What is a labiaplasty?
In some women, the inner or small labia are very large, making them longer than the outer labia. Sometimes they are visible, which many women find uncomfortable or very unsightly.
With a labiaplasty, also called labia reduction or labia correction, the excess tissue is removed. This procedure is not only performed for aesthetic reasons but also for practical reasons. Labia that are too large can be a nuisance. For example, you may have problems when cycling, playing sports and wearing tight trousers.
Labia minora
An inner labia reduction is the most common operation on the labia. In this labia correction, which is usually performed under local anesthesia, the plastic surgeon will remove the excess tissue from the inner labia. With the inner labia correction, an extensive correction can also be performed. This depends on the length of the inner labia that are corrected.
Labia majora
The labia majora or outer labia can be enlarged by excess skin and/or tissue. This excess can be disturbingly visible in tight pants and sports and swimwear, cause (fungal) infections etc. In that case, excess tissue can be removed.
If the inner labia are larger than the outer labia, lipofilling can help to fill the outer labia. This will create a better ratio between the labia majora and labia minora, although some of the fat may disappear again. In that case, a second treatment is sometimes necessary.
Procedure – How does a labiaplasty work?
- The plastic surgeon will determine in advance how much labia tissue needs to be removed for your labiaplasty. This will be marked on the labia with a sterile marker.
- The labiaplasty can be performed under local or general anesthesia.
- During the procedure, excess tissue is removed from the inner labia, blood vessels are cauterized (diathermy) and the wound is carefully sutured with a dissolvable suture that does not need to be removed. This is usually a strip of skin of no more than three centimeters.
- This procedure usually takes about an hour.
- The scars are usually not visible.
Benefits
- No more irritation of the labia
- No visible scars
- No discomfort during daily activities such as cycling and horse riding or during sex
- Less chance of (fungal) infections
- It looks nicer.
Disadvantages or complications
Some possible complications of surgical treatment may include:
- Hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin that may require removal)
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Post-operative bleeding
- Infection
- Change in sensation in and around the labia
- Permanently visible and/or palpable scars
- Damage to underlying structures
- Unsatisfactory aesthetic result
Recovery – What can you expect from a labiaplasty?
After pain
Most people experience little pain after a labiaplasty. However, the labia can be painful and swollen after a labiaplasty. You should take this into account, especially in the first few days after the procedure. Cold compresses can relieve a lot of pain and reduce swelling. You may also experience a slight numbness of the treated area.
Recovery
- As with any surgical procedure, the body needs time to recover. The area around the labia will initially be blue, bruised and swollen. The scars may also be red and raised immediately after the procedure. This should not alarm you, it is a natural reaction of the body.
- The labia are well supplied with blood, which means the wound will heal quickly. On average, healing takes two weeks. Until then, the treated area may feel uncomfortable, tight and tense. This is completely normal and not a cause for concern.
- Bruising and swelling on and around the labia will begin to slowly decrease after about three days and in most cases will disappear after a few weeks.
- After a labiaplasty, some bleeding can sometimes occur. This can continue for the first week, which is normal and not a cause for concern. Ultimately, you will have little trouble with the scars.
Result
It takes a while before you see the final result of the labiaplasty. Only after a few weeks and even months will swelling and bruising disappear and your skin tissue become less sensitive. The final result is only visible after a few months. The inner labia then usually form a more natural whole with your body. The result will then last for many years.
Scars will be barely visible because they are located on the inside next to the labia majora. These scars will take one to one and a half years to completely heal.