Are you thinking about labiaplasty surgery? Let's talk about it openly (Labiaplasty)

Are you uncomfortable with the appearance of your private area? Do you sometimes feel pain, tightness, or tightness in that area when you wear underwear, exercise, or ride a bike? These can be problems that many people cannot tell anyone about and keep in their hearts. Today we are talking about a surgery called Labiaplasty, which can be a solution to such problems. Since this is a somewhat sensitive topic, let's learn everything about it in a very friendly, open way, as if we were talking to a friend.

Simply put, what is Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure to reduce, enlarge, or change the shape of the labia, the folds of skin around your vagina. There are two types of labiaplasty.

• The large folds on the outside: These are called the `labia majora` (larger vaginal lips). These are the fleshy parts that become covered with hair after puberty and provide external protection for the genitals.
• The small folds on the inside: These are called the `labia minora` (smaller vaginal lips). These protect your urethra and the opening of your vagina.

During labiaplasty surgery, the surgeon may do one of the following things, depending on the reason you are having it done:

• If necessary, remove a small amount of tissue from the labia to reduce the size.
• If you want to increase the size, inject a type of filler or fat taken from another part of your own body.
• Reconstruction of the labia minora due to an accident or other reason.

Why would someone want to undergo such a surgery?

This can be done for medical reasons, as well as cosmetic and psychological reasons. It is sometimes done as part of another surgery.

Medical and physical reasons

• Reduce discomfort and pain: Sometimes the inner labia (`labia minora`) can be larger and protrude more than the outer labia (`labia majora`). Then, during exercise (e.g., running, cycling) or during sexual intercourse, these parts can be twisted, pulled, or pinched, causing pain and inflammation .
• Cleanliness and hygiene: The excess tissue in the labia can make it difficult to keep the area clean. This can increase the risk of bacteria accumulating and causing conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Cosmetic and psychological reasons

• Shape asymmetry: Avoid the psychological discomfort caused by the size or shape of the labia being different from each other (asymmetry).
• Self-confidence: Feeling embarrassed or embarrassed about the appearance of your genital area can lead to a lack of confidence in your sex life. Some people are tempted to increase their self-confidence and comfort with it after this surgery. But let us remind you again, the labia come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and that is completely normal.

What are the reasons for the labia to become larger?

It is not possible to pinpoint one specific reason for this. Several factors could be at play.

• Puberty: Hormonal changes during this time can lead to growth of the labia.
• Pregnancy and childbirth: The physical changes that occur during these times can cause the labia to tighten.
• Menopause: During this time, hormonal changes can cause the tissue of the outer labia majora to thin.
• Weight changes: Increase or decrease in body weight.
• Genetic influences.

What happens before and on the day of surgery?

Before surgery

First, you will talk openly with your surgeon about why you want to have this surgery, what your expectations are, and what the risks are. The doctor may also ask about your mental health (such as depression or anxiety). Then, the doctor will explain how the surgery will be performed, where the incisions will be made, and how the shape and size of the labia will change after the surgery. You may also be asked to do blood tests and urine tests before the surgery.

On the day of surgery

You will be given general anesthesia for the surgery. This may be done under local anesthesia, or under general anesthesia. Your doctor will tell you about this in advance. The surgery usually takes less than two hours.

The stitches used after surgery are absorbable stitches that dissolve over time.

How is the recovery time after surgery?

Pain and discomfort

It is normal to experience some swelling, pain and discomfort after surgery. However, this can usually be controlled with painkillers (e.g. paracetamol) for a few days. Applying an ice pack to your undergarment for 20 minutes, then removing it for 20 minutes, can greatly reduce pain and swelling.

Hygiene and clothing

• Use only lukewarm water, without soap, to wash the wound.
• After urinating, gently pat the area dry , without rubbing vigorously.
• Wear loose, non-tight pants and underwear during the healing period. Tight clothing can irritate the wound and delay healing.

Work and activities

You can return to normal light activities in a few days. However, it is essential to avoid the following activities for 4-6 weeks .

• Weight lifting, strenuous exercise
• Activities like cycling, running, swimming
• Having sex

What are the risks and complications of this surgery?

Complications are very rare, but it's important to be aware of them.

• More or less tissue is removed than necessary.
• Bleeding.
• Blood clot (hematoma).
• Wound infection.
• The sutures of the wound break.
• Scarring.
• Persistent pain, pain during sex, or loss of sensation.

It can take about 4-6 months for the swelling to completely subside before you see the final results, so it's important to be patient.

Labiaplasty, Labiaplasty, Vaginal Lip Surgery, Gynecology, Cosmetic Surgery, Women's Health, Gynecology