Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty is a plastic and cosmetic surgery procedure of the natural female exterior genitalia folds – the Labia Minora and/or the Labia Majora, to reduce pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse, improve sexual function, and enhance appearance by reshaping the external female genitalia, the labia minora, the smaller inner lips of the vagina, and/or the labia majora, the larger outer lips.
Who is a candidate for Labiaplasty?
Women who have long or hanging vaginal lips, too large, irregular, or asymmetrical Labia Minora, as a result of childbirth, aging, genetics or serious vaginal injury. Those women are often embarrassed about lovemaking, and can be uncomfortable wearing bathing suits, small garments, or jogging shorts.
Types of labiaplasty
The three basic types of labiaplasty are; reduction labiaplasty, augmentation labiaplasty, and liposuction labioplasty.
The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia, which usually takes from 30 minutes to two hours. Labiaplasty can be carried out in conjunction with vaginal rejuvenation, liposuction, tummy tuck, breast enhancement, or other cosmetic procedures.
The most common procedure performed is labia minora modification and reduction (labioplasty). It is a plastic surgery to trim excess tissue from labia minora stretched by child-bearing or natural aging.
The plastic surgeon Dr. Ruiz Ruiz cuts away part of the top layer of the labia minora, retaining the underlying tissue, and closes the incisions.
After labiaplasty
People usually go home a few hours after surgery. Most are able to resume activities within a couple of weeks. Sexual intercourse may need to wait for complete healing which can take about a month to six weeks. Discomfort from the procedure is considered minor, and mild pain medications could address it.
Labiaplasty is becoming more popular as social acceptance of these cosmetic and reconstructive procedures continue towards the mainstream.