Labiaplasty is a cosmetic surgery that involves reshaping and reduction of the labia minora. It’s a low-risk procedure that might cause minimal discomfort during the recovery stage.
Labiaplasty: Does it Hurt? Is It Risky?
Labia minora are the two delicate folds of skin located near the clitoris. There’s no universal shape of labia minora or majora. In some women, it’s large and could be shaped in a way that makes the clitoris visible. In others, it’s asymmetrical. Labiaplasty is the surgery to reshape or reduce the size of the labia minora.
A cosmetic gynecologist in Mulund might advise this surgery for women born with asymmetrical labia minora, as well as those who have noticed a change in their shape after childbirth, hormonal fluctuations, or a major weight loss journey. Let’s learn more about labiaplasty, who it’s for, and whether it’s safe.
Who Is It For?
Labiaplasty isn’t always medically necessary. It’s a cosmetic procedure, done electively. A majority of women considering labiaplasty express their desire to have a reshaped labia that fits the beauty standards set forth by society.
Appearance alone is a valid reason to have labiaplasty, especially if it’s affecting your confidence or self-esteem. However, it’s important that you set realistic expectations before proceeding.
It’s also advised for women who experience discomfort during sexual activity, horseback riding, or other physical activities. If you can’t wear tight clothes or swimsuits because of chafing due to the larger labia minora, surgery may be worth discussing.
Is Labiaplasty safe?
Labiaplasty in Mumbai is a generally safe procedure when performed by an experienced and qualified cosmetic surgeon. However, going under the knife does carry a few risks you should be aware of before considering the surgery. The common surgical risks include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Scarring
Temporary changes, such as decreased sensation to the vulva or numbness, are common until the area heals. A rare but possible risk is over-resection, i.e., removing excessive tissue.
Note that labia minora aren’t just there for cosmetic reasons, but they also play an important role in protecting your vagina from germs, bacteria, and other foreign objects.
When too much tissue is removed, it can increase vaginal exposure to these irritants. This can further increase the risk of infections and inflammation, vaginal dryness, and discomfort.
Does Labiaplasty Hurt?
No, the surgery itself can’t hurt because it’s performed under general or local anesthesia. So, you will either be asleep during the surgery or might be awake but not feel pain. The surgeon will carefully excise excess tissues and reshape the labia minora, ensuring their function is preserved. They may use dissolvable stitches, so you don’t have to visit later for stitch removal.
Slight discomfort, itching, and tenderness might stick around for a brief period. Take pain-relief medication prescribed by your surgeon, use a cold compress, and follow all post-op instructions to recover fast.
What About Intimacy?
Labiaplasty doesn’t reduce sexual pleasure or affect your intimacy. In fact, when done correctly, the surgery removes excess tissues that could have caused discomfort earlier during sex. Many women feel more confident and comfortable about intimacy after labiaplasty.
That said, there’s a slim chance of temporarily altered sensation in your vagina because the surgery involves nerves and delicate tissues. Discuss the after-surgery results with your gynecologist before considering it.