The decision for labiaplasty is based on medical, physical, aesthetic, and psychological issues. The candidates suitable are those women appropriate physically, emotionally and mentally for labiaplasty and/ or have a desire for the surgery. It is a violation of ethics to perform genital surgery on women whom doctors perceive as young and confused or if the person is desiring the surgery in order to please someone else. Basically, one needs to be educated regarding complications, side effects, and risks associated with the procedure of labiaplasty.
There are a number of criteria that ensure the suitability of women for labiaplasty. They are as follows:
- Ideal candidates are at least 18 years of age, as an upper age limit is not formally identified.
- Women should be fully developed physically and emotionally.
- Those who have a physically large labia that have led to health concerns, due to the body rubbing against clothing, causing discomfort, pain, chafing, dermatitis, and odor.
- In addition to the physical benefits of undergoing labiaplasty, patients should also want the procedure for aesthetic reasons. Voluntary enhancement of the labia minora (and possibly the labia majora) is the other most common motivating factor. In these cases, it is important that the motivations are rational and realistic.
- You should be honest about your motivations for the surgery and be able to describe them to a surgeon.
- You should have considered the alternatives and be sure that you want the operation to be done for yourself.
Recovery Process After Labiaplasty
The recovery time after a labiaplasty procedure can vary from person to person, but you can expect to see these general healing processes. Of course, individuals may experience these events at varying times and may not fully follow this order because everyone’s body heals differently. Healing also depends on the surgical techniques used and the extent of the work performed. The labiaplasty recovery and aftercare process can be broken down into several stages. You can return to work 2-3 days after surgery doing light, sedentary work. You can start driving after a few days if you are no longer being sedated. More strenuous activity should be avoided in the first 2-3 weeks after surgery. You should plan to avoid sex for at least 4-6 weeks. Many surgeons prefer not to use tampons during menstruation after labiaplasty.
Pain and discomfort are minimal over several days after the initial procedure and can take up to 5-7 days. Avoid aspirin products and drink plenty of fluids. Some patients find that over-the-counter pain relievers help alleviate discomfort. You should drink plenty of water after surgery and should avoid alcohol and caffeine. Avoid sexual activity for at least 6 weeks. In most cases, you will be seen several times to assess your recovery. We may remove unsaved stitches and check your progress. Pain, redness, or fever are signs of complications and should be immediately reported. In this case, rapid antibiotics may be necessary. Both types of labiaplasty create new incisions in the vagina that are much smaller than the original incisions. The size of these new zones is chosen to be just the size necessary for sufficient local surgical access. Needed comfort restrictions due to the symptoms of local inflammation are strictly minimized. Encouraging the patient to lead as active and structured a life as possible after surgery better organizes and flows the ongoing healing process.
Post-Operative Aftercare for Labiaplasty
Immediately after the labiaplasty, it is beneficial to abstain from walking for the first three days. After three days, light movement is advised. Excessive movement and walking should be avoided because these pull the incision line and cause increased edema. Heavy activities such as sports and sexual intercourse should be avoided for the first six weeks. With the opening of the surgical area for urine evacuation, watering the outer area is enough. Too much wiping or rubbing will cause irritation. For the first few days after the surgery, tampons should not be used. Hygiene is important. It is necessary to clean the area of surgery regularly with hygiene products after urination or defecation. When taking a shower, it is necessary to pour water on the area of operation. Heavy lifting should not be done for three weeks. Analgesics prescribed postoperatively should be used regularly so that the drugs do not take time to start their effect.
There may be bleeding in the first few days after surgery that will decrease over time. Analgesics should be used to relieve pain. If necessary, additional analgesics can be used with the prescribed drugs, or the patient can go to a nearby health facility. Antibiotics should be used for potential infections as directed by the physician. It is necessary to eat and drink plenty of water for feeding and general patient health. It is useful to benefit from social media to reduce the effects of emotional complaints. It may be helpful for a patient to share a similar experience with another patient. The patient should inform the physician about any complaints outside the plan during the clinical examination or controls. After surgery, antipyretic, anti-edema, and antibacterial drugs are used. These drugs can be used for up to six months. The first month is the most important period and requires attention in terms of medication. In the postoperative process, those who neglect to take care of the wound may heal their wounds after secondary needs. In order to recover from the surgery and heal more quickly, extra rest should be taken, stress outside the wound should be avoided, and a quiet environment should be provided. This will be good for the patient’s general sense of recovery. It is necessary not to go to crowded, stressful, and heavy environments. Those who work hard should take a break for a few weeks. When the patient is dressed in comfortable liquid clothes that do not constrain, the patient will heal more easily. Open cotton underwear does not rub the wound. Patients who pay attention to this issue will have a better and faster recovery period.
Frequently Asked Questions About Labiaplasty
What is labiaplasty?
A labiaplasty is a surgical way to remove excess tissue from the labia. This is common for cosmetic reasons, but it can also be completed if the labia are significantly elongated, causing discomfort during sex, exercise, or other physical activities.
Can I be awake during the procedure?
Most labiaplasty surgeries are completed with local anesthesia. If anxiety is a concern, an oral anxiolytic can be administered before surgery.
How long will I need to take off?
Most patients are able to return to non-manual labor jobs or school within one-half to one full week after surgery. In terms of exercise and sexual activity, most surgeons will clear you for gentle exercise (in the form of walking) after a week; more strenuous exercise can typically resume between two to four weeks afterward depending on the surgeon’s recommendations.
What will my labia look like?
There is a risk of scarring, but the location of the incision is such that it should not typically be visible. For most people, the end results of labiaplasty are largely what was expected.
Who is the best candidate?
You should be in good general health to seek this type of surgery. A qualified labiaplasty surgeon will also have experience in finding the best solutions to your particular case. In supporting your decision to change your labia, a qualified labiaplasty surgeon will provide consultation, resources, and answer any questions before and after surgery.
How can I find the right specialist?
When choosing the surgeon who will perform your labiaplasty, consider their degree of experience and level of qualification. Also, ask about their approach to your particular case and be prepared to discuss all your questions with them. A professional labiaplasty surgeon will be able to provide you with before and after images or testimonials upon request. These need to be treated with some caution, especially if the images look altered or don’t feature a variety of body types or ethnicities.
Remember: testimonials are individual results and experiences, and every person may have specific outcomes based on what they spent and with whom they had surgery. Reviewing before and after images can provide an idea of results you could be able to achieve. Keep in mind that these images and testimonials should not be your basis for choosing a surgeon. The success of a labiaplasty outcome, as with other procedures, will depend greatly on the skills of the person performing it. When changing your body, remember to keep the benefits of a well-trained surgeon top of mind. Always ensure to get all the information and recommendations you need from your surgeon.
