Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty

One of the important functional and visual structures in the genital area is the labia. The repair of the outer lips, also known as the vaginal labia majora, is called labiomajoraplasty, while the surgical repair of the inner lips, located just beneath the outer lips, is called labiominoraplasty.

The inner lips are made up of structures that do not contain fat or hair follicles, are located beneath the outer lips, and are not visible from the outside. They are rich in blood vessels and nerve endings and are constantly moist. There are two inner lips, and they fold and meet at the clitoris.

The outer lips, on the other hand, contain hair follicles and have tissue characteristics that are different from the inner lips. The labia have several functions, including aesthetic appearance, stimulation during intercourse, closing the birth canal, and protecting against external factors like infections. These lips, which are noticed at a young age, tend to grow with age and may sometimes exhibit excessive growth. Pregnancy, sexual intercourse, use of cosmetic products, infectious diseases, varicose veins, substance use, and smoking are some factors that can cause asymmetric deformities and growth in the labia.

Labioplasty can sometimes be a source of concern or worry for patients. However, this surgery is not as frightening or harmful as many expect or fear. Labioplasty can be performed on anyone over 18 years old who experiences discomfort in the inner labia and also has functional or psychological problems related to this condition.

Throughout a woman's life, hormonal changes during puberty and estrogen deficiency due to menopause, which weakens the tissues, can cause changes in the external genital structures, particularly after childbirth and pregnancy. These types of deformities, which can develop at any age, may lead to problems affecting the quality of life. The most common discomforts include difficulty and pain during intercourse, the inner labia entering the vagina during intercourse, intense and recurring discharge, swelling and sagging, odor, visual dissatisfaction, difficulty wearing swimsuits and tight clothing, and visibility of the labia. Women of all ages may experience these complaints and seek surgery to resolve them.

The most common genital aesthetic problem is the sagging and enlargement of the labia minora due to various reasons. Additionally, labioplasty is also performed on individuals who have had the surgery elsewhere but are not satisfied with the results. Darkening of the edges of the inner labia is another reason for undergoing labioplasty.

In some patients, the labia can be excessively large and sagging, while in others, asymmetry can cause psychological distress and turn into an obsession, leading to a desire for surgery. Conditions like these may result in a request for labia reduction or correction surgery. Fungal infections are more likely to develop in moist and sweaty areas. In individuals who undergo labioplasty, sweating problems in the genital area can be resolved, preventing fungal infections. Women who could not wear certain clothing, such as swimsuits, leggings, thongs, tight jeans, and similar garments, can now wear them more easily, which brings them happiness.

Some women who have had labioplasty report that friction in the inner labia previously caused irritation, limiting their participation in sports activities. After the surgery, they can now engage in activities like leg exercises, Pilates, running, and other sports with greater comfort.

Labiaplasty

The evaluations to be made before labioplasty are extremely important for the success of the surgery. It is essential to assess patients who are considering labioplasty surgery according to their personality traits and surgical expectations, and to individualize the treatment and surgical technique accordingly.

The labioplasty surgery typically lasts about 45 minutes. Depending on the patient's preference, it can be performed under general or local anesthesia, and it is an outpatient procedure where the patient can go home the same day without staying overnight in the hospital. During the surgery, excessive, asymmetrical, and sagging tissue of the inner labia is reduced to create an appearance that is anatomically appropriate. Often, clitoroplasty or hoodoplasty, which involves the reduction of sagging or overly large tissues on the clitoral area, is also performed. The amount of tissue to be removed and which procedures will be applied vary from person to person.

Patients are advised not to take a shower during the first 2 days after the surgery, and not to stand for long periods during the next 7 days. Keeping the surgical area dry and clean is important. Personal hygiene should be prioritized, and patients are advised not to engage in sexual activity for 3-4 weeks after the surgery. Most patients can return to their daily activities and work fully within 5 days after surgery. Swimming or taking baths is not recommended for a month. For a month, patients should avoid sports, sexual activity, waxing, epilation, and similar procedures. Tampon use is also not allowed for a month.

The most significant factor affecting the duration of the surgery is the extent of the inner labia's enlargement and sagging. The more sagging there is, the longer the surgery takes. The most common symptom following this method is pain. There may be itching around the suture area for a few days in the evenings, and swelling may persist for a few weeks. Applying ice is very helpful in controlling swelling and pain. After labioplasty, resting for 2-3 days at home, performing dressings regularly, and paying attention to nutrition are important measures to take.

Excessive bleeding does not occur after labioplasty, but slight drainage may occur during the healing process. This is a temporary condition. Since the stitches used in the procedure are dissolvable or absorbable, there is no need to remove them. It is important that the surgical area does not get infected after the procedure. Therefore, patients should pay maximum attention to personal hygiene after labioplasty. All complaints are temporary, and they will significantly decrease over time. Patients can return to work after a few days of rest.

We invite you to our clinic for a free initial consultation, where we can provide you with detailed information about the labioplasty procedure, its costs, and the process you will undergo.

Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty