Labiaplasty is a sought-after surgery especially by women whose abnormal length and shape of the vulvar lips negatively affect their intimate life, make it uncomfortable to wear a swimsuit, underwear or cause a hindrance in sports. However, the reasons for labiaplasty can also be purely aesthetic.

With age, our skin naturally loses elasticity and weakens. This process is also manifested in the area of ​​the labia, which tend to fall down and increase in length. However, changes can also be caused by hereditary properties of the skin, or due to past births. Labiaplasty is therefore also referred to as the rejuvenation of intimate parts.

During the procedure, the excess tissue is surgically removed. The result is a reduction in the labia and restoration of skin elasticity as early as 6 weeks after the surgery.

In the case of atrophy of the labia majora, i.e. the loss of their volume and elasticity, their enlargement can also be achieved by surgery. However, this is usually a rare patient requirement.

Who is the surgery suitable for?

• From a cosmetic and psychological point of view, the surgery is recommended for all women whose enlarged genitals cause them problems during hygiene, sports or sexual life.
• There may be many reasons for the procedure and they are completely individual for each woman.
• The surgery can adjust not only the size, but also the undesirable asymmetry of the labia.
• The procedure is usually performed on women without gynaecological problems and always after reaching adulthood, i.e. from the age of 18.
• In the case of post-partum labiaplasty, it is necessary to wait half a year after the birth and stop breastfeeding.
• It is extremely important to consult your doctor about the use of blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medication. The patient should discontinue them before the surgery or, after agreement with the doctor, regulate their dosage.
• It is advisable to schedule the date of the surgery so that it takes place shortly after the end of menstruation.
• The plastic surgeon must instruct the patient about the need for proper intimate hygiene in the postoperative period.
• If a patient develops a cold, virus infection or flu a week before the procedure, it is better to postpone the procedure.

Surgery

Labiaplasty is usually performed under general anaesthesia, but it is also possible to perform it only with local anaesthesia of the area. It depends on the health condition and agreement between a patient and a doctor.

The procedure itself consists of removing excess skin from the area of ​​the labia minora. The labia is thus surgically shaped into a natural form. The incision and extent of the tissue removed are performed so as to maximize nerve endings and sensitivity.

At our clinic, absorbable sutures are used, which fall out on their own after about 2 weeks. Therefore, in addition to routine check-ups, no further invasive medical care is required. The scar after the surgery is very fine and almost invisible.

Postoperative regimen and restrictions

• Immediately after surgery, patients are advised to wear looser clothing.
• Postoperative pain is usually only mild. Over-the-counter pain medication can be used to relieve pain and discomfort.
• Patients after labiaplasty can usually go home right after the surgery.
• For one week after the procedure, it is advisable to maintain a resting regime, and to avoid sitting for a long period of time, including longer car rides.
• It is advisable to wash the area with disinfectant soap after each visit to the toilet and showering is recommended for the normal hygiene routine..
• It is recommended to cover the wound with an intimate pad, but some patients experience better wound healing and easier recovery if the operated area is left completely uncovered.
• Immediately after the procedure, the surgical areas tend to be very swollen, both as a result of the surgery as well as the result of impregnation of the area with anaesthetic. The swelling reaches its peak 48-72 hours after the procedure and gradually begins to subside until it disappears completely in a few weeks.
• Depending on the nature of the patient’s employment, it is advisable to arrange for at least 1 week of work leave for healing.
• A postoperative check-up with a doctor is usually recommended 7 days after the procedure.
• It is not advisable to use tampons and wear tight clothing during wound healing.
• It is necessary to take into account that the healing will take at least ten days.