22 June 2022

Many women consult a plastic surgeon to fix body parts that they find “embarrassing.” While surgery helps to improve the body’s cosmetic appearance, it can, in some cases, also improve the patient’s quality of life. This is exactly what labiaplasty does.

Also known as nymphoplasty, this procedure corrects hypertrophy of the labia minora (inner lips) of the vulva.

While labiaplasty is still not well known, it has been receiving increased media coverage, and demand for it continues to rise in Quebec. Along with vaginal rejuvenation, the number of labiaplasty procedures has increased by 25% worldwide, according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).

In this post, we’ll explain everything there is to know about this increasingly popular surgery for women.

 

When might labiaplasty be suggested?

Women who choose this procedure do so for various reasons:

• Physical or psychological embarrassment caused by hypertrophic (enlarged) labia minora;
• To correct asymmetry;
• After giving birth (to correct the appearance of the labia minora or revise an episiotomy scar, for example).

In fact, some women experience daily embarrassment due to their large labia minora, particularly when playing sports. Friction can cause chafing and become painful in daily life. Embarrassment may also occur during intercourse, as the labia minora may get in the way of penetration.

Women who ask about labiaplasty also mention problems with wearing certain types of underwear or skin-tight clothing.

Aside from the physical embarrassment that may be caused by this condition, affected patients often claim to feel embarrassed around their partner. Therefore, there is also a psychological element to this condition.

It’s important to remember that each woman’s body is different and that there is no such thing as an “abnormal” woman. There is no baseline that determines whether or not some labia minora are too large. However, if a woman feels that the size of her labia minora interferes with her daily life, she can, with the approval of a surgeon, undergo labiaplasty.

 

Procedure and recovery

Labiaplasty is a simple outpatient procedure that can be performed under local anaesthesia. Cream is applied to numb the area before anaesthesia is administered. This operation can also be performed under general anaesthesia if necessary.

The procedure lasts between 45 minutes and an hour, and the recovery is usually not very painful; common painkillers are generally enough to relieve pain or discomfort.

A small amount of bleeding may occur in the days following the operation, and the area may also be swollen during this time. The stitches used are dissolvable and will disappear within one to two weeks. Sexual activity and tampon use must be avoided for four weeks to ensure optimal scarring.

The final result appears after three months, and although most patients are satisfied, some modifications may be required.

 

Other female cosmetic procedures

• Clitoral hood reduction
• Labia majora reduction or plumping
• Laser vaginal tightening
• Vaginoplasty

In short…

Every woman is unique, and so is every body. It’s important to feel comfortable in your own skin, and sometimes a procedure is needed to improve your daily life. Labiaplasty can get rid of genuine physical embarrassment, and making the right choice will require careful consideration. A consultation with your surgeon will help determine the solution that’s right for you!

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