A labiaplasty is a type of corrective cosmetic surgery performed on the vagina.

The purpose of a labiaplasty is to modify the labia’s inner and outer “lips” – the labia minora and labia majora, respectively.

Are you someone that would like to learn more about the subject? Perhaps labiaplasty is something you’ve been considering for a while?

Here are the labiaplasty facts that you need to know so that you can make an informed decision.

Labiaplasty: The Specifics

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure where the inner and outer labia lips get modified.

Surgery typically occurs on the inner labia – the folds nearest to the clitoris. Labiaplasty is performed to create a smaller and more aesthetically pleasing appearance of the labia.

This vaginal corrective surgery takes place both for cosmetic reasons and to treat longstanding medical and congenital conditions.

Why do patients opt for a labiaplasty?

There are many specific reasons why patients put severe consideration into having this surgical procedure:

• Shortening of long inner labia lips. Some patients may have had an elongated inner labia their entire lives;
• Restoration of labia to pre-pregnancy size. Sometimes, patients find their labia permanently enlarged after having a baby;
• Correction of an asymmetrical labia. While many patients have an asymmetrical labia, some find it hinders their body confidence;
• Gender reassignment surgery. Patients transitioning from a male to female gender have labiaplasty as part of a two-stage surgical procedure.

While some patients elect to have labiaplasty for cosmetic reasons, for others, the need is entirely based on medical grounds.

For example, some patients find their labia gets pulled into the vagina during sexual intercourse. As a result, painful tears in the vulva can ensue.

For others, labia elongation can result not just from childbirth but due to the aging process.

Are there any cases where you shouldn’t have labiaplasty?

However, there are times where patients are advised against or even denied labiaplasty surgery on specific grounds:

• Physical health. Some patients that have certain pre-existing medical conditions or diseases shouldn’t have a labiaplasty;
• Psychological health. Patients that focus only on having the “perfect” labia aren’t ideal candidates for a labiaplasty.

With these in mind, patients considering a labiaplasty must be certain that it’s a procedure for them.

What are the risks of having labiaplasty?

With any surgery, there will always be some risks that patients need to consider before agreeing to a procedure. The same applies to labiaplasty.

While the majority of labiaplasty surgeries are successful, the following risks can sometimes cause complications:

• Decreased sensitivity. Different labiaplasty methods can be used, but some could potentially cause lower vulvar sensitivity;
• Scarring. Depending on which method you opt for, there is potential for scarring to occur with labiaplasty surgery;
• Numbing. Although rare, some nerve damage could occur, resulting in numbness.

It’s worth noting that such complications are not common in labiaplasty surgery.

In the small number of cases where complications have occurred, they can often get resolved with a follow-up surgery.

How can you find a reputable provider?

As you can probably tell, there are many clinics out there offering labiaplasty surgery services. How do you know which provider is right for you?

A labiaplasty should only be performed by either a gynecologist or a plastic surgeon.

If you’re looking for a reputable provider in Mexico, one highly-skilled and qualified surgeon you should consider is Dr. Javier Saldaña at VIDA Wellness and Beauty Clinic. 

Based in Tijuana, Dr. Saldaña has an extensive resume dating back to 1996.

Dr. Saldaña also received training in this field by the world-famous Dr. David Matlock, a pioneer in female genital cosmetic procedures based in Beverly Hills, CA.

When seeking a reputable provider for labiaplasty surgery, be sure to check the following:

• Medical credentials. How long has the provider been practicing cosmetic or gynecological surgery;
• Business details. Where is the provider’s clinic, and is it both a registered and reputable facility;
• Reviews from past patients. What have the provider’s previous patients said about his or her work;
• Photographic evidence. Genuine providers often have before and after photos of their work published on their website (with each patient’s consent).

How is labiaplasty surgery performed?

There are three methods that labiaplasty surgeons can use to perform the surgery:

1: The Trim Technique

A small vertical incision is made along the length of the inner labia. The surgeon holds down a clamp around the labia and cuts off any excess tissue.

That is a common technique for patients that have an enlarged inner labia, perhaps due to childbirth.

2: The Wedge Technique

The surgeon cuts away the thickest part of the inner labia and stitches the two pieces back together on each side.

It’s an ideal way of preserving the natural “wrinkling” of the labia.

3. The De-Epithelialization Technique

Although not as common as the previous two methods, some patients opt for the de-epithelialization technique.

It’s similar to the wedge technique, but the tissue that gets removed is from the inner labia lining.

• Each technique can be performed with a laser or scalpel;
• Labiaplasty surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia;
• Some patients can elect to have local anesthesia alongside a mild sedative.

How should you prepare for labiaplasty surgery?

When searching through labiaplasty FAQs, many prospective patients often wonder how they can prepare before the surgery. 

• Although a labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure, it’s worth taking at least a week off work to recover;
• Be sure to eat and drink healthily in the days leading up to surgery. You should also drink plenty of water to stay hydrated;
• Wear comfortable clothing on the day of your labiaplasty procedure, and be sure to wear loose panties;

What should you do after the surgery?

You must take things easy for the days following the surgery.

That means getting plenty of rest and wearing loose but comfortable clothing. It’s also essential to change your sanitary pads regularly until all bleeding has stopped.

Last but not least, you’ll need to refrain from any sexual activity for at least four weeks so your body can heal.

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