Labiaplasty: What it means
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure to reduce or increase the size of the labia. Patients usually resort to this procedure to reduce physical discomfort or as part of sex-affirming surgery. The important thing to remember is that each person’s labia are unique, and there is no ideal or “normal” way to look.
Types of labia
The labia represent the folds of skin that surround the vaginal opening and clitoris. There are two types of labia, which together form the vulva:
- Labia majora or external: They are fleshy folds that cover the external genitals and protect the delicate structures inside. They are covered with pubic hair, which appears after puberty.
- Labia minora or internal: They are inner folds of skin that protect the opening of the urethra and vagina. It also helps to keep this area lubricated and comfortable.
One of the most common variations in the shape of the vulva is the size and shape of the labia. The appearance of the labia can vary significantly from woman to woman and can change over time due to factors such as age, pregnancy, or hormonal fluctuations. Some of the most common types of labia, depending on their shape, include the following:
- Symmetrical labia: This type of labia is characterized by labia majora and minora of uniform shape and equal size. The labia are usually smooth and even in appearance and do not protrude beyond the outer folds of the skin.
- Asymmetrical labia: This type of labia is distinguished by labia majora and labia minora of uneven shape and uneven size. The labia may be longer or more pronounced on one side than on the other.
- Protruding labia: This type of labia is characterized by labia that protrude beyond the outer folds of the skin. The labia may be longer or more pronounced than usual and may be more visible. Like asymmetrical and symmetrical labia, prominent labia are completely normal and do not affect a woman’s sexual health or function.
What causes a labia to become oversized?
- Puberty can cause an increase in the labia: During puberty, hormonal changes can stimulate the growth of the labia, making them more prominent.
- Menopause or other hormonal changes: With menopause or other hormonal fluctuations, the tissue of the labia may become thinner and less elastic.
- Pregnancy and childbirth: Physical and hormonal changes during pregnancy or childbirth can affect the size and shape of the labia, sometimes causing them to enlarge.
- Weight changes: Fluctuations in weight, either significant growth or loss, can influence the size of the labia by accumulating or reducing fat tissue in this area.
- Genetics: The structure and size of the labia are often genetically determined, with some women inheriting characteristics that make their labia naturally larger or smaller.
How is labiaplasty surgery performed?
During a labiaplasty and depending on the reason you are doing it, the surgeon may resort to the following procedures:
- Cut-type reduction procedure: In this case, the surgeon removes excess tissue from the outer edge of one or both sides of the labia minora so that they are equal to or within the edges of the labia majora.
- Wedge reduction procedure: In this case, the surgeon removes a wedge- or pie-shaped piece of tissue from the inner areas of one or both sides of the labia minora. They leave the submucosa intact, so that the wrinkled edge of the labia remains intact after they sew it (suture). Thus, labiaplasty surgery keeps a more natural appearance for the labia minora.
- Labia augmentation procedure: To enlarge your labia majora, the surgeon takes a small amount of fat from another area of the body, such as the abdomen or thigh (in a liposuction procedure) and injects it into the labia majora. Injecting hyaluronic acid into the labia majora is an alternative option.
Why do patients choose to resort to labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty surgery is an increasingly demanded procedure, being considered the most popular surgery of the genitals. In addition to the benefits of improving the aesthetic appearance, labiaplasty is a solution against physical or hygienic discomfort. The reasons why patients resort to labiaplasty are the following:
Medical and physical reasons
- To reduce the size of the labia minora so that they do not protrude beyond the edges of the labia majora. Excess lip tissue can twist, turn, be pinched, or pulled, and cause physical discomfort or irritation during exercise, physical activity (such as cycling or jogging), and during intercourse.
- To improve hygiene and health, as excess tissue can make cleaning more difficult and harbor bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Cosmetic and emotional reasons
- To reduce the asymmetry of the labia minora or labia majora when one part is longer or has a different shape.
- To improve sexual comfort, confidence and well-being regarding the appearance of the genitals during intimate contact. We remind you that people have a variety of sizes and shapes of the labia, and there is no lip aspect that is considered normal.
Gender-affirming surgery
- If labiaplasty surgery is part of a sex-affirming process, the surgeon can create the labia using existing genital tissue.
Learn more about what the gender affirmation process entails.
Recovery after labiaplasty
Full recovery can take up to 6-8 weeks, during which time it is necessary to take time off work. It is possible for the skin to heal completely within a few months. For an effective recovery and to avoid complications after labiaplasty, follow these steps:
- Hygiene: Keep the area clean and free from infections. It is recommended to take hot showers and gentle movements after each use of the toilet, especially during the first three days.
- Appropriate clothing: Wear underwear and loose clothing to prevent friction and pressure on the operated area. Avoid tight clothing that can cause irritation.
- Sexual activity: Avoid sexual intercourse for at least four weeks to allow the area to heal completely.
- Physical activity: Avoid strenuous physical activity for a period of 4-6 weeks.
- Managing discomfort: It is normal for swelling, bruising, and discomfort to occur after labiaplasty. Applying ice packs wrapped in a thin towel and taking over-the-counter pain medication or prescription pain relievers can help manage discomfort.
- Rest: Avoid strenuous activities in the first few days after surgery to support the healing process.
- Complete healing: Full recovery can take between 6 and 8 weeks. The swelling and discomfort will gradually pass, generally in the first few days, and the final results will become more apparent once the area is completely healed.
Complications after labiaplasty
Complications after labiaplasty are rare, but can include:
- Removal of too much tissue or too little tissue.
- Bleeding.
- Ecchymosis (hematoma).
- Infections.
- Wound breakdown.
- Scars.
- Pain during sexual intercourse or loss of sensation.
Labiaplasty – Price
To find out how much a labiaplasty costs, access this link: labiaplasty price.
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