The vagina is the genitals of women. Its appearance is very important since it is an external organ. In addition, the functional features of a vagina with a deformed appearance may also disappear. In such a case, surgical operations known as vaginal aesthetics step in.

What is labiaplasty?

Labia minora is one of many parts of the vagina, also commonly known as the inner lip. Some patients feel uncomfortable due to growth, deformities, or thickness in the labia minora. In addition, changes in this region may also make normal daily activities, clothing choices, hygiene conditions, and sexual intercourse difficult.  A large labia minora will cause irritation, infection, and discomfort. Changes in vaginal appearance may be congenitally different or may be caused by difficult external factors such as birth.

Operations aiming to reduce and restore labia minora are called vaginal rejuvenation and vaginal aesthetics (labiaplasty).

Who is suitable for labiaplasty?

The deformation of the vagina may have many physical and psychological effects. It is preferred that people with both types of problems undergo vaginal rejuvenation.

Labiaplasty can be performed to solve the following problems:

• Women who are disturbed by the appearance of a large, pigmented, asymmetrical, and long labia minora,
• Women who have problems such as pain, discomfort, irritation during exercise or sports,
• Women who avoid emotional and sexual intercourse due to the appearance of their vagina,
• Women who have pain during activities such as cycling,
• Women who avoid wearing underwear, bikini, swimsuit, and tight pants due to the appearance of their vagina,
• Women who have hygiene or odor problems in the genital area,
• Women who experience split urine stream,
• Women with pleasure problems during sexual intercourse are a good candidate for surgery.

How is labiaplasty performed?

The procedure aims to reduce and shape the labia minora. It is necessary to make both parts short and symmetrical.

Labiaplasty may be completed in approximately 1 hour. Local or general anesthesia is performed to minimize pain during procedures. The surgery reduces the size of the labia or reshapes the irregular labia. Thus, the surgery aims to improve the appearance and eliminate the feeling of discomfort. Excess labial tissues are corrected and recreated with a natural appearance, color, and shape during the labiaplasty procedure. If the procedures are performed irregularly or incorrectly, it can lead to stenosis, pain, and deformation of the clitoris.

How long does it take to heal after vaginal rejuvenation?

It is normal to experience slight discomfort and swelling after the surgery. These problems are expected to end within 1 or 2 weeks in most cases. Labial incisions rarely result in significant scarring. Generally, it is not clear that any operations have taken place in the area where the procedure is performed.

It is recommended that women undergoing surgery take painkillers and antibiotics to prevent infection for a few days. In addition, as much ice compression as possible should be applied to reduce the pain and swelling.

Many women undergoing vaginal aesthetics may return to their normal life and activities within 3 days. Intense exercises, tight clothing, and sexual intercourse should be avoided until complete recovery. The healing process usually takes between 4 and 6 weeks. Improvement in the operation area should also be monitored by going to doctor’s visits at regular intervals.

Is labiaplasty surgery risky?

Vaginal aesthetic procedures performed with the necessary sensitivity and care are extremely reliable. Therefore, it is very important to correctly choose the clinic and specialist where the operation will be performed. The risks associated with labiaplasty may lead to problems that occur in most surgical procedures such as bleeding, hematoma, and infection. The most common complication is excessive resection. Excessive narrowing of the area may cause chronic dryness, tightening in/near the vaginal opening, and inability to have sexual intercourse.