clothes or doing activities like horse riding or bicycling.
Will I Be Able To Urinate Right After The Procedure? Will It Hurt?
You won’t have any concerns using the toilet after your procedure. There won’t be any stinging or pain. The only thing that will be different is that you’ll need to be careful when you are cleaning yourself. You will want to keep some water handy so that you can gently rinse your genital area then pat it dry. When it comes to defecating, you’ll want to be careful not to push too hard in the days immediately following your procedure.
How Should I Prepare For A Labiaplasty Surgery?
When you visit our Sydney clinic, you will be given a full list of instructions that will walk you through the process step by step. If necessary, stop smoking one month before your scheduled surgery. Stop drinking one week before your scheduled surgery. Find a friend or family member who can take you to and from the hospital. Organise to take at least three days off of work. Buy menstrual pads and comfortable underwear.
Does Health Insurance Or Medicare Cover Labiaplasty?
While there is a Medicare item number to cover labiaplasty, this is rarely approved by Medicare and so labiaplasty is largely considered a cosmetic surgery procedure.
Can I Have A Labiaplasty If I’ve Never Had Kids?
Yes. A labiaplasty can be a procedure for any woman who is in good health and over the age of 18 years. While women often choose to have a labiaplasty to deal with the effects of vaginal childbirth, it is not necessary to be a mother to have the procedure. Some women develop enlarged labia during puberty and a labiaplasty can be a good solution. While you might have been dealing with the condition for years, it is important to wait until you are over 18 to ensure that your body is fully developed before making a change as it allows for more predictable results.
What Causes The Labia To Become Enlarged And Loose?
Women who get labiaplasty come from a range of backgrounds. Some women have large or misshapen labia from childbirth. Some women find that their labia begin to sag and become larger over time as women become older. Other women find that their labia change dramatically after childbirth. It’s also possible that labia become loose after a major weight loss. Ultimately, the reasons don’t affect anything. Regardless of the cause of labia sagging or enlargement, a labiaplasty can transform your genitals. It’s also important to note that nothing can be done to prevent enlarged and loose labia. This will naturally happen during the ageing process. Sexual activity and tampons will make no difference in the size of labia.
Do You Perform Revision Labiaplasty?
The majority of women who get a labiaplasty are very pleased with their results. There are always exceptions however. If you are unhappy with the amount of tissue removed or are seeing asymmetry, a Forme Plastic Surgeon c is happy to discuss your concerns.
