Labiaplasty surgery is one of the fastest-growing surgical specialties in the U.S. It is so even though the name may not be as well-known as certain other operations for women. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports a 53% rise in the procedure's popularity in the previous five years. Many women who feel extra tissue in the labia minora or the "ruffled edge" outside the vagina are now aware that a treatment exists.
The procedure works not only to reduce the size of the labia but also to extend them. It is more than an aesthetic issue because excess labia tissue can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful. It may also cause stigma and psychological unrest.
What Is Labiaplasty?
The skin folds that surround your vaginal opening are known as your labia. There are two folds of skin. The term labia majora, which translates to large lips, refers to the outer folds. After puberty, pubic hair grows over these larger, fleshy folds, protecting your external genital organs.
The term labia minora, which translates to little lips, refers to the inner folds—these folds of skin shield the urethra and vaginal openings. A huge labia minora in a woman is referred to as labial hypertrophy. Labial hypertrophy is frequently considered a cosmetic issue that solely impacts a woman's appearance and self-confidence. However, it can also cause pain, discomfort, and a higher risk of vaginal infections.
A surgical treatment called a labiaplasty can be used to alter the dimensions of your labia. The procedure is carried out to enhance your labia's appearance, ease physical discomfort, or act as a component of gender-affirming surgery.
How Is It Performed?
You and your surgeon will decide on the surgical strategy to best serve your objectives and address your concerns. There are two general methods to decrease your labia.
Wedge Procedure
The inner regions of both or one of the sides of your labia minora are exposed, and your surgeon uses this technique to remove a wedge- or pie-shaped piece of tissue. To preserve the labia's wrinkly edge after suturing, they keep the submucosa. The labia minora maintains a more natural appearance. Similarly, the surgeon may remove an inner piece of each labium if you're having surgery to minimize the labia majora.
Trim Procedure
Using this technique, your surgeon trims away extra tissue from the labia minora's outer edges so that they are flush with or slightly offset from the labia majora's edges.
What Qualifies You for the Procedure?
Dissatisfaction with labia majora or labia minora size or shape.
Discomfort or annoyance brought on by huge labia majora or labia minora.
Good mental and physical health to carry out the surgery safely.
Having realistic expectations for labiaplasty and the outcomes it will help you attain.
Willingness to strictly adhere to the doctor's post-surgery rehabilitation recommendations, which may include waiting up to 6 weeks before engaging in any vaginal activity.
For more on whether you are a candidate for a labiaplasty, call Texas Plastic Surgery at (210) 981-4490 to reach our office in San Antonio, Texas.
