Overview
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure to reduce or increase the size of your labia. The surgery can be done either to reduce any discomfort from physical activities or to improve the appearance of your labia. Your labia are the folds of skin around your vaginal opening. Two folds of skin can be found – the labia minora are the inner lips which help to protect the opening of the urethra and vaginal. The labia majora which are the larger outer lips which are covered in pubic hair and protect the external structures of the vagina.
CONSULTATION
Initially, you will talk to a plastic surgeon or gynaecologist about a Labiaplasty. The visit will likely include:
MEDICAL HISTORY AND EXAM
Prepare to answer questions about past and current medical conditions, previous surgeries, complications from previous surgeries, history of smoking and drug or alcohol use. Your surgeon will do a physical exam, may request recent records from your doctor or order a consultation with a specialist if there are any concerns about your ability to undergo surgery.
MEDICATION REVIEW
You will provide the name and dosages of all medications you regularly take, including prescription drugs, over the counter drugs, herbal medications, vitamins and other dietary supplements
MEDICAL AND PHYSICAL REASONS
- Reducing Pain – Excess skin in the labia minora that causes discomfort as the skin protrudes past the edges of the labia majora. This can easily be pinched, tugged and twisted. Removing this skin, can help to alleviate this discomfort caused during physical exercise, sitting and sexual intercourse.
- Improving Hygiene – Excess skin can also make it difficult to clean the vaginal area, harbouring bacteria that can cause frequent urinary tract infections.
- Cosmetic and emotional reasons.
COSMETIC AND EMOTIONAL REASONS
- To restore a more youthful look after childbirth or aging.
- To reduce asymmetry (uneven shape) of the labia minora or labia majora when one side is longer or shaped differently than the other.
- To increase self-confidence and eliminate the visual lines, bulges or “camel toe” appearance when wearing body conforming pants or leggings. Tight-fitting clothing can also cause physical discomfort if there’s excess labia tissue.
- To improve comfort, confidence and sexual well-being about the appearance of your genitalia during intimate contact.
02 EXPECTATIONS
You and the surgeon will discuss what the surgery will involve,where it will take place, the type of anaesthesia used, the recovery and potential complications that may develop. Your surgeon will ask questions about your expectations for the outcomes of Labiaplasty
During your labiaplasty procedure, depending on why it’s being done, your surgeon either:
• Removes some tissue from the labia to reduce its size.
• Injects a filler material or fat into the labia to enlarge it.
03 HOW TO PREPARE FOR A LABIAPLASTY
FOLLOW MEDICATION DIRECTIONS
You will receive instructions about what medications to stop taking and when to stop. For example, you will likely be asked to discontinue any blood-thinning medication or supplement at least two weeks before surgery. Talk to your doctor about what medications are safe to take or whether the dosage should be adjusted.
04 BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
First, you and your surgeon will discuss the reasons why you want to undergo labiaplasty. You’ll discuss your expectations and goals as well as the risks of the surgery. You may undergo a psychological exam including being asked about depression and anxiety. Next, your surgeon will explain the details of your surgery, including where incisions will be made and what to expect regarding changes to the size and shape of your labia. You may undergo some presurgical tests including blood work, urinalysis, and chest X-ray. You’ll be given instructions about what to wear to your procedure, when to stop food and drink, when to adjust or temporarily stop certain medications and other information on how to prepare for your surgery.
05 AFTER THE PROCEDURE
After surgery, your provider removes your urinary catheter (if you have one) and you’ll become more alert as the anaesthesia wears off. You’ll be checked for bleeding. Before being discharged, you’ll be given instructions about how to care for your wound while it heals. Your providers will also discuss pain control and give you information about activity restrictions and follow-up appointments.
HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS OF LABIAPLASTY LAST?
Labiaplasty performed as a reduction surgery is meant to be a one-time, long-lasting procedure. Unless complications develop, you may never need this surgery again. Enhancement labiaplasty with injections of fat or fillers may need additional “touch-ups” over time. You should know that if you choose to have children after your procedure, your labiaplasty may be affected. Many people choose to wait to have their labiaplasty until after they’ve completed their families
06 WHAT HAPPENS ON THE DAY OF SURGERY?
After you arrive at your surgical location, you will change into a surgical gown. A healthcare provider will take your vitals (temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level, breathing rate). You may have some blood work and urinalysis done again. They’ll place an intravenous line (IV) in your arm or hand and they may place a urinary catheter in your urethra. Next, your provider will cleanse your labia and the skin around it and shave your pubic area if needed. Then, they’ll start anesthesia. You may have IV sedation with local anesthesia or general anesthesia depending on the procedure you’re having. Your provider will discuss which type of anesthesia is best for you during the planning stage of your surgery. Your provider chooses which surgical technique according to how your labia (labia majora and/or labia minora) will be resized or reshaped. They usually perform this surgery with a scalpel, scissors or laser
07 WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OF LABIA SURGERY?
Complications are infrequent, but can include:
Too much tissue or not enough tissue is removed.
• Bleeding.
• Bruising (hematoma).
• Infection.
• Wound breakdown.
• Scarring.
• Ongoing pain, pain with sex or loss of sensitivity.
Contact your doctor immediately should the below be experienced:
• Excessive swelling or worsening pain.
• Increased bleeding, seeing clumps of blood.
• Discoloured pus or discharge.
• Severe pain when peeing or pooping.
• Fever.
• Opening of the surgical site.
08 WHEN CAN I RETURN TO WORK, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SEXUAL ACTIVITY?
You should be able to return to work and other light activities after a few days. If your job involves physical activity or lifting, you may need to stay home longer.
You should avoid the following for four to six weeks or until cleared by your surgeon:
• Strenuous exercise.
• Physical activities such as cycling, running, and swimming.
• Sexual intimacy.
Returning to these activities too soon can put pressure on the wound, tear stitches and delay healing.
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