If you are considering labiaplasty and looking for expert-approved information, you have come to the right place. This article outlines and explains everything you need to know about this popular surgical procedure commonly used to reduce the labia minora’s size.
You will learn the must-know facts about the procedure, what to expect from labiaplasty recovery, possible side effects, and much more. You will also educate yourself on Votiva, a ground-breaking non-surgical form of vaginal rejuvenation. Of course, before anything else, you will want to consult with a healthcare professional at a reliable and trusted clinic. If you are located in the area and looking for the best in the business, we recommend opting for vaginal rejuvenation in Palm Beach, FL.
With that in mind, here is what you should know about labia surgery.
Labiaplasty Defined: What Is This Procedure?
The surgical procedure usually performed to reduce the size of the skin folds surrounding the vagina and the urethra, or the labia minora, is referred to as a labioplasty. Often, this surgical procedure is done to alleviate discomfort during intercourse, physical activities, and exercise. Some women decide to get labia surgery to enhance the appearance of the genitals. Others want this procedure as an important part of gender affirmation.
The procedure itself is often referred to as vaginal rejuvenation. According to experts, patients usually get a labiaplasty to achieve a “tucked-in” look. While the labia majora or the outer lips can be modified as well, professionals typically perform it on the folds that are nearest to the clitoris, the labia minora.
Unfortunately, not all patients are eligible candidates for this procedure. We recommend reaching out to professionals at Comprehensive OBGYN of the Palm Beach to receive expert advice and guidance. If you or a loved one wants to get labia surgery, make sure to educate yourself beforehand to understand the full scope of the procedure.
Overall, during a labia surgery, surgeons will:
- Reconstruct the labia from other healthy tissue.
- Inject fat or a filler material into the labia to increase its size.
- Remove tissue from the labia to decrease its size.
Who Might Need a Labiaplasty?
There are three main reasons why people want to get labia surgery. These include physical and medical reasons, cosmetic reasons, and a part of gender affirmation.
Physical and Medical Reasons
- In order to boost health and hygiene. Since excessive tissue may make hygiene more challenging, some individuals can develop urinary tract infections.
- In order to reduce the labia minora’s size to make everyday activities and sexual intercourse more pleasurable.
Emotional and Cosmetic Reasons
- To achieve a youthful appearance due to aging or following childbirth.
- To make the labia majora or the labia minora more symmetric.
- To improve the patient’s self-confidence and remove bulges or visible lines.
- To enhance confidence and comfort.
Gender-Affirming Surgery
If the patient wishes to get surgery as an important part of affirming the gender, surgeons may create labia from current genital tissue. A labia surgery can be performed before or following other reconstruction procedures.
Is Labiaplasty Medically Required?
For most individuals, labia surgery is not medically required. Instead, it is a popular cosmetic procedure that a patient wants in order to achieve the desired outcome. Some experts believe that the influence of the media, mainstream pornography, and cultural messaging may influence someone to get labia surgery.
However, in some instances, this procedure is medically required. For example, if the labia gets “tucked” or “sucked” into the individual’s vagina during sexual intercourse, it can lead to tears in the skin of the vulva. In order to avoid pain, an individual will require a labia reduction.
Who Shouldn’t Get Labia Surgery?
Not everyone is suitable for this procedure. Above all, you will want to make sure that your health is optimal before proceeding with surgery. So, if you have any preexisting medical conditions, you are likely unsuitable for labia surgery.
How Does Labia Surgery Look Like?
Before the surgery, the healthcare professional will discuss the goals and expectations of the patient, as well as the possible side effects involved. Some patients may be asked about anxiety and depression symptoms. After this, the expert will answer all of your questions and concerns related to the surgery. The surgeon should provide plenty of details about where incisions are made and what you can expect regarding the alterations to the shape and size of the labia. In some cases, patients will need to get a chest X-ray, urinalysis, and blood work.
On the day of the surgery, you will receive an intravenous line into your hand or arm, and you may get a urinary catheter placed into the urethra. After this, the healthcare professional will clean the labia, as well as shave the pubic area (if necessary). You will also receive anesthesia (local or general anesthesia, depending on the type of procedure).
Labia reduction procedures involve two approaches:
- Wedge procedure
- Trim procedure
Consult with your healthcare provider to find out more details about these approaches and which one is best suitable for your needs.
Some patients may want to get an enlarging procedure. In order to make the labia majora larger, the surgeon will take a tiny amount of fat from your thigh or abdomen or hyaluronic acid and inject it into the labia majora.
Labia surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and usually takes two hours or less. The procedure will take longer if the patient is getting surgery to affirm gender.
Are There Any Non-Surgical Labia Reduction Alternatives?
If you don’t want to get surgery, you will benefit from Votiva. This is a popular non-surgical alternative for vaginal rejuvenation. Choose Votiva if you want to:
- Boost the aesthetics of your vagina
- Tighten loose skin (due to aging or childbirth)
- Enhance satisfaction during sexual intercourse
- Reduce urinary stress incontinence
- Treat dryness and enhance lubrication
You can treat both external and internal tissues with Votiva. This non-surgical alternative for vaginal rejuvenation works by combining two radio frequency devices to reinforce the elasticity and skin structure of the vaginal skin. Also, it will tighten loose tissues. Since this procedure is non-surgical, patients do not require local or general anesthesia. Nevertheless, to improve comfort, experts usually apply a numbing cream to the vaginal area.
Labiaplasty Recovery: What to Expect
Since the procedure involves local or general anesthesia, you won’t experience any pain during surgery. However, you will experience some pain, discomfort, or swelling after the procedure. Luckily, these uncomfortable side effects are easily managed with medications like acetaminophen or Tylenol. During labiaplasty recovery, experts may recommend home remedies like ice packs or cold compresses.
Frequently, the discomfort will go away within a few days. Patients may also need to use a topical antibiotic or antibiotic prescription to prevent infection. You will also want to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes to enhance healing. Some individuals may notice bleeding during a labiaplasty recovery. While most swelling typically disappears after only six weeks, you will be fully healed in about four to six months.
When Should I Consult a Doctor?
Some pain and discomfort are normal during the recovery process. However, if you experience any of the following side effects, reach out to a healthcare professional immediately:
- Fever
- Severe pain when urinating or defecating
- Worsening symptoms and excessive swelling
- Opening of your surgical site
- Unusual discharge
- Heavy bleeding with blood clumps
Give Us a Call Today
If you are interested in this surgical procedure or the non-surgical alternative, consult with the best healthcare professionals in your area. Schedule an appointment with the Comprehensive OBGYN of Palm Beaches to get started.