Labia correction

Labia correction

What is labia correction?

A labia correction (labiaplasty) is a surgical procedure to reduce or enlarge the size of your labia. The surgery is performed to improve the appearance of your labia or to reduce physical discomfort.

The labia are the folds of skin around your vaginal opening. There are two folds of skin; the outer folds are called the labia majora, and the inner folds are called the labia minora. These skin folds protect the opening of the urethra and vagina.

During a labia correction, some tissue is removed from the labia to make them smaller, or a filler is injected to enlarge them.

What are the reasons for wanting a labia correction?

There are medical and cosmetic reasons for adjusting the size of the labia. Excess labial tissue can twist, pull, and cause physical discomfort and irritation during exercise, physical activities (such as cycling or jogging) and sexual intercourse. In addition, a labia correction can be performed to provide a more youthful appearance after childbirth or aging. If asymmetry of the labia minora and/or labia majora exists, it can also be treated.

Techniques

In consultation with you, your plastic surgeon will choose which surgical technique will be applied.

Labia reduction

To shrink your labia, there are two general approaches:

1. Trim procedure. This approach removes excess tissue from the outer edge of one or both sides of your labia minora so that it is flush with the edges of your labia majora.
2. Wedge excision. With this approach, your surgeon removes a wedge- or pie-shaped piece of tissue from the inner parts of one or both sides of your labia minora. In this method, the lower part of the mucosa is left intact so that when the labia are sutured, the wrinkled edge of the labia remains intact. This preserves a more natural look for the labia minora.

Labia enlargement

To enlarge the labia, a small amount of filler is injected into your labia.

What happens after the operation?

In general, a labia correction is not considered a major operation. However, the labia may still be swollen and painful in the first weeks after the operation. These symptoms disappear by themselves. The sutures used dissolve on their own. Also, the scars will still be a little red and thick at first, but these will hardly show over the months.

What complications may occur?

Complications are not common, but may include:

• Too much or too little tissue is removed
• Bleeding
• Bruising (haematoma)
• Infection
• Delayed wound healing
• Scarring
• Persistent pain, pain during sex or loss of sensitivity

When can I return to work, physical activity and sexual activity after a labia correction?

You should be able to return to work and other light activities after a few days. If your work involves physical activity or lifting, you may have to stay home longer.

You should avoid the following for four to six weeks or until approved by your plastic surgeon:

• Strenuous exercise
• Physical activities such as cycling, running and swimming
• Sexual intimacy
• Returning to these activities too soon can put pressure on the wound, tear sutures and delay healing