What is labiaplasty, why is it needed, types
Labiaplasty is a surgical operation that allows you to change the size and shape of the labia . Plastic surgery is needed for those with congenital anatomical defects and age-related deformities . Plastic surgery is necessary after serious injuries or childbirth resulting in enlargement of the labia.
According to experts, if there is an intention to do it in a tender place - it’s just nitpicking, then it is better to avoid surgical intervention. It is important to soberly assess the situation and take care of your health. Nature does not like changes; any operation can give unpleasant consequences, which may turn out to be unnecessary. The procedure can be laser or surgical .
Features of the anatomical structure
The labia, which limit the genital fissure and the vestibule of the vagina, like the clitoris, are external genitalia. The skin of the labia majora has a large number of sebaceous and sweat glands, and the outside is covered with hair. The so-called Bartholin glands, located in the lower parts of the labia majora, secrete a mucous secretion when excited. The labia minora (nymphs) are located between the labia majora in the form of two skin folds that limit the vestibule of the vagina.
The labia minora contain a larger number of blood vessels and nerve endings, which provide special sensitivity to this area. At the moment of sexual arousal, blood flow in the size of the labia minor increases, and due to this, the entrance to the vagina narrows, which increases the strength of sexual sensations during sexual intercourse.
The size, color and shape of the labia minora varies. Normally, the length of the labia majora is from 70 to 120 mm, the labia minora is from 20 to 100 mm; The width of the labia majora is from 7 to 50 mm. The labia minora may be hidden by the labia majora or protrude. One of the labia is usually slightly larger than the other.
How is the operation performed?
Any operation requires careful preparation: tests to identify contraindications, diseases and inflammations. If the surgeon approves, you must decide on the type of labiaplasty. It is performed under general or local anesthesia.
Surgical intervention:
- lasts 45−120 minutes . The operation is easy, but requires precision. The surgeon applies markings to cut off excess skin;
- A sterile scalpel and scissors . Once completed, the stitches are applied and dissolve on their own. Nerve endings and blood vessels are not affected , and there is no risk of decreased sensitivity of intimate organs.
Laser plastic surgery:
- lasts an hour ;
- laser and special laser clamps are used ;
- laser plastic surgery provides easy recovery, absence of scars , discomfort and pain;
- Sensitivity and protective function are preserved (complete removal of the genital organs is prohibited due to the risk of confirming infections and viral diseases).
Indications for the operation:
- physical discomfort while walking or playing sports;
- loss of aesthetic appearance of the genital organs;
- congenital asymmetry ;
- sudden weight loss, resulting in flabbiness and loss of tone .
Important! Labiaplasty of the labia is performed strictly a few days after the menstrual cycle, or 10 days before the onset.
About surgery
If the operation is performed surgically, the doctor uses local or general anesthesia. Be sure to apply anesthetic ointment to the intimate area. It is advisable that before the operation the woman undergoes an allergy test to avoid allergic reactions to the components of anesthesia. The surgery is considered easy and lasts no more than 45-120 minutes. The time varies depending on the type of anesthesia used.
Before surgery, the surgeon applies a special marking to the skin of the genital organs, which will help to carry out labiaplasty efficiently and without errors.
During the procedure, excessively enlarged genitals are corrected using a sterile scalpel and scissors. At the end of the surgery, sutures are applied to the labia, which dissolve over time. These sutures do not need to be removed and again injure the correction site. During the manipulation, the doctor does not touch the nerve endings and blood vessels, so there is no risk of reducing the sensitivity of intimate organs.
Contraindications to labiaplasty, consequences
Indications:
- Desire to correct the shape or size of the labia.
- Stretching caused by age-related (hormonal) changes.
- Congenital anomalies .
This procedure is contraindicated for people with impaired blood clotting and diabetes mellitus. In addition, contraindications include:
- genital infection
- presence of sexually transmitted diseases .
Important! Minor girls, pregnant women and nursing mothers will be forced to postpone self-improvement.
Protests against labiaplasty
Public organizations that protect patients' rights are concerned about the current situation. In recent years, the number of people who suffer after the intervention of plastic surgeons has increased. Labiaplasty is indicated only in case of correction after serious injuries to the female genital organs; there are no medical indications for such operations. In our country, not a single university produces specialists who can practice aesthetic medicine. And the legislation of our country does not clearly regulate the activities of doctors engaged in private practice.
In recent years, in some US cities, rallies are increasingly being held at aesthetic surgery medical centers, which, as a rule, gather men. They protest against changing the shape of the female genital organs through surgery. For example, against labiaplasty. Men motivate their protests by the fact that they are deprived of what they like most and what brings them pleasure. Paradoxically, an active role in these rallies is played by feminists who advocate for the preservation of the natural nature of women.
Rehabilitation after labiaplasty
A hospital stay . Discharge is possible within a few hours after the operation . But it is important for the patient to give rest to the operated area . For the first 2 days you should not walk or stand much.
It is not recommended to sit and wear tight underwear to avoid tissue injury and seam divergence. take antibiotics for a week and treat the damaged areas with the solution every day.
Full recovery occurs after a few weeks . Until this point, it is important to follow the rules :
- refusal to visit the sauna and bathhouse;
- smoking and drinking alcohol;
- stop sexual activity;
- lack of sports.
Complications
Complications after labiaplasty are rare and include:
Thus, with a wedge-shaped resection, excess fragments may remain, tension in the wound and suture divergence may occur, and with complete removal of the wedge-shaped portion of the labia, a neuroma may form or a loss of sensitivity may occur;
Possible complications after labiaplasty
Complications are possible if recommendations are ignored during the rehabilitation period. These may include:
- hemorrhages;
- swelling;
- pain while walking;
- asymmetry of the external genitalia.
Significant changes in the sensitivity of tissues in the area of the external genitalia are possible The consequences of labiaplasty depend on the individual condition of the woman.
Carefully! If you discover the above complications, immediately contact your treating gynecologist.
Performing laser labiaplasty
Today, laser correction of the labia is considered one of the most effective, fastest, reliable and relevant methods. The procedure is performed under general and local anesthesia.
The benefits of manipulation include:
- ease of the postoperative period;
- there are no scars left;
- high sterility of the manipulation;
- medications help quickly restore the skin and mucous membrane of the intimate area;
- there is no discomfort or pain.
During the operation, the surgeon is guided by two main principles: the first is to preserve the sensitivity of the labia, the second is to preserve the protective function (it is impossible to completely remove the genitals, since the woman will be susceptible to infectious and viral diseases).
The duration of the manipulation varies from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. The time depends on the doctor’s experience, modern equipment and the complexity of the procedure. The surgeon corrects the shape and size of the genitals using a laser and special laser clamps. Many doctors, and even women themselves, believe that surgical intervention is already outdated and has lost its relevance.
Cost of the operation
It is important to understand that each case is unique. The reasons for turning to a surgeon to reduce or correct the labia can be completely different, which means that the cost will differ in different cases.
Clinics try to attract with a unique offer; prices range from 27,000 to 90,000 rubles . and higher. In any case, you will have to pay more than 20,000 rubles to change the shape of the labia.
What can be achieved with labiaplasty?
Real photos of the genital organs of patients before and after labiaplasty in our clinic demonstrate the following results:
- elimination of asymmetries of the labia minora, giving them a natural shape;
- removal of age-related genital defects;
- excision of compactions and neoplasms in the vulva area;
- correction of the shape and size of the clitoral hood;
- evening out the shade of mucous membranes, eliminating hyperpigmentation;
- removal of scars after childbirth, injuries, operations in the intimate area.
All photographs presented on the site were taken in the clinic and demonstrate the results of operations performed by our surgeons. The final shape of the labia after correction can be assessed within 1-2 months. If a woman follows all the doctors’ recommendations, scars and scars will not form in the intervention area.
All the cases below, presented in the photographs before the correction, did not give women the opportunity to even show this area to someone, simply to undress.
The patient is 25 years old. Resection of the labia minora was performed at the plastic surgery clinic
The patient turned to surgeon A. Ivanov to correct the situation. We performed a transposition of tissue from the clitoral hood towards the excessively removed labia. This operation was complicated by the fact that after a previous labiaplasty, there were severe burn changes due to laser exposure. The hood was slightly adjusted, as there was a risk of exposing the clitoris too much.
Before labiaplasty After labiaplasty
The girl is 22 years old. For some reason, the doctor removed almost completely the lips below and left a lot on top
The patient contacted our Center to correct the result. The surgeon's main task was only to correct the defect. Tissues are moved and connected. The patient categorically refused to correct the size of her left lip, so a slight asymmetry remained.
Before labiaplasty After labiaplasty Before labiaplasty After labiaplasty
30 years. The uneven edges of the labia were corrected after unsuccessful labiaplasty in one of the clinics
Before labiaplasty After labiaplasty Before labiaplasty After labiaplasty
41 years old. There was a doctor's mistake, it can be corrected, but it cannot be raised
The woman was concerned about a defect in the labia on the left, which arose after an unsuccessful operation to remove a cyst. The patient was completely satisfied with the size and shape of her lips, so the surgeon simply connected the torn tissues.
Before labiaplasty After labiaplasty Before labiaplasty After labiaplasty
The patient is 38 years old
The labia minora are completely removed. In our Center, plastic surgery of the clitoral hood was performed, and then the labia minora was restored from its tissue using the method of patchwork transposition.
Before labiaplasty After labiaplasty After labiaplasty
The patient is 21 years old
Also, upon presentation, the labia minora were practically absent: according to the discharge summary, labiaplasty was performed in one of the plastic surgery clinics. In our Center, reconstructive reposition of their clitoral hood tissues was carried out.
Before labiaplasty After labiaplasty After labiaplasty
The patient is 39 years old
Wedge-shaped labiaplasty was performed, subsequently the sutures diverged, and she contacted the Center to eliminate the defects. A marginal wedge-shaped combined reconstructive plastic surgery was performed.
Before labiaplasty After labiaplasty Before labiaplasty After labiaplasty
The patient is 26 years old
I went to the gynecological department with a tear in the labia on the right; in one of the clinics, stitches were placed, which later came apart. Linear wedge plastic surgery was performed at our Center.
Before labiaplasty After labiaplasty Before labiaplasty After labiaplasty
The patient is 36 years old
Postpartum rupture of the labia, the stitches came apart. In the center, tissue integrity has been restored. The formations on the labia majora were removed.
Before labiaplasty After labiaplasty
The patient is 38 years old. Rupture after childbirth, congenital anomaly of the labia: lengthening and asymmetry
Previously, in the plastic surgery clinic there was an attempt to restore the integrity of the tissues and reduce the labia. The patient contacted our Center, where labiaplasty and rupture repair were performed.
Before labiaplasty After labiaplasty Before labiaplasty After labiaplasty
The patient is 29 years old
Previously, resection of the labia was performed using a surgical laser. An uneven edge has formed. Our Center has fixed the defect.
Before labiaplasty After labiaplasty Before labiaplasty After labiaplasty
The patient is 26 years old
I contacted the Center after unsuccessful labiaplasty. The right side was uneven; on the left, the lower part of the lip was almost completely excised. Reconstructive plastic surgery was performed.
Before labiaplasty After labiaplasty Before labiaplasty After labiaplasty
The patient is 23 years old
The labia were removed using a surgical laser. The patient contacted us at the Center. And Ivanov carried out a patchwork reposition of the tissues of the clitoral hood and formed new labia from it.
Before labiaplasty After labiaplasty Before labiaplasty After labiaplasty
The patient is 24 years old
She was operated on twice in one of the capital’s clinics. She contacted our Center due to severe defects along the edges of the labia. Linear marginal labiaplasty was performed.
Woman 24 years old. Before labiaplasty Woman, 24 years old. After labiaplasty Woman, 24 years old. Before labiaplasty Woman, 24 years old. After labiaplasty Woman, 24 years old. Before labiaplasty Woman, 24 years old. After labiaplasty
The patient is 27 years old
Previously, resection of the labia minora was performed. The tissue was excessively excised, the legs of the clitoris were separated. Anatomy and physiology were restored at the Center.
Woman 27 years old. Before labiaplasty Woman, 27 years old. After labiaplasty
The Center for Aesthetic Intimate Surgery in St. Petersburg uses the latest laser and radio wave equipment to perform labiaplasty. This allows you to remove cosmetic defects without the risk of blood loss, infection, or inflammatory complications.
How to choose a clinic
Any person will be confused by the abundant number of clinics ready to take on the work. How to choose a clinic? Where can I get a quality service without overpaying? Who can you trust with your intimate area and not regret? It is necessary to begin a thorough study of clinics.
The face of the clinic is, first of all, the website , and then the building, reception and specialists. If the site contains everything you need, check the box and make an initial appointment to understand the clinic’s values in practice.
Clinics have a pride corner with certificates and awards . All drugs used must be certified, and doctors wear medical uniforms in accordance with GOST .
Attention! Don’t forget to take the opportunity to ask questions to current clinic patients who meet along the way.
Based on the current picture, it will be easy to make a decision.
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Labiaplasty when the swelling goes down
Labiaplasty is an operation aimed at eliminating cosmetic defects of the labia majora and minora. As with any surgical intervention, it involves a period of rehabilitation - a period for complete recovery of the body, during which the patient must follow fairly strict rules. The result of the intervention directly depends on this.
How long does the postoperative period last, what complications can be expected, and when will the final result be assessed? TecRussia.ru tells you all the latest news.
Labiaplasty is performed under local or epidural anesthesia, which reduces the negative impact on the body. Nevertheless, it is advisable for a woman to spend the first day in the clinic under the supervision of a surgeon - he will be able to assess the patient’s condition and determine the need to prescribe analgesics and antibacterial drugs.
- Immediately after the operation, the doctor thoroughly disinfects the wound surface and applies a sterile bandage with anti-inflammatory ointment.
- You are allowed to get out of bed a few hours after plastic surgery, but this should be done gradually, avoiding prolonged stay in an upright position.
- It is recommended to adhere to bed rest at home for at least 7-10 days - this will help speed up recovery and reduce the likelihood of complications.
At this time, aching, nagging pain of varying degrees of severity usually persists. They intensify when walking or sudden movements. This is a normal reaction of the body to tissue injury. For relief, if necessary, take analgesics prescribed by a doctor. If the pain does not go away after 6–8 days, you should further consult with a surgeon.
- External swelling is inevitable and persists for at least 2 weeks, often even longer. We'll talk about what to do with it below.
- The seam area is an open gate for any kind of bacteria. For the first few days, ichor may come out of the incision. To prevent infection, you need to thoroughly clean the operated area - up to 10-12 times a day, and always after each visit to the toilet. Chlorhexidine or Miramistin are suitable as an antiseptic.
- Instead of a sterile dressing, sanitary pads are used, on which a wound-healing ointment, for example Levomekol, is applied in a thick layer.
- You cannot wash for the first 3-4 days, even if you really want to - the same antiseptic is used for hygiene procedures. Next, you are allowed to take a shower, avoiding jets coming into contact with the suture area. Monitor the temperature - the water should be warm, but not hot. Do not use a washcloth or aggressive detergents. Give preference to soft hypoallergenic gels designed specifically for the intimate area, carefully wash with your hand, thoroughly rinsing the genitals. After a shower, gently pat the skin of the perineum with a towel without rubbing it.
- It is not recommended to take a sitting position - especially on hard surfaces.
- For the entire period of postoperative recovery, the body must be provided with complete rest - 8 hours of sleep.
The pain should normally have subsided by this time - if this is not the case, then there is a reason to seek advice from your doctor. Swelling still remains, in some cases it may even become more pronounced, but the time when it will subside is already close.
- You can begin to sit down - but only on a soft surface, leaning mainly on your thigh. By the end of 2 weeks, this process will no longer cause discomfort. But squatting will be prohibited for a long time - for two months. Otherwise, there is a high risk of seams coming apart.
- It is necessary to continue regular douching with antiseptic solutions to prevent infection.
- On the 14th day, the sutures are removed where non-absorbable materials were used. If biodegradable threads were used, there is no need to remove them, since they dissolve on their own.
- The speed of final healing is individual for each patient, but normally, from the end of the second week, the operated area no longer causes significant inconvenience and does not require as much attention as before.
The recovery period will be easier if you strictly adhere to the following recommendations:
- There are special requirements for underwear: it must be made from natural materials; you cannot wear overly tight, narrow, dense panties. Clothing should not pinch the genital area, friction or pressure is unacceptable.
- For 1–2 months, any thermal procedures are prohibited - visiting a bathhouse, sauna, tanning. Swimming in pools and open water is also not recommended.
- Restrictions on exercise, sports, and heavy lifting remain in place for up to 7–8 weeks. The question of their resumption should be agreed with the doctor.
- Proper nutrition is of great importance: it is important to exclude foods that can cause constipation or flatulence, so as not to stimulate blood flow to the pelvic area.
- During the entire rehabilitation period, alcohol and cigarettes are prohibited, as they slow down healing, and alcohol also does not combine well with painkillers that the doctor may prescribe.
- Intimacy can be resumed after 6–8 weeks, so as not to injure the healing MPG.
Because of this unpleasant side effect, the appearance of the labia at first will be far from desired, and additional pain and discomfort is possible. The most important things to remember:
- You should not make sudden conclusions about the unsuccessful outcome of the operation. You need to be patient and wait for the recovery period to complete.
- In the first days, you can use a cold compress to relieve swelling (you can apply it several times a day, for no longer than 10-15 minutes, with mandatory sterility).
- Next, you should adhere to a regimen of reduced activity and limit the consumption of foods that promote fluid retention - these are fatty, fried and spicy foods.
- In the first 1-2 weeks, swelling may increase, subside and increase again. However, if they intensify in the future, without obvious reasons (such as strong physical exertion), and also if pain appears, it makes sense to consult with your surgeon - perhaps we are talking about an infection.
The most common causes of negative consequences after surgery are poor-quality manipulations, as well as ignoring medical recommendations during recovery. The following complications occur:
- inflammatory or infectious process in the urethra or in the area of a postoperative wound;
- decreased level of sensitivity in the intimate area - temporary or permanent;
- the so-called “gaping of the entrance”, which is formed in the vagina due to excessive excision of the tissue of the labia majora - as a result, the dryness of the mucous membrane increases, irritation appears, and the risk of infection increases;
- suture dehiscence, suture material rejection, fistula formation.
The most unpleasant complication is excessive resection of MPG tissue. The result of labiaplasty in this case will be damage to the mucous membrane, its inflammation, cracks, and the absence of a natural “hood” of the clitoris. In such conditions, a woman cannot walk normally, and additional surgical intervention is required to eliminate the problem.
Pathological discharge after labiaplasty
When an infectious agent is introduced into the wound after labiaplasty, unpleasant pathological discharge appears. Infection can occur due to violation of the rules of asepsis and antisepsis during the intervention or if the woman does not comply with hygiene. The discharge is yellow, sometimes with a greenish tint, and has a thick consistency. They are abundant and have an unpleasant, fetid odor. The condition is accompanied by sharp pain in the perineum and severe swelling of the labia. Hyperthermia above 37.5°C is noted. The patient must be prescribed antibacterial therapy and local treatment with antiseptic solutions.
If the patient previously suffered from thrush, a recurrence of candidiasis may occur. Then, after labiaplasty, white, cheesy discharge from the genital tract may appear. They are accompanied by itching and burning. The body temperature remains normal. The patient is prescribed antifungal drugs for oral administration and topical agents.
If uncharacteristic discharge appears after labiaplasty, you should immediately consult a doctor. Timely diagnosis and treatment of pathological abnormalities reduce the risk of undesirable consequences. Self-medication in this situation is unacceptable.
