Labial Plastic Surgery
With new techniques in labial plastic surgery, more and more women are seeking labiaplasty procedure to reduce and reshape the labia.
Women can be born with a large or thick labia or it can be the result of childbirth or aging. Sometimes urinary frequency and frequent wiping can cause hypertrophy of the labia. When the labia becomes misshapen it can cause a reduction in sexual responsiveness and unattractive appearance. Thick or large labia whether the minora, majora or both can cause low self esteem and embarrassment in any intimate relations with a partner. With most women the labia minora or inner lips are only seen when the legs are separated, However when enlarged, they can be seen hanging on standing or through tight fitting clothing and can be the source of extreme discomfort and mental distress.
Some of these women may also experience pain and discomfort during sexual activity or when wearing tight clothing such as pantyhose, tight pants or a bathing suit. Bleeding, chafing, and itching can occur which causes high anxiety and emotional distress and depression. Labiaplasty used to be performed mainly on entertainers, especially dancers, models or sports figures whose appearance as well as comfort was especially important. Today, however, this surgery has become available for any woman who is aware and suffers from it. Labia surgery is increasingly popular with women who want to look youthful, be comfortable and self confident in their relationship with their partner.
Labial plasty procedures are generally performed in an outpatient surgery center while the patient is under a light general anesthesia, or under local anesthesia with just IV sedation. It takes about one hour and the patient can go home immediately without an overnight stay. If done well, the incisions heal without any visible marks, and the sutures are dissolvable and do not need to be removed. During the procedure excess tissue is removed and the labia shaped to a natural cantour. The underlying structures remains intact so as not to disturb the sensation of the labia. Postoperatively there is some bruising or swelling with mild to moderate discomfort for one to two weeks.
After labia plastic surgery the patient can return to work after about one week and should avoid exercise or other strenuous activity for up to three weeks. There may be some draining, ointment is also applied and therefore one should wear a pad to absorb and protect this area. One needs to avoid douching or the use of tampons or resume any sexual intercourse for six weeks to ensure that the labia is fully healed.
Almost all women have no complications and love the results of their labiaplasty procedures. If an inexperienced doctor is chosen, and the procedure is not done well, complications, though rare, could occur and may include infection, wound separation or scarring. Again if not done by a reputable doctor undesireable skin color changes or pigmentation may occur as well as asymmetry and unwanted changes in sensation may also occur.
This labia surgery should be done by a surgeon that has been researched and has performed many similar procedures. Since labiaplasty is considered a cosmetic surgery, it is not covered by insurance. The cost for the surgeon’s fee runs between $3500 and $5000 depending on the area in which you live.
