Plastic surgery of labia
Labioplasty is an operation especially sought after by women whose labia of abnormal length and shape adversely affect their intimate life, make it difficult to wear bathing suits, or interfere with sports activities. However, the reasons for a labioplasty may also be purely an aesthetic solution, whereby the enlarged genitalia affect self-confidence.
At the same time, the skin naturally loses elasticity and weakens with age. This process also manifests itself in the area of the labia of female genitalia, which sag and extend. However, enlargement may also be due to hereditary skin properties or to the effects of giving birth. Labioplasty is therefore also referred to as rejuvenation of the private parts.
During the procedure, excess tissue is surgically removed. The result is its reduction and renewed elasticity as early as 6 weeks after undergoing surgery. In the case of atrophy of the large labia, i.e. the loss of volume and elasticity, it is also possible to have them surgically enlarged, but this is a rare request from the patients. The operation itself is usually very short, taking about 50 minutes.
Who is the surgery suitable for?
The surgery is recommended from the cosmetic and psychological point of view to all women for whom enlarged genitals cause problems in hygiene, sports or sexual life. There are several reasons for the procedure, and they are individual for each woman. It is possible to adjust not only the size but also the undesirable visible asymmetry of the size of the labia. The procedure is usually performed in women without gynaecological complaints, but always after reaching sexual maturity, i.e. from the age of 18 years. In the case of labioplasty of women after childbirth, it is necessary to wait for at least half a year after birth or until she has stopped breastfeeding.
Before surgery
In addition to completing sexual maturity and thorough preoperative examination and consultation, no more complicated preparation is needed for the procedure. In most cases, the patient agrees with the plastic surgeon on the conditions of the size or shape of the operated area during the consultation. At the same time, during the consultation, the patient should be informed in detail by the doctor about the course of the operation. As with any surgical procedure, even in this case, it is necessary to inform your surgeon of any possible chronic diseases, current health problems, medicines used or known allergic reactions.
It is particularly important to consult your doctor on the use of blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs. These should be discontinued or the dosage modified by the patient prior to surgery in consultation with the doctor. The date of surgery should then be agreed so that the patient is operated shortly after the end of menstruation. The plastic surgeon must also properly instruct the patient about the necessity of proper intimate hygiene in the post-operative period.
If a patient has a cold, virus or flu one week before surgery, it is better to delay the procedure.
During surgery
Labioplasty is usually performed under general anaesthesia, but can be performed only under local anaesthesia. It depends on the state of health and the agreement of the patient with the doctor. The procedure itself consists in removing excess skin from the area of small labia. The labia are surgically shaped into its natural form.
The incision and amount of tissue removed is performed with respect to maximising the maintenance of nerve endings and sensitivity. In our clinic, absorbable sutures are used that fall out in about 2 weeks. Thus, in addition to routine controls, there is no need for further invasive medical care. The scar after the operation is very soft and almost invisible. The recommended hospital stay after surgery is not longer than one day.
Post-operative regimen and limitations
Immediately after surgery, patients are recommended to wear loose clothing. Post-operative pain is mild. Commonly used over-the-counter painkillers are recommended for pain and discomfort. Usually, labioplasty patients leave for home the next day after surgery.
It is a good idea to rest during a one-week period after the surgery, avoid long periods of sitting, including longer car journeys, and have the opportunity for personal hygiene several times a day. It is recommended to shower with a soap intended for intimate hygiene or a fine disinfectant soap after every visit to the toilet and cover the wound area with an intimate pad.
Some patients tolerate convalescence and show better wound healing if the operated area is completely uncovered and left "free". After the surgery, the parts are very swollen as a result of surgical swelling and injection of the anaesthetic. Swelling reaches its peak in the first 48-72 hours after the procedure and gradually disappears in a few weeks. Depending on the nature of the patient's employment, it is advisable to arrange at least 1 week off for healing. The post-operative check-up is usually 7 days after the procedure.
While the wound heals, it is not advisable to use menstrual tampons and wear tight clothes. In any case remember that the healing will take place in the first 10-14 days or even more. Minor swelling may persist for a longer period of time, and the surgical site will receive its definitive shape in approximately 6 weeks, after which the patient may then resume her sex life without any restrictions.
Complications
As a rule, difficulties occur only rarely after labioplasty, and the procedure is highly successful. Of course, the avoidance of possible complications depends on the experience of the plastic surgeon, but complications are not too frequent. It is also very important for the patient to cooperate and to strictly follow all the recommendations during the post-operative period.
