More and more women are deciding to have labiaplasty done to improve the aesthetic appearance of their vaginal area.
What is labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that is carried out to reshape or reduce the size of the thin, both lips of the vulva, known as the ‘labia minora & majora.’ The labia minora can sometimes extend down past the labia majora, (outer lips of the vulva), and labiaplasty addresses that problem.
The protrusion of the labia minora may be slight or very pronounced. In cases where the labia minora is disproportionately larger, it can be problematic and lead to pain and discomfort, especially during intercourse. It can also interfere with physical activities. Enlarged labia minora also makes using a tampon difficult for some women.
Some women are born with an elongated labia minora, but this feature may also be a result of childbirth or the aging process.
How is labiaplasty performed?
Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure that is done under local anesthesia. During the operation, the surgeon will trim the labia minora, so that it is more proportionate to the labia majora. The incisions are carefully placed in the folds of the labia so that they are not noticeable after healing. The operation takes one to two hours to complete.
Recovery after labiaplasty
Patients can expect to experience some swelling and mild discomfort in the treatment area, and this takes about 2-3 weeks to resolve. However, most patients can return to work within a day or two.
The labia is a very sensitive area, therefore patients are advised to adhere to the post-operative instructions of their surgeon, to ensure optimal healing. Sexual activity and strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least 6 weeks after surgery. When healing is complete, patients will notice improved definition in the labia.
What is the cost of a labiaplasty procedure?
Labiaplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure and not deemed medically necessary, therefore it is generally not covered by insurance. However, patients should discuss this matter with their insurance provider. The cost of labiaplasty can range from 3,0000 INR to 40,000 INR and it’s considered more affordable than other plastic surgery procedures.
Patients should be aware that the cost of labiaplasty is variable, and depends on several factors including the following:
Extent and technicality of the procedure.
Cost of the surgery center.
Geographic location – Operations are done in larger cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, and are generally more expensive than those done in smaller cities.
Surgeon’s fees – This cost is influenced by the training, experience, and board certification of the surgeon. Patients considering labiaplasty should ensure that their plastic surgeon is certified by the
medical council of India.
Why undergo labiaplasty
There are various reasons why women take the decision to undergo labiaplasty. Some women opt to have labiaplasty because they think that their labia is oddly shaped, and labiaplasty gives them the defined labia they desire.
Although labiaplasty is largely done for cosmetic reasons, some women have the procedure done to correct physical discomfort. It’s not uncommon for women with a large labia to experience pain with intercourse, or feel discomfort when taking part in activities such as running or riding a bike.
Labiaplasty, therefore, provides these women with the relief they want from the physical discomfort brought on by the size of their labia.
Are you a good candidate?
If you are dissatisfied with the size of your labia, or experience discomfort during intercourse or athletic activities, you may be a good candidate for labiaplasty. Candidates should also be 18 years of age and older, and in good overall health. It’s also important that patients have realistic expectations about the type of results they are likely to achieve with surgery.
