If you’re uncomfortable with the look and/or feeling of your labia, you might have heard about labiaplasty.
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure designed to reshape or reduce the size of the labia minora, which are the inner folds of skin surrounding the vaginal opening.
While this procedure is often categorized as a “cosmetic” surgery, at our Milwaukee, Wisconsin practice, we hear a whole host of reasons about why women seek this specific procedure, with many of those reasons addressing functional concerns.
But no matter if your decision to get a labiaplasty is motivated by discomfort, aesthetic preferences, or medical necessity, the procedure can change your life.
Now, if you’re wondering what exactly this procedure entails, and who this procedure is for, then this is the article for you!
Understanding Labiaplasty
For context, labiaplasty primarily focuses on reducing the size or altering the shape of the labia minora.
Labia come in all different shapes and sizes. For some women, the labia may be naturally larger, asymmetrical, or elongated, which can occur due to factors like genetics, aging, childbirth, or hormonal changes.
All of these characteristics are perfectly normal; however, some people may find that the size or shape of their labia causes them discomfort or self-consciousness.
A labiaplasty seeks to fix these issues by removing excess tissue and reshaping the labia, resulting in a more symmetrical appearance, or a look more in line with a patient’s desires.
Why Do Women Consider Labiaplasty?
Women seek labiaplasty for a variety of reasons.
First, there can be functional concerns with labia that lead to women seeking labiaplasty. Larger or elongated labia can cause physical discomfort in everyday activities, and some women with larger labia report discomfort wearing tight clothing, exercising, or engaging in sexual activity.
By reducing excess tissue, labiaplasty can alleviate these issues, allowing women to engage in activities more comfortably.
Second, some women simply wish to alter the look of their labia. While most shapes and sizes of labia are not a medical concern, some women say that they feel self-conscious about their anatomy, particularly if the labia minora extends beyond the outer labia (labia majora). These concerns can become especially pronounced in intimate situations.
To resolve this, some women seek labiaplasty, which allows them to achieve a more symmetrical or streamlined appearance, in turn boosting their self-esteem.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Labiaplasty?
Although labiaplasty can be beneficial for many women, not everyone is an ideal candidate. Here are some things to consider before deciding whether this surgery is right for you.
First, if your labia is causing you irritation, pain, or discomfort during daily activities, you may be a good candidate for labiaplasty. Examples of such problems include challenges during exercise, difficulties with hygiene, or pain during intercourse.
Next, women who are unhappy with the appearance of their labia and want a more symmetrical or proportionate look may want to think about labiaplasty.
Third, a good candidate for labiaplasty has realistic expectations about the outcome of their procedure. While the procedure can significantly improve one’s comfort and the appearance of their labia, every individual’s anatomy is unique, and results will vary from person to person.
Prior to your procedure, a skilled surgeon like Dr. Mark Bosbous will walk you through all of the steps regarding the procedure, including how you can prepare and what you can expect from the results.
What Should I Expect During and After Labiaplasty?
Thankfully, labiaplasty is a fairly straightforward surgery with a quick recovery period. While every procedure is different, most patients can expect a 1 to 2 hour procedure in which a plastic surgeon like Dr. Mark Bosbous will remove excess tissue and reshape the labia.
Once the surgery has been completed, it’s normal for a patient to experience some minor swelling or bruising, which typically subside in the first week. Most patients can return to work and light activities within a week, but they should avoid strenuous exercise and sexual activity for 4 to 6 weeks.
But once the initial swelling subsides, patients should be able to enjoy long-lasting improvements in both appearance and comfort.
Conclusion
If you’re considering labiaplasty, the first step is to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Mark Bosbous. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will discuss your goals, evaluate your anatomy, and help you determine whether the procedure is the right choice for you.
Every woman deserves to feel confident and comfortable in her body, and labiaplasty can provide a path to achieving that confidence. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.