Suitable Candidates for Labiaplasty Surgery
Suitable candidates for labiaplasty surgery should meet the following criteria:
- Physical Health: Be in good overall health with no underlying medical conditions that could interfere with the wound healing process.
- Emotional Well-being: Have realistic expectations and a positive mindset regarding the outcomes of breast implant surgery. As of 1st of July 2023, patients are required to have a psychological evaluation to ensure they are suitable to proceed with surgery.
- Stable Weight: It is recommended to be near your target weight before undergoing the procedure, as weight fluctuations can affect the cosmetic results.
- Non-smoker: Smoking or vaping dramatically interferes with the healing process and increases the risk of complications. Therefore, candidates are required to cease smoking for a minimum 6 weeks before and after the surgery.
Women considering labiaplasty often experience physical discomfort during physical activities like exercise or sexual intercourse, while others are concerned about the appearance of their labia or clitoral hood.
Common reasons for seeking labiaplasty surgery include:
- Pain or discomfort
- Recurrent infections
- Discomfort with tight clothing and exercise
- Discomfort during intimacy
- Correction of uneven or asymmetrical labia minora
Understanding Labiaplasty
The labia minora play an important role in maintaining the moisture and hygiene of the vulva and vagina. Over time, the labia minora may become enlarged due to factors like pregnancy or hormonal changes during puberty, causing them to protrude beyond the labia majora. This exposure can lead to friction from tight clothing or physical activities, resulting in pain, discomfort, and hygiene concerns.
What Are the Labia?
The labia are part of the external female genitalia, consisting of the labia minora (inner) and labia majora (outer). The labia minora protect the vaginal opening, while the labia majora shield the inner structures. Variations in size, shape, and symmetry are normal, but significant enlargement or asymmetry can cause discomfort and interfere with day to day activities.
What is the Clitoral Hood?
The clitoral hood is composed of sensitive skin that covers the erectile glans clitoris. In some women, excess skin over the clitoris can lead to pain and irritation in the area around the clitoris. If the clitoral hood is excessive, it can also interfere with sensation during intercourse.
Clitoral hood reduction is performed alongside labiaplasty surgery. By reducing excess skin, the procedure can enhance aesthetic contours of the external genitalia. It is crucial that conservative skin removal is performed to avoid chronic irritation or discomfort. Dr Turner carefully assesses each patient’s anatomy to determine if clitoral hood reduction is appropriate, ensuring the clitoris and its nerves are not disturbed.
Labiaplasty Techniques
Several surgical techniques have been developed for labiaplasty, including:
01.
Tissue Trim Technique
The original technique used in labiaplasty was simply removing the tissue at the free edge of the labia minora. This method can be a good option for women who want to address the darkening of the inner labia, that comes with age and pregnancy.
The disadvantage of this technique is that the natural texture of the labia minora is lost. There’s also an increased risk of nerve damage. A major limitation of this technique is that it can’t deal with excess tissue around the clitoral hood.
02.
De-Epithelization Technique
The de-epithelization technique allows you to maintain the texture of the labia minora edge. With this method, an incision is made in the inner and outer walls. The disadvantage of the de-epithelialization technique is that the labium width could increase if a considerable amount of tissue needs to be de-epithelialized, adding bulk to the labia. Also for those with large labia, the free margin is not reduced in length.
03.
Wedge Resection Technique
The wedge resection technique removes a wedge of tissue from the labia minora’s thickest portion. This method preserves the labia’s natural texture.
There is, however, the potential for nerve damage when done as a full-thickness resection. Another drawback is that this method doesn’t address the hyperpigmentation of the labial edge and if too much tension is applied, then there is a risk of wound separation.
While each of these techniques can achieve excellent results, they may have limitations in addressing all aspects of labial excess, potentially leading to incomplete correction and suboptimal aesthetic results.
Dr Turner’s Preferred Technique
Dr Turner utilizes a modified composite labiaplasty technique that he developed over a decade ago, allowing for a customized approach that addresses all elements of labial and clitoral hood excess to achieve your aesthetic goals. This method combines the benefits of various techniques to provide precise repair of the delicate labial tissue while preserving the important function of the labia minora. All incisions are closed with dissolving sutures, eliminating the need for suture removal. Sensory nerves to the perineum, clitoris, and vagina are well away from the operative site, so no disturbance in sensation occurs when the procedure is performed correctly.
Labia Majora Reduction
Weight fluctuations, aging, and pregnancy can cause the labia majora to lose fullness and volume, appearing deflated. A combination of fat transfer and skin resection can tighten and enhance the volume in the labia majora. In cases where the labia majora are enlarged, causing visibility in tight clothing or swimwear, liposuction and/or direct excision of excess tissue can create a balanced appearance of the external genitalia.
How Is a Labiaplasty Surgery Performed?
Labiaplasty surgery is always performed under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited hospital with the assistance of a qualified anaesthetist. Depending on the complexity of the procedure take 1 hour, and generally you are discharged the same day.
The procedure begins with careful marking of incision locations along the groove between the labia majora and the clitoral hood and labia minora. Dr Turner will mark the area of labia and clitoral hood skin that is planned to be removed. Next Dr Turner will infiltrate local anaesthetic in the areas to be dissected to minimize bleeding and discomfort after the procedure is completed.
Once the incisions are made, Dr Turner will remove excess skin and mucosa from the labia minora and skin from clitoral hood and labia are carefully sutured with close with absorbable sutures.
Recovery After Labiaplasty Surgery
After surgery, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medication and cold compresses. Most women can return to light activities within a few days but should avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and sexual intercourse for at least six weeks to allow proper healing. Dr Turner provides detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.
Risks and Complications of Labiaplasty Surgery
Like any surgical procedure, labiaplasty surgery carries certain risks and potential complications. It is important for patients to be fully aware of these before deciding to undergo surgery. Dr. Turner will discuss them in detail during your consultation, ensuring you have realistic expectations and a clear understanding of the potential outcomes.
Common risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, wound dehiscence, asymmetry, and temporary numbness or swelling, which typically subside during recovery. Adhering to post-operative care instructions is essential for minimizing complications and ensuring a smooth recovery.
