Labiaplasty is a procedure used to surgically change the shape and/or size of the labia around the vulva. The surgery is performed for reasons both functional and aesthetic. It is important to be well informed about the uses and outcomes of labiaplasty in order to make the right decisions about whether to go ahead with it or not.
What Are the Reasons Women Get Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty has attracted controversy, as many women believe it is an indication of the pressure on women to look a certain way. However, the fact is that there are many women who feel self-conscious about how they look and how they appear in some kinds of clothing. For them, a labiaplasty may be a way to gain more self-confidence.
Labiaplasty may also be performed with an aim to reduce pain and loss of function; it can help correct problems such as painful intercourse and irritation. Many women feel discomfort when the skin of the enlarged labia rubs on clothing or other surfaces during exercise. Sometimes, women may choose this surgery after pregnancy or when their body changes shape due to aging.
Types of Labiaplasty
The two major types of labiaplasty are trim and wedge surgeries. The wedge surgery is performed under general anesthesia and is carried out as an outpatient procedure. The surgery can take up to one hour. This is a more nuanced surgery, as the goal is to not tamper with the labial edge. Rather, the aim is to get a more natural appearance by simply reducing the labial size.
The trim method, on the other hand, requires less time for the surgery and can be performed more quickly. However, the downtime might be slightly longer, since the body takes longer to heal after surgery.
The Recovery Period
People who undergo labiaplasty may need up to a week to recover from surgery. It is important to talk to your surgeon about expected downtime and the healing process. As with any surgical procedure, you might experience slight pain and swelling, and these can be treated with commonplace medications that your doctor prescribes. You will also need to stay away from strenuous exercise and other activities during the time the incision is healing.
If the plastic surgeon uses sutures that can dissolve after a time, you will not have to visit the clinic again to get them removed. Instead, they will simply disappear. The type of sutures that will be used during your procedure will be discussed with your surgeon before surgery.
Considering Labiaplasty? Find Out More During a Consultation
For countless women experiencing heightened self-consciousness, discomfort, or pain due to elongated labia, labiaplasty offers a solution.
Patients need to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with performing this type of surgery. You will need to discuss your expectations with this surgeon, so it must be one you can trust.
Dr. Morwood has over 20 years’ experience as a plastic surgeon, he is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, he is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and for years he has served as either the chief or vice chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery of Monterey.
For more information about Dr. Morwood or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us here.
