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.
