Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty (or labioplasty) is the surgical procedure to reduce large or asymmetrical labia of the female genitalia. Sometimes referred under the title of vaginal cosmetic surgery, labiaplasty can also be done in conjunction with vaginoplasty and clitoral unhooding (or hoodectomy). These surgeries are considered elective and are done for a variety of reasons. For a labiaplasty, large or irregular labia may cause some to experience pain during intercourse or irritation in their everyday life. Some equate the look of the labia with beauty and may have psycho social issues as a result. Genetics, multiple childbirths or sexual intercourse are some of the causes for this irregularity.
A Labiaplasty effectively reduces the size of one or both sets of labia. This procedure is most often performed for women who have gone through multiple childbirths, but it can also be performed following disease, injury, to increase sexual function or to assist in sexual reassignment. This procedure effectively reduces the labia majora and/or the labia minora which are the external skin folds that surround the vulva.
The surgical procedure itself takes 60 minutes and can be done under local or general anesthesia, depending on the amount of tissue that is to be revised. Care is taken by the physician to make the area appear as natural as possible and to not over correct the area. Scarring is minimal as is the pain. Most patients need to a week of recovery time and at least 4-6 weeks before resuming sexual activity.
It is particularly important for women who wish to undergo a labiaplasty to consult with a specialist for this type of surgery. Often a consultation with the gynecologist will answer many questions and they often can refer patients to a qualified surgeon.
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