Labiaplasty: Understanding the Procedure and Its Benefits

Labiaplasty is a procedure that reshapes or minimizes the size of the labia minora, the inner vaginal lips, and the labia majora, the outer vaginal lips. The surgical procedure can happen for aesthetic or functional reasons.

Reasons Women Have Labiaplasty

Women who decide to have this procedure do it for different reasons. Below are the most common reasons:

• Aesthetic reasons - Most women lose their confidence due to how their labia look. Its appearance makes them self-conscious.
• Post-childbirth concerns - Your labia can go through changes due to childbirth. The changes may include tearing or stretching.
• Functional concerns - Some women experience pain or discomfort during physical activity or sexual intercourse due to the shape or size of their labia.

What the Procedure Involves

Your surgeon can perform the procedure under local or general anesthesia. The surgery takes about one to two hours to get done. Your desired outcome and the individual case will determine the technique used. A labia minora reduction involves reducing the size of your inner vaginal lips by removing a tissue strip. Your surgeon then sutures the remaining tissue to create a smaller and new labium.

Labia majora reduction reduces the size of the outer vaginal lips by removing fat. A smaller new labia is created by suturing the remaining tissue. A clitoral hood reduction happens by removing tissue from the skin fold covering your clitoris. Doing so helps reduce its size.

Benefits of Labiaplasty

Below are the benefits of labiaplasty:

• Improved self-esteem and self-confidence - Most women who get labiaplasty become positive and confident. They love their bodies more and are confident in the appearance of their labia. They can wear the clothes they love and have more confidence during sexual intimacy.
• Reduced discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse - Labiaplasty eliminates pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse by reducing the size of your labia. You can experience improved sexual satisfaction.
• Improved labia appearance - A labiaplasty can make you happy about the appearance of your labia. It improves its asymmetry, size, or shape to be more appealing.
• Better hygiene - Keeping your labia area clean can be difficult if the labia are large. As a result, you have a high risk of irritation or infection. Fortunately, labiaplasty can reduce your labia size to help you clean the area better.
• Reduced irritation and chaffing - Doing activities like biking or running can cause chaffing or irritation if you have large labia. Fortunately, labiaplasty can eliminate or reduce such discomfort.
• Improved ability to wear swimwear or tight clothes - Wearing certain clothes can be difficult if you have large labia. The size can show and make it embarrassing for you. Labiaplasty reduces the size of your labia to allow you to wear your favorite tight clothes comfortably.
• Improved quality of life - The improved confidence, appearance of your labia, and reduced discomfort and pain that labiaplasty gives can improve your overall quality of life.

Choosing the Right Surgeon for Labiaplasty

Getting your labiaplasty done by an experienced and qualified surgeon is the best decision to transform your labia. During your search, ensure you get a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience doing labiaplasty successfully.

Recovery

The technique your surgeon uses and your case determines how long it will take to recover. Generally, you may need around one to two weeks to rest and recover. During your recovery period, it is vital to avoid strenuous activities like sexual intercourse and exercise. It is crucial to let the incisions made during the procedure heal properly.

For more about labiaplasty, visit Clark Plastic & Hand Surgery at our office in McKinney, Texas. Call 469-675-3659 to book an appointment today.