Labiaplasty procedures are designed to correct issues with the inner and outer vaginal lips. While it’s a cosmetic surgery that’s most common among women who have given birth, it’s become increasingly popular for general reasons, such as enhancing the overall appearance of the labia.
Let’s learn why most women elect to have this surgical procedure done as well as the cosmetic and functional benefits of labiaplasty.
What Exactly Is a Labiaplasty Procedure?
Labiaplasty is a common cosmetic procedure involving both the labia minora and labia majora, otherwise known as the vaginal lips, or labia for short.
Essentially, the labiaplasty procedure aims to improve the overall appearance of the labia for greater self-confidence and to reduce physical discomfort. This is done by correcting any abnormalities, decreasing the size of the inner vaginal lips, or making them more symmetrical or functional.
The cosmetic surgery is performed by a specially trained and board certified plastic surgeon — usually someone with an obstetric and gynecology (OBYGN) background. The procedure itself typically involves trimming and wedging the labia minora (inner labia) and labia majora (outer labia) to address issues like sagging, uneven labia, enlarged labia, etc.
Some women also like to include this procedure within their mommy makeover surgery.
Reasons For Labiaplasty Surgery
The reason for having plastic surgery on the outer and inner tissues of the vagina is different for each woman. The most common reasons for the surgical procedure include discomfort and physical changes to the area due to the following:
Childbirth
It is well-known that childbirth can significantly change a woman’s body. This is especially true for the female genitalia, such as the vulva, vagina, and the labia.
During and after childbirth, the labia can shrink or grow in size. Scarring can also occur due to tearing. While these changes are often temporary, they can become permanent and uncomfortable — especially when excess tissue is involved.
Aging
Unfortunately, with aging comes the undesirable side effect of sagging skin. While sagging vaginal lips is perfectly normal, the appearance of excess tissue or exposed tissue is often undesirable.
Additionally, the feeling of excess skin in the area can also cause women to experience discomfort, especially if it leads to an uneven labia.
Genetics
Genetics is another factor that contributes to the vaginal area’s appearance. As the female body develops, it sometimes has to contend with a naturally uneven labia, larger outer vaginal lips, or a larger labia minora.
Having an “abnormal” labia doesn’t mean there’s something wrong. However, it can contribute to discomfort, yeast infections, and self-consciousness during intercourse or while wearing certain clothing styles and bathing suits.
The Top 5 Benefits of Labiaplasty
Despite being considered a cosmetic procedure that comes with a few labiaplasty risks, labiaplasty comes with several aesthetic and functional benefits. The most common benefits of labiaplasty include:
1. Physical Comfort
Physical discomfort due to abnormal labia can affect your everyday life. This includes essential things like sitting for long periods at work, driving, or even just walking. It can even cause women to experience discomfort during sexual intercourse or while wearing tight clothing.
Labiaplasty can provide you with more general comfort during your day-to-day activities.
2. Better Athletic Performance
An enlarged labia can contribute to chaffing and even become folded while participating in physical activities. This can cause a lot of discomfort during intense physical activity, especially while wearing tight-fitting clothing, such as yoga pants or shorts.
Decreasing the size of an enlarged labia through the trim procedure of labiaplasty surgery is often the only solution regarding athletic performance.
3. Improved Hygiene
The excess skin and tissue from a completely enlarged labia or an uneven labia minora and labia majora can directly contribute to hygienic issues. This is mostly because the extra skin causes folding, making trapping bacteria easier and making the area more difficult to clean. Some women even have difficulty urinating until they undergo the cosmetic procedure.
Essentially, labiaplasty can resolve the issue of frequent yeast infections, urinary tract infections(UTIs), and other types of bacterial infections.
4. Increased Sexual Pleasure and Sexual Confidence
Many women are concerned with the appearance of their vaginal area. Some even feel discomfort during intercourse due to labia abnormalities.
Labiaplasty can address both the appearance and feelings of pleasure during sexual activities.
Aside from improving the vagina’s overall appearance, the procedure usually leaves the vulva more exposed. This makes the vulva more sensitive, which increases sexual pleasure during sex after labiaplasty.
5. More Confidence
In addition to comfort in tight clothing, many patients also opt for procedures to enhance their appearance in certain clothing styles. This allows them to not feel uncomfortable, but to feel confident in everything from bathing suits to intimate wear.
Labiaplasty FAQs
Is Labiaplasty the same thing as vaginal rejuvenation?
Technically speaking, yes. Because the labiaplasty procedure aims to enhance the female genitalia, it is categorized as a type of vaginal rejuvenation. However, vaginal rejuvenation also refers to vaginoplasty, which is a procedure that tightens the vaginal canal rather than modifies the outer part of the vagina. Both are associated with many benefits.
Does Labiaplasty Surgery leave a scar?
As with most surgical procedures involving an incision, there is a risk of labiaplasty leaving a scar. However, there are a variety of factors that will influence the level of visible scarring. The primary factor is whether the plastic surgeons performing the procedure have the proper skills
and expertise.
That’s why you always want to choose a board certified plastic surgeon with an excellent track record to get the cosmetic benefits you desire.
Is the Labiaplasty procedure painful?
Labiaplasty typically involves a trim procedure or wedge procedure — oftentimes, both. The trim and wedge procedures are always performed under local or general anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain while the procedure is taking place.
Once the anesthesia wears off, there will be some swelling and discomfort. However, the pain usually subsides after one week. Your plastic surgeon will also likely recommend over-the-counter NSAIDs, like Ibuprofen, to help reduce pain and swelling after the surgery.
What does the recovery time look like for Labiaplasty plastic surgery?
The recovery time for labiaplasty is considerably short. Most patients are able to return to their regular daily activities and physical activities within one to two weeks. However, plastic surgeons always recommend refraining from sexual intercourse or any sexual activity for at least three weeks to allow the area to heal completely.
Is Labiaplasty Right For You?
Labiaplasty is a simple and very beneficial surgery that can easily increase your self-confidence and restore your sexual confidence. If you’re wondering whether you’re a good candidate for labiaplasty, the first thing you’ll want to do is schedule a consultation with a trusted cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Dahlia Rice.
Contact our team today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Rice or ask any additional questions about labiaplasty you may have.
References:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9618153/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32388633/
