Your vulva develops over its lifetime. The biggest change can be seen during puberty, as your entire body grows. However, sometimes, the inner labia can grow too large or too dark. In this case, you can choose to have a labiaplasty. This simple, outpatient procedure removes the excess from your inner labia and ensures a rejuvenated look that will also be more comfortable throughout the day.
What Is a Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of your inner labia. Your inner labia may grow too big for a variety of reasons (to be discussed later on) and may start to cause discomfort. This discomfort can present itself as pain during daily and sporting activities, such as jogging, running, or even cycling. In any case, labiaplasty can offer a more comfortable daily experience to you.
Also known as Labia Reduction Surgery, labiaplasty is a common surgical procedure done in the US. It is usually performed with the aim of increasing the aesthetic feel of your intimate parts and boosting your confidence. The procedure is short and painless, and you will be able to go back home the same day.
More commonly performed on younger or middle-aged women, some senior women are now considering the procedure as they stay sexually active longer, adjust sex positions for their age, and even enjoy embrace sexual toys for seniors. All of this increased sexual activity into their seniors years gives them a great focus on how things appear “down there.”
Why Is My Labia Bigger than Normal?
Your inner labia or labia minora may be bigger than what is considered usual. Everyone’s body is different and that your labia may be perfectly normal and functional. Spend some time researching online about what normal labia looks like. You will most likely find that your body is good as it is. In case you find that your inner labia is, indeed, enlarged, you should understand that there is a number of reasons why your labia may be bigger than usual:
- Pregnancy or multiple pregnancies put a strain on the labia,
- Excessive weight loss,
- A normal process of aging,
- Hormonal changes during puberty, etc.
Additionally, your labia may be asymmetrical or misshapen due to lifestyle choices, personal habits, or injuries. It can also be misshapen or asymmetrical due to a previous labiaplasty, when you may actually need to opt for a revision labiaplasty. Also known as a corrective labiaplasty, this procedure is common in those who seek cheap, international cosmetic surgical procedures.
What Is the Purpose of Labiaplasty?
A good labiaplasty done by a trained professional will, indeed, reduce the size of your inner labia. The general purpose of the procedure is to make you both pain-free and more comfortable in your body. As such, labiaplasty is a procedure commonly performed after the last pregnancy (when you do not intend to have any more children), as well as when you experience embarrassment when with your partner.
Should I Get a Labiaplasty?
If you experience pain or embarrassment at the looks of your intimate parts, you should know that you can correct this feeling – a simple surgical procedure is all you need to reach the look you’ve always wanted. Additionally, you may want to get labiaplasty if:
- You are concerned with the appearance of your labia minora,
- You are sensitive about inner lips that have grown to be too dark or otherwise discolored,
- You are worried that your partner will judge you,
- You avoid certain activities like cycling, running, and jumping, due to pain or discomfort, or
- Have painful intercourses due to the size of your labia minora.
Generally speaking, there are two types of reasons you may want to get a labiaplasty:
Medical Reasons
Medical reasons for getting labiaplasty are numerous. Before you decide to have a labiaplasty, you should consult with your surgeon and insurance and see what kind of coverage you can get. Labiaplasty can be covered by some insurances. Medical reasons to get a labiaplasty to include:
- Pain during certain activities, such as sporting activities,
- General discomfort in the area, especially during work or daily activities,
- Painful intercourse with your partner, and
- Repeated infections threaten your health and daily activities.
Cosmetic Reasons
Another group of reasons relates to the cosmetic aspects or the aesthetic form your inner labia has. In this case, you will not get any insurance coverage but will need to pay for labiaplasty on your own. Cosmetic reasons to get a labiaplasty include:
- Discomfort or dissatisfaction with how big your inner lips are,
- Dissatisfaction with the color of your inner labia,
- Discomfort with how your partner sees your labia or hesitance at dating and having a fulfilled emotional life.
Labiaplasty Before and After
Labiaplasty is a simple cosmetic surgical procedure. You can choose to have your labiaplasty for a variety of reasons, including those of emotional nature. After labiaplasty, you will be able to regain control of your life and enjoy all the activities you may have wanted to enjoy for years but could not. The results are immediately apparent, although it will take some time for the recovery and healing to take place.
Labiaplasty Procedure
Before labiaplasty, your specialist plastic surgeon will examine your inner labia to ensure that you are a suitable patient. When cleared, your surgeon will begin the procedure by giving you a local anesthetic. Once numb (usually after a few minutes), your surgeon will carefully excise the inner labia to the desired size. Then, they will suture the incision site. The scar will be hidden in the natural crevices of the tissue and will barely be visible.
Labiaplasty Recovery
This recovery after labiaplasty is very short, thanks to the nature of the tissue: your labia is filled with tiny blood vessels and capillaries, which speed up the recovery and ensure that you can go back to your daily activities and your workplace in no time. Some downtime after labiaplasty is expected.
This downtime is as short as a few days. The discomfort will last for no more than ten to fourteen days. During this time, you should avoid strenuous activities and try to take as much rest as possible. Take regular walks around your home at first, then around your neighborhood. In the third week, you will be able to go back to work, and after 8-10 weeks, you will be able to resume all activities, including exercise.
Labiaplasty Side Effects
Labiaplasty is a short and simple procedure that is done in a local anesthetic and has very few side effects. Labiaplasty generally entails the following side effects:
- Pain and discomfort post-surgery,
- Mild swelling in the area,
- Very mild bleeding in the area,
- Difficulties maintaining hygiene for the first three days,
- Infections, and
- Very rarely: tissue necrosis.
For all these reasons, it is important to always opt to have surgery with a specialized plastic surgeon and avoid cheap schemes and abroad surgery. You should also follow your surgeon’s recommendations for both pre-op and post-op time and understand that your body needs to heal. For this reason, take plenty of rest and practice healthy habits.
Laser Intimate Rejuvenation (the Mona Lisa Procedure)
Another similar procedure that is often confused with labiaplasty is the intimate laser rejuvenation or the Mona Lisa laser treatment. This is a non-surgical approach to feminine rejuvenation that is intended to strengthen the walls of the vaginal canal. It does not address the issue of enlarged labia.
The Mona Lisa procedure consists of a laser being used at multiple depths of your vaginal canal. The laser uses focused beams of light that pulses over the tissue causing damage to it. As the tissue repairs the damage, it creates an excess of collagen, elastin, and keratin, which give more volume to the vaginal walls and make them firmer. The result is a rejuvenated vaginal canal with thicker walls, especially after pregnancies and multiple deliveries.
How Much is Labiaplasty Surgery?
As every patient is different, the labiaplasty cost will be different as well. In general, you may want to consult your surgeon but bear in mind that overly cheap procedures may come at hidden costs, such as surgeries done by an inexperienced surgeon and at the cost of patient safety corner-cutting. The average labiaplasty in the US costs around $3,000 and may include other expenses, depending on the desired results and the initial state.
Labiaplasty FAQs
Why do Girls do Labiaplasty?
Girls should not get labiaplasty. As girls age, especially in their post-teen years, they may not be satisfied with the way their vagina looks or feels. In some cases, the inner labia may be asymmetrical or misshapen due to past injuries. In these cases, a woman may decide to have a labiaplasty.
Does Labiaplasty Make You Tighter?
No, labiaplasty does not make you tighter. Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess from the inner labia only and does not interfere with the vaginal canal or vaginal wall thickness. If you think that your vaginal canal could be tighter, you should consider getting a Mona Lisa laser treatment.
How Long Does a Labiaplasty Surgery Take?
Labiaplasty will generally take less than two hours, depending on the case complexity, the initial state, and the desired results. It is done with a local anesthetic, so there is no complete sedation. You can generally return home the same day.
Does Labiaplasty Look Natural?
Yes, if done by an experienced surgeon, your labiaplasty will look very natural. The scars are hidden in the natural contours of the body itself, and any swelling is usually gone within two weeks. A good surgeon will also be able to make your inner lips very symmetrical and pleasant to the eye.
Final Considerations
Labiaplasty or feminine rejuvenation is the perfect way to a more youthful-looking labia. The procedure is short, and you can return home the same day. It is a perfect solution for all ladies who may feel discomfort down there during daily or sporting activities and is the perfect way to ensure that aging leaves no unsightly marks in your intimate region.
