Labiaplasty is offered to women with excessive, redundant labia who suffer from unsightly contour lines and physical discomfort. Such women report pinching or chafing when sitting or walking, hindrance during intercourse, and difficulty maintaining hygiene during menses or after defecation. While there is a wide variation of normal labial anatomy there has been increased numbers of women complaining of such discomfort which may be related to trends in pubic hair removal and tight clothing.
The term labiaplasty refers to the reduction in size of the labia minora. The labia minora are the bands of tissue on either side of the vagina that are directly inside the labia majora. These two flaps of skin extend down from the clitoris. Hormonal changes in the body brought on by pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and age, enlarge and darken the color of these tissues. Many women find these changes particularly disturbing as they may be obvious to them and their sexual partners. In some cases, the labia minora can become so large that they will interfere with sexual intercourse.
Labiaplasty is one of the most common genital rejuvenation procedures performed. The procedure involves cutting away the excess tissue and closing the incision. The aim of the surgery is to reduce the labia minora and not to totally remove them. Surgery may be done under local anaesthesia or general (awake or asleep).
Risks including bleeding, infection, scars, irregular colouring/pigmentation, asymmetry and pain. Swelling and bruising should be temporary. Smokers are at increased risk of slow healing and infections.
