What Is a Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure performed to reduce the size or reshape the size of the labia minora, which is the inner fold of skin surrounding the vaginal opening. Extra skin may get twisted and pinched, which causes pain during regular activities. It treats conditions like dyspareunia and corrects cosmetic concerns. People also consider this as a part of gender-affirming surgery, performed in connection with a vaginoplasty.
Common types of labiaplasty include:
- Trim labiaplasty
- Wedge labiaplasty
- Labia majora reduction
- Clitoral hood reduction
Labium can become oversized due to several reasons, such as puberty, menopause or pregnancy, which leads to pain during physical activities and intercourse. You can ease your discomfort and learn more about your options by consulting top gynecologist Dr Felix Cohen, founder and director of Cohen Medical Practice (CMP).
He and his team of experts offer the full gamut of gynecological services and specialize in reproductive procedures, which makes him your top choice to prevent labiaplasty complications. Other vaginal and vulvar procedures offered include vulvoplasty and vaginal rejuvenation.
Why Do Women Consider a Laser Labiaplasty?
Getting a labiaplasty is always a personal choice. Your CMP doctor helps you consider factors that can most enhance your life.
Common reasons for getting a labiaplasty include:
- Enhancing the appearance of your labia by improving symmetry, giving it a more proportioned look
- Improving your appearance and increasing body confidence in intimate situations
- Going back to your pre-pregnancy body appearance, usually after childbirth
Some women experiencing pain due to larger labia during exercise and sex. Labiaplasty recovery helps many women suffering from urinary continence. A labiaplasty can reduce the discomfort in most cases.
Labiaplasty plays a big role in gender-affirmation for transgender women. It helps you achieve a more feminine appearance of the labia, which helps you get aligned with your true gender. For people reporting gender dysphoria related to your genitalia, labiaplasty reduces the emotional and psychological stress it causes.
There are, however, reasons why a doctor may advise you against a labiaplasty, such as:
- Medical conditions like diabetes, blood clotting and auto-immune issues
- Your age
- A smoking habit
- Unrealistic expectations
What Are the Steps of a Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty procedures vary depending on your needs and the approach used by your CMP doctor. Usually, it takes about 30 minutes to one hour. After the initial consultation, during which your doctor discusses the goals, outcomes and expectations you have, as well as labiaplasty procedure steps, which include:
- Ordering blood tests and restricting some medications, such as blood thinners
- Receiving either general or local anesthesia
- Making an incision on the labia majora or labia minora — your surgeon may use the trim or wedge method technique
- Reshaping the labia, according to how you wanted it, making sure it looks symmetrical
- Using a specialized laser to precisely cut or reshape the labia if you’re considering laser labiaplasty, which is typically less invasive with a quicker labiaplasty recovery
- Closing incisions with stitches, mostly dissolvable
Laser labiaplasty has several benefits over traditional surgery as it targets specific areas, which reduces damage to surrounding tissues. Laser burns the blood vessels, which reduces the chances of bleeding and labiaplasty complications during the procedure. The labiaplasty recovery time is much faster because of less damage. The accuracy of these lasers reduces scarring, which also ensures more pleasing results.
What Can I Expect after the Procedure?
The majority of people resume normal activities within a few days. However, it’s still recommended to avoid heavy lifting and sex after labiaplasty for a few weeks for a proper labiaplasty recovery. Your surgeon guides you on how to clean the area, so chances of infection are reduced.
Make sure you:
- Use ice packs
- Avoid tight clothing
- Take medicines properly
- Take proper care of the incision site
Little changes in the appearance are seen right after the procedure; after the initial swelling heals, it takes about three to six months to see the best labiaplasty results.
You reduce the odds of any side effects by relying on the experience of experts at Cohen Medical Practice, who are available if you do see any signs, such as:
- Infection
- Severe pain
- Numbness and tingling
- Discoloration
How Do I Wash My Labia after the Procedure?
Avoid using any product on your labia after the procedure. Wash it with lukewarm water and do it gently. After that, wipe the area and don’t rub it. Your CMP surgical team fully explains how to continue with proper labiaplasty procedure steps to ensure the best outcome.
If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your labia or believe that a labiaplasty could help you achieve your desired look, this procedure has been designed to boost your confidence. From bidding farewell to discomfort and pain to greeting self-confidence, labiaplasty is your step up. Contact Cohen Medical Practice today to set up a consultation.