Posted December 30, 2019 in Labiaplasty
3 Minute Read:
The word “labia” has roots in the ancient Latin term for “lips,” making it an apt term to describe this anatomical area.
As the inner “lips” of the vulva just outside the vagina, labia are often just as unique as the women who have them.
There’s no real normal when it comes to labia size and shape, but prominent inner lips are nowhere near as desirable as their facial counterpart.
Labiaplasty surgery is a good way to bring symmetry back to the vulva for a beautiful, natural appearance that helps restore women’s confidence.
But labiaplasty also has practical advantages that can benefit a woman long after surgery is done.
Dr. Rey offers labiaplasty for any woman who wants to look and feel better “down there.”
Why Do I Need a Labiaplasty?
Oversized labia can make certain clothes uncomfortable or unattractive to wear.
Daily activities, such as walking, exercising, or wearing thong underwear, can cause irritation. Sexual intercourse can result in pinching, as the extra tissue is dragged into the vagina.
Labiaplasty aims to reduce oversized labia so they don’t hang or sag too much, creating a more symmetrical appearance.
This also ensures that oversized labia will not stick out or get tangled into certain clothing, improving comfort and self-esteem.
What Does Labiaplasty Do?
The labia protect the vagina and can become elongated due to several factors, including genetics and childbirth.
Labia that are especially elongated may cause discomfort if they droop or twist too much.
Labiaplasty can:
- Help tight clothing and swimsuits fit more comfortably
- Restore symmetry to labia minora and labia majora
- Improve comfort during certain physical activities, including sex
- Provide cosmetic improvements to the genitals
Does Labiaplasty Improve Function?
It depends on what is meant by “function.”
The labia serve as protection for the inner structures of the vulva and vagina. When they become enlarged, they can extend past the labia minora, causing an unattractive appearance.
These enlarged labia act as extra flaps of skin, so to speak, and can easily tug or twist when wearing certain underwear, bathing suits, or even snug yoga pants.
So in those terms, labiaplasty improves the function by removing the extra tissue that makes the area so uncomfortable in the first place.
Think of getting a haircut after your hair snags and tangles on nearly everything. A good haircut can brighten up your features—much the same as labiaplasty does for the overall vaginal appearance.
Stretched or loose vaginal muscles may need more restorative work, like a vaginoplasty.
This procedure specifically targets and tightens these muscles, improving issues like urinary leakage or vaginal dryness.
How Does Labiaplasty Work?
Labiaplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia.
Small incisions are made in the labia majora, labia minora, or both to allow surgeons to remove excess tissue. The remaining tissue tightened and shaped to restore symmetry.
Despite the sensitivity of the area, recovery from labiaplasty can be fairly easygoing. There will be swelling and some numbness along the vulva for about two weeks after surgery.
Patients will need to avoid strenuous activities, including sexual intercourse, for at least a month as they heal. Many patients are able to go back to work in about five days.
Interested in Labiaplasty Surgery?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rey at our Beverly Hills office by calling 310-205-3107 or our Orlando/Miami location by calling 407-493-8783. You can also contact us online.