Labiaplasty – Just the Facts

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of the female labia, the inner and/or outer vaginal lips, usually to repair damage caused by injury, disease, or childbirth. Women with large labia can experience discomfort during intercourse, or during everyday activities or while wearing tight-fitting clothes or undergarments. Labiaplasty can be done in combination with other female genital cosmetic surgery procedures such as Vaginoplasty, or vagina rejuvenation.

In recent years, however, more and more women have sought labiaplasty for cosmetic reasons, which has sparked some controversy both inside and outside the medical profession. Opponents of cosmetic labiaplasty argue that plastic surgery to improve the appearance of the labia provides unwarranted exposure to the inherent risks of cosmetic surgery, especially since there are no “ideal” labia and varying appearances are normal.

Who can get a labiaplasty?

Labia surgery is for women who have large or asymmetrical labia or related issues. Labiaplasty reduces the outward appearance of the labia or corrects misshapen or irregular labia. The best candidates for labiaplasty are women who experience sexual dysfunction, embarrassment, or pain.

Risks of Labiaplasty
The risks involved in labiaplasty are many, and probably long-term, since most patients seeking labiaplasty are relatively young.   The resulting scar tissue at the opening of the vagina may subsequently cause complications and trauma during childbirth. Also, dyspareunia (medically- or psychologically-induced painful sexual intercourse), modified sensation, and infection may occur.

Before Arriving at a Decision
Women are strongly advised to study the matter very carefully before making a delicate move like having a labiaplasty. They should get advice from different competent, highly reliable sources. Very few surgeons are skilled enough to undertake this intricate procedure with good results. It is important for patients  considering labiaplasty to find highly trained and experienced in female genital cosmetic surgery.