If you’re confused about what labiaplasty is and what it involves, you’re not alone. It’s often not openly discussed because of social taboos around sex and vaginas. As a result, there are harmful myths and misinformation about this safe and simple procedure.
We have compiled gynecologist-certified answers to common questions about labiaplasty so that you can feel informed and confident when deciding if vagina plastic surgery is right for you.
What is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a cosmetic procedure performed on the labia, the inner (labia minora) or outer (labia majora) vaginal lips. It involves reshaping the lips to create a sleeker and more symmetrical vagina appearance.
Who is Labiaplasty For?
Dr. Darren Lazare performs labiaplasty surgery on women who want to change the appearance of their labia and would prefer smaller labia minora or majora. Also, as women age, the labia majora may lose volume. For these patients, a labia majora reduction or fat grafting can be ideal for restoring appearance or reducing the size of the labia majora. While popular for aesthetic reasons, labiaplasty can also treat enlarged tissue that causes discomfort during physical and sexual activity.
What Do Normal Labia Look Like?
There is an extensive range of what qualifies as a “normal” looking labia. It’s normal for the inner labia to be longer than the outer labia. It’s also normal for one lip to be larger than the other. The labia might have pigmentation depending on your skin colour and can be dark, light, or wrinkled – no two labia are the same.
Can any Gynecologist Perform a Labiaplasty?
While all gynecologists are experts in the female reproductive system, not all are experts in cosmetic gynecology. Cosmetic gynecologists complete further training to become qualified to perform labiaplasty and other vaginal rejuvenation procedures. Dr. Lazare is qualified as an OBGYN who has completed a fellowship in pelvic reconstructive surgery.
Do you Have to be a Certain Age to be a candidate for Labiaplasty?
Age is not a factor, but many women want to wait until after they have children. While your labia change slightly over your lifetime, the best time for surgery depends on your personal circumstances and not your age.
Are There any Requirements to Qualify for Labiaplasty?
Similar to any surgical procedure, you should be in good health before undergoing labiaplasty. It is also important to note that while labiaplasty will change the outward appearance of your vagina, if you’re focusing on perfection to the minute detail, you may not want to consider surgery.
Is Labiaplasty Painful?
Despite being performed in a very sensitive area, labiaplasty is not a very painful surgery. The short term discomfort can be managed with pain medication.
Does Labiaplasty Leave Scars?
The results of labiaplasty are subtle and natural. Any scars are minimal and usually appear as natural creases of the tissue. The outcome is not obvious, and scars are often undetectable.
Does Labiaplasty Change the Sensitivity of the Labia?
The vagina only has a limited number of nerve endings, which is thought to help with childbirth pain, and these are not located in the labia minora. The labia minora is closely related to the the clitoris; however, reducing the size of the labia should not alter sensitivity and the ability to achieve orgasm.
How Do Women Feel After Getting Labiaplasty?
Based on a survey with 462 responses in 2020, 93% of women found that labiaplasty was worth it.
After understanding all of the facts and information around labiaplasty, it is ultimately up to you to decide if this procedure meets your unique needs. If you have more questions, contact us to book a consultation with Dr. Darren Lazare.
