Labia Minora Reduction (labiaplasty)
Labia Minora Reduction "contouring" surgery (labiaplasty) is performed for patients who do not like the protruding minora. Labia minora enlargement can cause a number of functional problems for a woman including: discomfort/irritation with certain types of clothing: pain and discomfort with physical activities (i.e. cycling or working out) and intercourse. Enlarged labia can also cause aesthetic problems for the patients including: poor genital/body image which can limit ones sexuality: physical protrusion with clothing in the genital area while wearing certain types of clothing, underwear, bathing suits: and /or a feeling of "not feeling feminine" because of the extra tissue in the genital area.
The labia are not simply “cut-off” or “amputated” instead they are contoured by using a variety of sculpting tools including: laser, electric cutting current, scalpel, and plastic surgery scissors. A patient can have both of the protruding labia minora reduced or a single side to make it symmetrical with the smaller other side. The most patients would like the labia minora reduced to the level or below the level of the labia majora and would like the darkened edges of the labia to be removed so they are pink and more youthful in appearance.
The Best Candidates For Labia Minora Reduction
Women who are either experiencing sexual dysfunction, embarrassment, or pain because their labia (labia minora) are over-sized or asymmetrical. Also , women who dislike their large labia or shape of their labia, which may cause inelegance or awkwardness with a sexual partner.
Types of Anesthesia
Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure that usually perform under local anesthesia.
The Surgery
Labia Minora Reduction ( labioplasty) procedure may take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. Any incisions created during the outpatient labioplasty surgical procedure are extremely fine and placed within natural folds and creases. Once they heal into scars, they will remain hidden in these folds to create an appealing appearance that enhances the natural contours of the genitalia.
After Your Surgery
After surgery, women may experience some mild discomfort and swelling, which usually disappears completely after 1-2 weeks. Labial incisions usually heal and are rarely noticeable.
Instructions may include avoiding intercourse for several weeks (typically three weeks) following surgery. The doctors may recommend that women not to use tampons and/or douches while recovering.
Getting Back to Normal
Women usually return to work and normal activities within two to five days, while more strenuous activities will take about two to three weeks.