Everything you need to know about Labiaplasty

The term designer vagina is not one I like, as it trivialises why many women choose to have surgery to either reduce their labia or tighten their vagina. This is not surgery any women should take lightly and some complications can occur.

I believe any procedure that will improve your confidence is worthwhile.

Labiaplasty

This procedure involves reducing the size of the labia and is normally required when the labia is causing pain during intercourse or becomes sore and painful throughout the day when it is rubbing against clothing. For some women having a large or torn labia or knowing they have lost ‘vaginal tightness’ can also be extremely distressing psychologically and impact confidence and the ability to have intimate relationships.

Labiaplasty techniques

Deepithelialization

Deepithelialization removes a small amount of tissue while preserving the labial contour. It is best suited for patients with minimal hypertrophy. Labiaplasty – Surgical Methods: direct excision, wedge resection, and composite reduction.

Labiaplasty can be done using either a general anaesthetic or a local anaesthetic with sedation.

Laser technique.

Scalpel technique

It involves shortening or reshaping the vaginal lips. The unwanted tissue is cut away with a scalpel. The loose edge may be stitched with fine, dissolvable stitch.

Wedge resection

Alternatively, a wedge-shaped section of the labia can be removed leaving the front intact and removing the tissue from behind. This means there is no change in the colour of the labia and makes the surgery less noticeable.

Most procedures take between 1 to 2 hours. You may be able to go home the same day.

Recovery

You will feel sore and Have bruising and swelling for up to 2 weeks.

During this time, peeing and sitting may also be uncomfortable. You’ll be given painkillers to help with this.

Allow up to 2 weeks off work to recover and remember it may take a couple of months for the skin to fully heal.

During this time you need to:

Keep the area clean and free from infection.

Wear loose underwear and clothes to prevent rubbing.

Avoid sex for about 6 weeks.

Avoid physical activity for 6 to 12 weeks.

Use sanitary towels instead of tampons.

Any type of operation also carries a small risk of:

A blood clot in a vein.

Infection.

An allergic reaction to the anaesthetic.

Mortality.

Both plastic surgeons and cosmetic gynaecologists are the most appropriate specialists and the most compassionate to manage this kind of surgeries.

For information on how to check your plastic surgeon is suitably qualified in the UK, USA, Europe, Canada, Australia & Brazil:- Qualifications