Labiaplasty Surgery

Labioplastyis an aesthetic surgical procedure performed on the labia minora (labium minora) or labia minora (labium majora) in the female genital area. This surgery is preferred when the size or shape of the labiumminora (inner lips) affects the physical or psychological health of women. It is usually performed due to aesthetic concerns or functional problems. Labiaplasty can be performed to correct asymmetry in the genital area, to provide comfort or to improve appearance.

Why is Labiaplasty Surgery Performed?

Labiaplasty can be performed for the following reasons:

1. Aesthetic Causes: Women may have aesthetic concerns about their genital area. The excessive size or asymmetrical shape of the labiumminora may be uncomfortable for some women. In this case, labiaplasty can be performed for aesthetic purposes.
2. Physical Discomforts: A large labiumminora can affect daily activities. Tight clothes can cause friction and pain when playing sports or during sexual intercourse. Such discomfort can also be a reason for labiaplasty.
3. Natural Changes: Due to pregnancy, childbirth, aging or hormonal changes, the labia minora in the genital area may enlarge or sag over time. This can cause discomfort and can be corrected with labiaplasty.
4. Asymmetry and Irregularity: Asymmetrical labia minora in the genital area can also be an aesthetic problem for women. Labiaplasty can be performed to eliminate asymmetry and provide a symmetrical appearance.
5. Sexual Health: Large or sagging labia minora can cause discomfort during sexual intercourse in some women. Such cases may also require surgical intervention.

Types of Labiaplasty Surgery

Labiaplasty differs according to the surgical technique used. The type of surgery may vary according to personal preferences, the patient's anatomy and the surgeon's recommendations:

1. Classical Labioplasty (Cutting and Shaping):
   • In this method, excess tissue is cut away and the remaining tissue is aesthetically shaped.
   • The cut tissue is usually removed in such a way that it does not affect the vaginal angle.
2. LaserLabioplasty:
   • With laser technology, excess tissue is vaporized and removed.
   • This method provides less bleeding and recovery time because the laser reduces bleeding by closing the blood vessels.
   • It also allows for more precise shaping.
3. Superficial Labioplasty:
   • This method is only suitable for changes to the outer lips. Excess tissue is removed from the outer lips, but the inner lips are not touched.
4. Labiaplasty Combined with Vaginoplasty:
   • Some women may want to have vaginal plastic surgery (vaginoplasty) in combination with labiaplasty. Vaginoplasty is a procedure to tighten the vaginal walls.
   • Such a combination can be done to improve both the external genitalia and the internal structure.

How the Surgery is Performed

Labiaplasty surgery is usually performed in the following steps:

1. Anesthesia: The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, in which case the patient's genital area is numbed. However, some patients may prefer general anesthesia.
2. Making Incisions: Excess tissue is removed by cutting, usually in a symmetrical manner. The incisions are made very thin so that scars are minimal.
3. Shaping: The inner lips are aesthetically shaped and a smooth appearance is achieved. The tissue is removed by laser or surgical method.
4. Stitches: The incisions are closed with self-melting sutures, which are usually inward. These stitches usually leave no scar.
5. Postoperative Care: After surgery, there is usually no need to stay in hospital for a day. It is enough to start resting at home.

Postoperative Recovery

The healing process after labiaplasty surgery may vary depending on the person, but is usually fast. Here is some general information about the healing process:

• Pain and Swelling: There may be mild pain, swelling and tenderness after surgery. This can be controlled with painkillers.
• Traces: Since the incisions are usually made on the inner lips, they are not visible from the outside. In surgeries performed with the laser method, scars may be even less.
• Sexual Intercourse and Exercise: It is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse and heavy physical activity for the first few weeks after surgery.
• Control Appointments: After surgery, the doctor may schedule several follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process.

Risks and Complications of Labiaplasty Surgery

As with any surgical intervention, labiaplasty carries some risks:

• Infection: Infection of the surgical site can only be treated with antibiotics.
• Bleeding: There may be minor bleeding during and after surgery.
• Pain and Swelling: It is usually temporary, but sometimes the healing process can be long.
• Slow healing of wounds: Rarely, the healing process may take longer.
• Sensitivity Loss or Changes: There may be changes in sensitivity in the genital area, but this is usually temporary.