What is labiaplasty?
The labiaplasty is also called labiaplasty in medical terminology. This type of intimate surgery is often performed for genital aesthetic reasons, but may also be medically necessary. The most common correction of the labia is the labiaplasty. For most women, this is an option if the labia minora are long enough that they are not covered by the labia majora.
Indication
The vast majority of labiaplasty corrections are performed for aesthetic reasons. In a labia reduction, for example, the inner labia are shortened so that the outer labia completely covers the inner labia again. In some cases, patients even only give a medical reason, although their motives are mainly cosmetic.
However, the transition between purely aesthetic problem and actual medical indication is fluid. Medical necessity exists if the anatomical conditions lead to serious health problems. Such problems exist, for example, if the labia majora are so long that they interfere with sports and exercise and rubbing and subsequently become inflamed, swollen and painful. In the case of this increased risk of infection, the operation can be considered medically necessary.
Preparation
Before the procedure can be performed, a few tests must be performed to discuss what exactly should be corrected. In addition, the patient must choose a type of anesthesia and be informed about all risks and possible complications. The costs involved should also be discussed. Unless the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, no food should be taken 24 hours before the surgery.
Procedure of the operation
Logically, the course of the operation also depends on the type of correction you have. Even in the case of labia reduction surgery, there are many different surgical techniques, depending on what part of the labia and how much tissue is to be removed. In addition, the position of the clitoris can be corrected or not during the operation.
The procedure is often performed under local anesthesia, although this is also variable. The required tissue is removed from the labia minora with an incision and the wound edges are closed afterwards. For this purpose, for example, self-dissolving suture material can be used, which does not have to be removed afterwards.
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