Hypertrophy of the labia minora is their excessive protrusion beyond the labia majora. With lateral extension, their length exceeds 4-5 cm. This phenomenon is not pathological and does not pose a threat to women’s health, except perhaps psychologically. This is, rather, a cosmetic defect, and even then within the framework of individual criteria of beauty and sexuality. However, correction of the labia minora is one of the most common operations in the field of aesthetic surgery related to the genitals.
Why are the labia minora needed?
The labia minora (labia minora pudendi) is a pair of thin longitudinal mucocutaneous folds located in the genital cleft medially from the labia majora. The MPG surround the entrance to the vagina, connecting in front, forming the frenulum and clitoral hood, connecting at the back, forming the frenulum of the labia.
The labia minora are an erogenous zone; they cover the entrance to the vagina and the external opening of the urethra, protecting the vagina and urethra from infection, and direct the stream of urine away from the genitals.
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Rehabilitation
You need to be prepared for various kinds of unpleasant sensations after the procedure: pain, swelling, slight bleeding. A few days after the procedure, all of the above phenomena will decrease significantly. Thanks to good blood supply to the pelvic organs, recovery occurs quite quickly.
But for the first 3 weeks you should adhere to the following restrictions:
- Abstain from sexual activity
- Take prescribed medications
- Gentle hygiene without using soap
- Sitting less
- Wear comfortable cotton underwear
2-3 months after labiaplasty, you can fully evaluate the result!
WE ALSO ADVISE YOU TO READ: Read more about rehabilitation after labiaplasty
Where is the best place to have labiaplasty?
Call to make an appointment at the clinic with surgeon Vladimir Kosinets. At the consultation, the feasibility of performing surgery to change the labia will be determined, recommendations for preparation will be received - tests, checking the absence of contraindications.
Variants of the structure of the labia minora
The labia are an intimate (hidden) part of the body. There are no generally accepted canons of beauty in this area, and yet, the sexual attractiveness of this area is of great importance to many women and their partners.
From an aesthetic point of view, it is generally accepted that in a standing position, the labia should be visible, slightly protruding beyond the edge of the labia majora. The normal length of the MPG (from base to edge) should be no more than 4 cm.
From a medical point of view, hypertrophy, elongation and asymmetry of the labia minora are distinguished.
MPG hypertrophy
With hypertrophy, there is thickening of the walls, increased folding and elongation. The labia minora are enlarged evenly and symmetrically throughout.
MPG elongation
Elongation is lengthening without thickening; more often there is a lengthening of the middle part of the labia minora. Elongation can be congenital or acquired.
Reasons for MPG elongation
- Heredity;
- Prematurity (the labia majora do not cover the labia minora);
- Masturbation;
- Age-related atrophic changes;
- Age-related atrophic changes;
- Traumatization (childbirth, horse riding, cycling, masturbation);
- Constitutional features (asthenic body type).
PGM asymmetry
Asymmetry of the labia minora can be congenital or acquired (trauma during childbirth, inflammatory changes, errors during plastic surgery). Asymmetry is considered to be both asymmetrical lengthening or shortening, as well as normal development of one labia and lengthening or underdevelopment of the opposite one. Asymmetry includes various types of post-traumatic deformities.
Traumatic deformation with the formation of a defect
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Indications for labiaplasty
The operation is carried out for medical and aesthetic reasons (the woman’s desire).
Medical indications
Medical indications include situations when a woman complains of physical discomfort:
- Asymmetry of the labia;
- Congenital or acquired deformities of the labia;
- Discomfort when wearing underwear and playing sports;
- Pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse;
- Psychological complexes - “Locker room syndrome”.
Aesthetic indications
For aesthetic reasons, the operation is performed for asymmetry, elongation and deformation of the labia minora, as well as if a woman wishes to correct their shape and size.
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Contraindications to intimate plastic surgery
- Pregnancy and lactation;
- Oncological diseases;
- Mental illnesses;
- Diabetes;
- Decompensated chronic diseases of internal organs;
- Acute infectious diseases;
- Bleeding disorders, treatment with anticoagulants;
- Acute inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs and exacerbations of chronic ones;
- Minor age.
Labiaplasty for aesthetic reasons is not recommended for women planning childbirth. During childbirth, there is a high probability of ruptures in the area of postoperative scars, and repeated plastic surgeries are complex and the expected effect is difficult to predict.
Absolute contraindications to labiaplasty for aesthetic reasons are conditions, diseases and genetic factors that prevent a positive result:
- Genetic predisposition to the formation of rough colloidal scars;
- Collagenoses are immunopathological processes characterized by systemic disorganization of connective tissue (Marfan syndrome, lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, rheumatism).
Keloid scar on the skin
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Contouring of the labia minora
In addition to surgical methods, volume-forming methods are widely used - injection of dermal fillers (fillers), correcting the appearance (contour) of the labia, the so-called intimate contour plastic surgery. Fillers with hyaluronic acid, plasmagel, and own fat are used as fillers. The method is mainly used to increase volume.
Contour plastic surgery with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers
The effect is achieved due to the hydrophilicity of hyaluronic acid. The HA molecule increases in volume 1000 times, binding up to 500 water molecules. HA is found in large quantities as a component of the extracellular matrix in connective tissue, skin, cartilage, fascia and ligaments.
In addition to cosmetic benefits, hyaluronic acid has an anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effect, which is used to improve tissue nutrition during atrophic processes. Since hyaluronic acid is actively degraded by enzymes, the effect of the procedure is temporary; re-introduction of fillers is required after 8-12 months.
Contour plastic surgery with plasmogel
Plasmogel is made from the patient’s blood plasma and is an autologous coagulated protein. The method is a continuation of the intimate plasma lifting method
Blood plasma contains growth factors, proteins, enzymes and platelets. Plasma causes pronounced stimulation of blood supply and regeneration of connective tissue (biorevitalization) at the injection site, which is used to treat atrophic and degenerative changes. The effect is also temporary, but unlike HA, it is cumulative.
Labia augmentation points
Lipofilling and liposuction
Lipofilling is a method of enlarging the labia majora and labia minora using your own fat. Unlike hyaluronic acid, the effect is longer lasting.
Liposuction is the removal of fatty tissue from the labia majora in order to reduce their size. Lipofilling and liposuction are usually performed by plastic surgeons because they have the appropriate tools and equipment in their arsenal.
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Examination and preparation before labiaplasty
At the first visit to the doctor, it is clarified whether there are indications for plastic surgery, whether there are associated problems in this area and contraindications to the operation. The patient's complaints and especially the wishes regarding the size and shape of the labia are clarified in detail.
A woman is advised to formulate her desires in advance, since most people find it difficult to explain what worries them and how they imagine the final result of the correction.
In order to evaluate the results of treatment, before and after surgery, photographs of the labia are taken in standing and supine positions.
After getting acquainted with the problem, an examination is performed on a gynecological chair, during which the method of correction is determined, an informed consent for surgical intervention is signed, and a preoperative examination is prescribed. Based on the results of the examination, a second consultation is held, at which the date of the operation is set.
Examination before intimate plastic surgery and expiration dates of tests
Valid for 6 months:
- Fluorography.
Valid for 3 months:
- Blood test for HIV (AIDS);
- Blood test for RW (syphilis);
- Blood test for hepatitis B and C viruses;
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs;
- Cervical smear for oncocytology.
Valid for 1 month:
- Blood group and Rh factor.
- Clinical blood tests;
- General urine analysis;
- Biochemical blood tests (sugar);
- ECG with consultation with a therapist.
Valid for 10 days:
- A smear to determine the degree of vaginal cleanliness (if infections and inflammation are detected, treatment is indicated).
Based on the results of the preoperative examination, a second consultation is carried out, the date of the operation and preoperative preparation are set.
Preparation for labiaplasty
- Stop sexual intercourse two days before surgery.
- The day before the procedure, cut or shave the pubic hair, labia and perineum short.
- On the eve of the intervention, go to bed no later than 22:00. You can take a sedative: tinctures of motherwort, peony, valerian, etc., according to the instructions included with the medications.
- In the morning, on the day of surgery, empty your bowels, take a shower and thoroughly clean the external genitalia, and put on clean knitted underwear.
- Hunger – last meal three hours before surgery.
- Immediately before the procedure, empty your bladder.
- HAVE WITH YOU:
- Referral for surgery, examination results (ultrasound and tests).
- A clean shirt (robe) and socks, sanitary pads, slippers. Leave jewelry (earrings, rings, etc.) at home.
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Links[edit]
- "Homologies of the genital organs". www.meddean.luc.edu
. Retrieved August 9, 2021. - Guide to obstetrics. (3rd ed.). Elsevier. pp. 1-16. ISBN 9788131225561.
- ↑One or more of the preceding sentences includes public domain text from page 1265 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)
- Carey, J.M.; Jeon, J.K.; Leach, G. E. (2003). "Uretrolysis with martius labial fat pad graft for iatrogenic bladder outlet obstruction." Urology
.
61
(4): 21–25. DOI: 10.1016/S0090-4295(03)00117-1. PMID 12657357.
Complications of labiaplasty
The anatomical norm and physiological function require that the labia minora cover the entrance to the vagina and the external opening of the urethra. Excessive resection of the lips leads to disruption of the barrier function, which in turn leads to negative consequences - chronic inflammation of the vaginal opening, chronic urethritis and cystitis. As a result, a woman experiences pain during intimacy, which is why she is forced to avoid sexual intercourse.
Changing the natural appearance of the external genitalia causes psycho-emotional discomfort in the woman and her partner. It is extremely difficult to correct this situation, since there is no supply of tissue for plastic surgery. To form the MPG, skin has to be cut out from the labia majora, and the final result is difficult to predict.
Gaping of the vaginal opening as a result of excessive resection
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Surgical treatment
Treatment can only mean surgical correction of overgrown tissues of the external female intimate organs. This is explained by the fact that any other treatment methods are simply unable to bring any obvious and lasting results. The reasons for prescribing surgical intervention are considered to be:
- Unaesthetic appearance of the external intimate organs, associated with the growth of the labia minora by more than 5 centimeters.
- The third and fourth stages of development of the disease bring the patient significant physical discomfort, which has a negative impact on her quality of life, physiological and emotional state.
In the presence of advanced stages of the disease, the risk of damage to the external genital organs during active physical exercise, sexual activity, or during childbirth increases significantly. To avoid all the problems listed above, the attending gynecologist can refer a patient with an overgrowth of the lower intimate lips for surgical treatment.
Plastic surgery of the labia, aimed at correcting their size, will relieve the girl of all problems associated with the growth of external intimate organs. Surgical intervention is performed by excision of the overgrown area of the labia, which is performed using a laser or scalpel.
These manipulations are performed under local anesthesia or sedation. The patient may be offered anesthesia in the form of injection or application of a special anesthetic cream to the site of surgical adjustment. After removing the overgrown labia, sutures made of easily absorbable modern medical threads will be placed on the surface of the external intimate organ. Typically, the operation time ranges from 30 minutes to one hour.
Where to go, to whom to surrender?
This is truly a fateful question; I’ll take this opportunity to put in a word for my fellow gynecologists. In Krasnoyarsk, surgeries on the labia are performed by plastic surgeons, operating gynecologists, urologists, dentists, I even know one ophthalmologist, and there are probably representatives of other specialties. To be honest, everything is decided by experience, “golden hands” and trusting relationships.
Experience is the amount of things seen, studied, done. Regarding what we have seen and studied, practicing gynecologists are unrivaled. Regarding what has been done, we can say that each surgeon had his first patient, successes and failures.
Whoever you choose as a surgeon, to exclude diseases of the genital organs, clarify medical indications and contraindications, consult a gynecologist before the operation!
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What determines the price of intimate plastic surgery?
The operation involves an operating team, and collective labor cannot be cheap. If we omit this component, the price of labiaplasty will be influenced by the following factors:
- Type and method of intimate plastic surgery;
- The degree of technical complexity of this clinical case;
- Cost of consumables (suture material, fillers, surgical instruments), the better they are, the more expensive they are;
- Type of anesthesia (anesthesia or local anesthesia);
- Surgeon's qualifications;
- Pricing policy of the clinic.
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How is the operation performed?
The operation, depending on the volume and area of intervention, is performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia and takes an average of 30–60 minutes. When several types of plastic surgery are combined, for example, when reducing the volume of the vagina simultaneously with labiaplasty, the operation can last several hours.
After the woman has lost sensation, the surgeon removes the tissue in accordance with the markings using one of the most optimal methods. The stitches are made with special self-absorbing threads that do not require removal and do not leave marks.
Immediately after the operation, the patient is given a drug that relieves pain for several hours. The woman can return home the same day.
Postoperative period and recommendations
To prevent early complications, immediately after surgery, bed rest is prescribed for 3–6 hours. After 3-6 hours, after examining the stitches, the doctor sends the patient home with the following instructions:
- Take prescribed medications;
- Appear for examination 7-10 days after surgery;
- Avoid sexual intercourse, baths, saunas, and physical activity for 6-8 weeks;
- Perform hygienic toileting twice a day;
- If you have any complaints, consult a doctor immediately.
The result of the operation is assessed after four weeks. By this time, the swelling of the tissues subsides, the labia are leveled and acquire the expected shape and size.
The final healing of the labia minora is completed in 8-10 weeks, by which time restrictions are lifted, including exercise and sexual activity.
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How is rehabilitation carried out and how long does the period of restoration of tissues and functions last?
The most important stage of rehabilitation is self-care of the intimate area.
- For the first 4–5 days after each urination, it is necessary to wash the operated area with an antiseptic (chlorhexidine or miramistin).
- Long walks and sitting are not recommended for the first few days.
- You cannot go to baths and saunas for 3 weeks; all water procedures must be hygienic only.
- It is recommended to wear special underwear for a week.
During the rehabilitation period, which usually lasts up to two weeks, sexual and physical activity and sports are excluded
Painful sensations can remain for up to 5 days, but if they last longer, this is exactly the case when you need to contact the surgeon again.
