Labiaplasty

Since the labia has no impact on sexual function or sensation, labiaplasty is a strictly cosmetic procedure to improve the external appearance of the vagina. If you are looking for a procedure that improves sexual feeling or function, you should speak with a plastic surgeon about other options. If you are a smoker, have an immune suppressive disorder, or take blood thinners, you should also consult with a plastic surgeon to determine your candidacy.

Just like our breasts, each woman's labia is a different size and shape. A labiaplasty is an option for almost any sexually mature female who is unhappy with the appearance of their labia. One of the most common times women seek labiaplasty is after childbirth. Pregnancy is hard on a woman's body in a multitude of ways, but giving birth can alter the shape of the labia in an undesirable way.

Aside from childbirth, there are plenty of other reasons women might be interested in labiaplasty. If any of the following are true, you might be a good candidate for labiaplasty:

• Your labia appearance has changed as a result of aging, weight loss, or pregnancy.
• The appearance of your labia makes you feel unattractive or embarrassed.
• Your labia causes you to experience pain during intercourse.
• Tight clothes or certain activities (biking, horseback riding) cause pain or discomfort in the labia.

Improving the appearance of the labia can help you improve your self-esteem and reduce discomfort during sex. Of course, all surgeries carry some risk. While labiaplasty is considered safe and the odds of a complication occurring are rare, it's important to consider these risks before committing to the procedure:

• Painful urination
• Asymmetry between inner and outer labia
• Discoloration or pigment changes
• Swelling
• Unsatisfactory results requiring additional procedures

Very rare complications include:

• Excessive blood loss
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Damage to underlying vaginal structure
• Allergic reaction to anesthesia

Before your procedure, your doctor will walk you through the entire surgical process.  Labiaplasty takes about 1 hour and can be performed using a local or general anesthesia, but general anesthesia is typically the most comfortable for you.

Surgical staff will prep you for surgery by inserting an IV and administering anesthesia. You will also be hooked to monitors to allow the surgical team to keep an eye on your heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels.

Once you are sedated, your surgeon will make the necessary incisions to reshape your labia. Incision size and location depends on your individual needs as well as the size and shape of your labia. Once she has achieved a favorable cosmetic result, she will suture the wounds closed with stitches. Afterwards, you'll be taken to a recovery area where you will be monitored until the surgical team feels you are well enough to go home. Before leaving the facility, you'll be outfitted in surgical dressings such as a pad for any bleeding or oozing.

There are a few things you'll need to do to prepare for a labiaplasty. If you're a smoker, your doctor will ask you to stop at least a week prior to surgery. They may also ask you to avoid consuming alcohol before your surgery. Both tobacco and alcohol use can increase the risk for bleeding and slow down healing.

There are also a number of medications and supplements that increase the risk for bleeding that should not be taken prior to a surgery. These include:

• Asprin

• Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• Blood thinners

• Vitamin E

• Omega-3 fatty acids

• Green Tea

• Ginkgo Biloba

In addition to avoiding these substances, your surgeon will likely ask you to avoid sexual intercourse the night before your surgery. As with any operation, it's always best to keep your body hydrated to help it cope with the stress of surgery and heal more efficiently. Last but not least, since labiaplasty is typically an outpatient procedure, you'll need to arrange for someone to pick you up and drive you home after surgery.

You should prepare to take some time off of work after the procedure. Plan on taking it easy for the rest of the day after your surgery. Most patients go back to work 5-7 days after their procedure, though this timeframe varies.

After a labiaplasty, you may experience swelling, bruising, and some discomfort. These symptoms can be mitigated by using the medication your doctor prescribed.

The length of time you'll experience these side effects varies from person to person. Swelling, bruising, and tenderness may last for several weeks. Patients cannot have sexual intercourse or engage in heavy, strenuous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery. After surgery, patients may be required to wear a pad for at least a week to help with normal postsurgical bleeding and oozing. Patients should avoid using tampons in the first 4 weeks after surgery.

Total healing time can take up to 3 months. Because this is such a well-vascularized area, infection is very rare. However, still be sure to carefully clean the area on a regular basis. You can also wear loose fitting clothes or underwear to keep yourself more comfortable.