These days, plastic surgery has become more common than ever. Luckily, we’ve torn down many taboos that have stopped people from looking like the best possible versions of themselves. However, most people associate plastic surgery with breast implants or nose jobs — many other procedures are still relatively unknown.
Labiaplasty is somewhere on the top of that list. Even if you’ve heard about it, you may not know which parts of your body it involves and what the whole procedure actually entails. With that in mind, we’ve provided you with a quick guide to labiaplasty!
Labiaplasty — What Is It?
Before you start browsing different clinics and seeing the varying labiaplasty cost in New Jersey, you should learn the basics about the procedure.
You may have heard about “vaginal rejuvenation” treatments — labiaplasties are one of the procedures included in this umbrella term. More specifically, the procedure reduces the size of the inner tissues of the vagina — the labia minora, which is where the term comes from. The specific aesthetic goals of the labiaplasty are determined on a case-by-case basis through work and discussion with a plastic surgeon.
Why Do Women Get Labiaplasty?
There are plenty of reasons why women opt for a labiaplasty — usually because of enlarged labia. You’ll find various reasons for that as well, like:
- Genetics
- Sexual activity
- Aging
- Childbirth
In practice, labiaplasty also provides various functional benefits; it’s not all about aesthetics. Women who deal with enlarged labia daily have issues with hygiene, exercise, sexual activity, and even urinary tract infections.
These problems are only exacerbated by the current trends of constantly wearing workout pants, yoga pants, and tight swimming suits, which are hard to wear with an enlarged labium. Plus, most women with these problems develop self-confidence issues, especially before romantic involvement with a new partner. For all those reasons, labiaplasty is a practical, healthy, and psychologically soothing choice.
At the end of the day, that’s what elective surgery is all about — making people’s lives easier, both from a psychological and a physical perspective.
Different Labiaplasty Procedures
When labiaplasty was first invented, it consisted of a single procedure — which quickly gained popularity for obvious reasons. However, we have a few different labiaplasty techniques these days, and we’ll cover some of them right here.
The original procedure is the so-called “trim procedure.” According to most surgeons, that’s the option still most widely chosen by physicians and patients. This technique involves removing any excess tissue from the labia minora and suturing it to make it more symmetrical to its counterpart — the labia majora.
Apart from that, there’s a “wedge procedure.” This entails removing a partial wedge from the labia minora’s thickest part. However, the submucosa — another layer of tissue found under a mucous membrane — remains intact because only a part of the thickness has been removed. The result is that the vagina retains a more natural look than the trim procedure, specifically its wrinkled edges.
Ultimately, you’ll find a couple of other methods — all of them are also aimed at making the labia minora smaller and more symmetrical, and all come with some pros and cons. The most important thing, however, is that you understand what labiaplasty entails and that you go to an experienced, board-certified surgeon. Preferably, this will be a person with a specialty in the particular procedure they’ll be performing.
Is There Anesthesia?
Labiaplasty falls into the outpatient surgery category. It doesn’t take too long — in most cases, the procedure takes less than an hour; unless combined with other cosmetic procedures. In terms of anesthesia, it’s performed either under general or local anesthesia. The one you’ll get will depend on the specifics of your treatment plan, which your chosen plastic surgeon will determine.
After The Surgery
Every surgery comes with a certain level of post-surgical care. Every genital area is a sensitive body part, and there are specific post-op instructions you should follow to make sure everything heals properly.
For one, it’s not a bad idea to stop taking long showers for a while. Also, after washing, ensure you’ve patted the surgery gently—it needs to be adequately dry after each shower. Your surgeon will likely prescribe anti-inflammatory antibiotics, which may reduce pain in the days after your surgery.
However, for obvious reasons, you’ll need to avoid physical activities for a while — such as running or riding bikes. Once you’re ready to get back to your usual routine, your plastic surgeon will tell you that you’re clear to exercise. Remember — prematurely returning to your usual activities may prolong your healing time and put unnecessary pressure on your wound.
The same goes for tight undergarments or outfits, which could easily create friction against the genital area. Finally, you’ll have to avoid sexual intercourse for some time — your physician will tell you the exact period.