When Is It Time To Consider A Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty has become one of the most popular procedures in North America, and its popularity is growing. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, “With more than 10 million cosmetic procedures performed in 2014, those that showed the largest growth in volume on a year-over-year basis included buttock augmentation (up 86%), labiaplasty (up 49%), and nonsurgical fat reduction (up 42%).” Although this is an American statistic, the numbers from the Canadian market remain similar.

What is labiaplasty and why do women have it done?

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that trims and shapes either the inner or outer vaginal lips, or in some cases, both. The inner lips are known as labia minora and cover the vagina and clitoris; the outer lips — labia majora — are the flaps on the outside of the vagina.

Why do so many women choose to have labiaplasty? In some cases, it is done for cosmetic reasons. Because of genetics or aging or childbirth, the labia may be elongated or asymmetrical. Enlarged vaginal lips can make women feel self-conscious during sexual activity, or even when wearing a bathing suit or lingerie. However, sometimes large or stretched-out labia can cause substantial pain: it could be getting pinched or irritated during sexual intercourse, and during physical activities such as biking or jogging. In extreme cases, even sitting in tight clothing can cause discomfort.

What happens during a labiaplasty procedure?

The surgery itself lasts about two hours, under a local anesthetic. During the surgery the vaginal lips are shortened or cut using a scalpel, laser, or specialized scissors. The size, configuration and texture of the patient’s vaginal lips dictates where the incision is made.

At the end of the procedure, the surgeon stitches up the area, and the patient may need to spend some time under observation before being allowed to go home. This will be at the discretion of the surgeon. Sexual intercourse or strenuous exercises are not allowed for about one month after the procedure, and patients can expect some swelling in the genital area for a couple of weeks.

Who is a typical labiaplasty patient?

In many cases, women turn to labiaplasty following childbirth or menopause when the vaginal lips undergo changes. Younger women tend to seek labiaplasty for reasons of improved self-esteem and physical comfort. Sometimes feelings of not looking “normal” in the genital area can interfere with a woman’s enjoyment of sex, and the large size of vaginal lips not only prevents women from wearing favourite or fashionable clothing, but also causes them real physical discomfort during regular daily activities.

If you’re uncomfortable with how your genitals look, you’re not without hope. Contact Dr. Fouda Neel’s team today to find out what we can do for you.