Intimate plastic surgery. Labiaplasty

This is a complex of surgical procedures aimed at correcting the shape and size of the labia majora and labia minora.

Most often, these surgical procedures are performed for non-medical reasons and are purely aesthetic in nature, reflecting the patient's desire to improve the appearance of the intimate area.

However, in some cases, intimate plastic surgery is performed for medical reasons.

Women complain of “bending” and “pinching” of the labia minora in the vagina during sex. As a result, women experience discomfort and even pain.

Another indication for correction is a feeling of irritation, friction, and pain when wearing underwear or a swimsuit, walking, running, cycling, or even working in a sitting position.

Also, in some cases, women experience problems in their sex life due to complexes related to dissatisfaction with the aesthetic appearance of the labia minora or labia majora.

In addition to congenital hypertrophy and asymmetry of the labia minora, the causes of changes are:

• Age-related atrophy;
• Hormonal imbalance;

Childbirth and trauma during childbirth;

Deformities resulting from trauma, infections, and various inflammatory diseases;

Deformities resulting from significant weight loss;

Hyperpigmentation of the labia minora

Options for intimate plastic surgery

Depending on the indications and the patient's wishes, there are two main types of procedures to improve the appearance of the labia:

• Correction of the labia majora
• Correction of the labia minora

As a rule, these procedures are performed under general anesthesia.

Correction of the labia majora is usually performed in one of three ways:

Resection of excess skin in the area, most often indicated by changes associated with sudden weight loss or deformation after childbirth;

Liposuction of the labia majora – used when there is excess tissue on both sides or asymmetry in these areas;

Lipofilling of the labia majora involves the injection of fat cells to restore shape, improve tone, or achieve symmetry. It is usually used when there is a slight excess of skin. There are also studies that prove that this procedure can enhance sexual pleasure.

Correction of the labia minora involves two main types of intervention:

Marginal resection – removal of excess, protruding edges of the labia minora along their entire length;

Wedge resection – V-shaped removal of tissue in the center of the labia minora. The edges of the skin are then brought together. This technique allows for the most natural shape of the labia minora.

It should be noted that the plastic surgeon is limited in the amount of tissue that can be removed.

Excessive resection of skin in this area will prevent the labia minora from performing their function: protecting the vaginal opening.

As a result, the woman will experience dryness, pH imbalance, increased susceptibility to vaginal infections, and the possibility of foreign bodies entering the vagina.

Contraindications to intimate plastic surgery

• Acute inflammatory and infectious diseases;
• Herpes in the acute stage;
• Oncological diseases;
• Prolapse of the pelvic organs of the 3rd degree;
• Pregnancy

Preparation for surgery

After consulting with the surgeon and making a decision, you will receive a list of laboratory tests that must be taken. In some cases, consultation with other specialists (e.g., gynecologist, endocrinologist, etc.) may also be required. Based on the results of the examinations and the conclusions of the specialists, you will consult with an anesthesiologist and obtain permission for the operation.

Two weeks before the operation, we also recommend that you stop taking any medications that affect blood clotting, quit smoking, or reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke.

How does rehabilitation work?

Since the surgery is performed under general anesthesia, you will remain in the intensive care unit for some time after the surgery for additional monitoring. You may feel a little unsteady. You may also find it difficult to concentrate. This is completely normal, and your condition will return to normal within a few hours. After 2-3 hours, you will be transferred to your own room where you will stay until morning. The next day, after a doctor's examination, you will receive recommendations for wound care, a list of necessary medications, and information about the time of your next examination. We do not recommend driving during the first 24 hours after surgery, so please take this into account before the operation. In the first few days after surgery, you may experience pain, minor bleeding for 2-3 days, and numbness. Bruising and swelling will disappear completely within 2 weeks. One day after surgery, you will not be restricted in your movement and can take a shower.

How long does it take to return to work?

It depends on the type of work.

If your work involves physical labor, we recommend staying at home for a week. Otherwise, we recommend staying at home for two days after surgery. This is necessary to allow you to rest and recover completely. In any case, it is important to assess your condition individually and consult your doctor if necessary.

When can I resume sexual activity after the procedure?

We recommend waiting until the wounds have completely healed and any pain has subsided after the operation. On average, our patients resume sexual activity 2-3 weeks after the procedure.

When can I resume sports activities?

We recommend avoiding sports for two weeks. There is a risk of increased swelling and hematoma formation. After a month, you are not limited in any physical activity.

What else should I keep in mind?

After the operation, you should avoid using tampons for a month to prevent irritation of the wound and pain.

Also, for greater comfort, we recommend that you do not wear tight clothing or underwear after the operation.

When will I see the final result?

The preliminary results of intimate plastic surgery are visible immediately after the operation, but the final results are assessed after 6 months, when the residual swelling has completely disappeared.

It should be noted that the final formation of scars takes up to 1 year.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any changes in sensitivity after plastic surgery?

In some cases, women may experience numbness in the area during the early postoperative period. As a rule, these sensations are caused by swelling, excessive pressure on the nerve endings, and sensitivity disorders. These symptoms do not require additional treatment and disappear on their own.

Also, according to statistics, women who have undergone lipofilling of the labia majora have reported improved sensitivity during sexual intercourse.

How long does rehabilitation take?

This is an individual process that depends on the characteristics of the body and the extent of the surgical intervention. As a rule, the recovery process takes from 2 weeks to 1 month.

When can I resume sexual activity after the procedure?

It is recommended to wait until the wounds have completely healed and the pain has subsided after the operation. On average, our patients resume sexual activity 2-3 weeks after the surgery.

What are the possible complications of intimate plastic surgery?

The most common early postoperative complications are bleeding, hematoma, and wound infection. Hypertrophic or keloid scars may also form, causing discomfort during sexual intercourse. This condition requires additional treatment.