Labıaplasty

What is Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is a procedure that reshapes and reduces the size of the inner and outer labia (labia minora and labia majora) of the female genital area. This procedure is typically sought to relieve physical discomfort or address aesthetic concerns. Conditions like asymmetry, enlargement, or sagging of the labia minora can cause both physical and mental distress in women. Labiaplasty can resolve these issues by surgically removing excess tissue and reshaping the labia for a more aesthetic appearance. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, allowing patients to return to their normal lives after a short recovery period. The goal of labiaplasty is to boost women’s self-confidence and improve their quality of life.

How is Labiaplasty Performed?

Labiaplasty is generally performed under local anesthesia but may sometimes require sedation or general anesthesia. The aim of the surgery is to adjust the size and shape of the labia minora (inner lips) and/or labia majora (outer lips) according to the patient’s aesthetic expectations or functional needs. Various techniques may be used during labiaplasty.

The labia continues to grow until the age of 18, so this procedure is not recommended for girls under this age.

Why Do Vaginal Lips Sag?

Sagging of the vaginal lips can result from:

• Accidents or deformities from childbirth
• Extreme weight loss leading to sagging
• Frequent weight gain and loss
• Menopause
• Vaginal tumors and infections
• Excessive force during sexual activity
• Exposure to chemicals, such as perfumes
• Frequent vaginal deliveries that cause distortion of the vaginal shape

What to Consider After Labiaplasty?

Post-surgery complications are uncommon. However, like all surgical procedures, there is the potential for infection, tissue damage, or bleeding. Labiaplasty must be performed by a qualified doctor in sterile conditions, using the appropriate tools and expertise.

Post-operative bleeding is not expected, although mild spotting or leakage along the stitch line may occur. In the first few days after surgery, the vulva may be swollen, red, and sensitive due to the edema. Applying a cold compress as recommended by the doctor can help reduce the swelling.

The labia is a highly vascularized area, which allows for quick healing. The stitches will dissolve or fall out within 10-15 days, depending on the type of material used. Post-surgery pain is normal, and pain management may be prescribed by the doctor. Most patients can return to their routine activities a few days after the procedure. Full recovery, with no complications, typically takes around one month. Surgical intervention does not cause a loss of sensation in the vaginal area. Additionally, the procedure can be done using laser treatment. Dressings should be done as frequently as advised by the doctor.

During recovery, activities that put pressure on the area, such as yoga, pilates, horseback riding, and cycling, should be avoided. Proper hygiene practices, such as cleaning from front to back, should be followed to prevent infections. The doctor will likely recommend avoiding swimming pools, hot tubs, and saunas during the recovery period.

Patients should shower standing up instead of taking baths, and showers can be taken as early as the first day after surgery. Sexual activity should be avoided for about one month after surgery. Similarly, no hair removal treatments such as waxing should be performed on the area until complete healing has occurred.

Is Labiaplasty Dangerous?

Labiaplasty is generally considered a safe procedure, but like all surgeries, it carries certain risks and potential complications. These include infection, bleeding, delayed healing, scar tissue formation, and changes in sensitivity. However, with proper care and expert handling, the likelihood of complications is minimized. When performed correctly, labiaplasty can successfully address both aesthetic concerns and physical discomfort, providing satisfactory results.

Who is a Candidate for Labiaplasty?

Women may seek labiaplasty to address dissatisfaction with enlarged or excess labial tissue for both cosmetic and functional reasons. Many women have enlarged labia minora that extend beyond the labia majora, causing irritation, friction, or discomfort, which may worsen during sexual intercourse. Hygiene issues and discomfort in tight clothing like leggings or swimsuits may also arise due to excessive tissue. For these women, labiaplasty can offer relief from these concerns.

What Can I Expect From a Labiaplasty Procedure?

The procedure involves removing excess tissue while ensuring the incision is well-concealed. Some patients may also request clitoral hood reduction at the same time.

Labiaplasty is typically performed in a clinic and can be completed within an hour. It is performed under sedation anesthesia or general anesthesia if preferred by the patient. After the surgery, the patient achieves the desired aesthetic outcome.

What Are the Results of Labiaplasty?

The expected outcome of labiaplasty is an aesthetically pleasing appearance of the genital area. There will be no visible scarring after the healing process. Labiaplasty does not interfere with future childbirth, as the hymen is located about 4-5 cm away and remains unaffected.

What is the Recovery Period?

The recovery period typically lasts two weeks. During this time, it is recommended to use a cold ice pack for 20 minutes to reduce swelling. Labial incisions heal quickly, and the dissolvable stitches do not require removal. Patients are advised to avoid sports for two weeks and sexual activity for six weeks.

Labiaplasty in Istanbul

Labiaplasty is one of the most researched procedures by women seeking vaginal aesthetics in Istanbul. This surgery addresses sagging and aesthetic concerns in the inner labia, either due to weight loss or congenital factors. It involves trimming and reshaping the sagging, discolored, or aesthetically uneven labial tissue to restore a more youthful appearance. Recently, labiaplasty has become one of the most common aesthetic surgeries worldwide, with a significant increase in women seeking the procedure for both psychological and cosmetic reasons.

Reasons for Labiaplasty

The labia minora, located inside the outer labia, may protrude outward due to congenital factors or significant weight loss, resulting in an undesirable appearance. This condition, known as vaginal sagging, is one of the primary reasons women feel psychological distress. As a result, labiaplasty offers significant benefits in terms of aesthetics, sexual satisfaction, hygiene, and psychological well-being.

Reasons for labiaplasty include:

• Frequent fungal and vaginal infections due to excessive moisture in the genital area
• Unpleasant odors or discharge accumulating in the area
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Embarrassment or discomfort during sexual activity due to labial appearance
• Urine spraying onto the legs while using the toilet
• Difficulty urinating due to straining
• Discomfort wearing tight clothing like jeans, leggings, or underwear
• A bulging and noticeable appearance in tight clothing or swimwear
• Discomfort while sitting, cycling, or engaging in physical activities