Labiaplasty can have aesthetic and functional reasons
In brief
Labiaplasty, or reduction surgery, is a procedure that can help women address their functional concerns in the labia area. Many women are interested in this procedure to improve their body satisfaction. The procedure can be performed on both the labia minora and labia majora to achieve a harmonious shape and symmetry.
The procedure is usually performed under sedation or general anesthesia. Excess tissue is first removed and the labia are then shaped. An autologous fat graft can be combined for harmonization, depending on the patient’s individual wishes, and the recovery time after a labiaplasty can vary depending on the individual case, but most women can resume their normal activities after a few days.
What motivates people to undergo labiaplasty?
Women are interested in labiaplasty surgery for various reasons. Aesthetic concerns play a role, as do functional aspects such as discomfort during sport or sexual intercourse due to excessively large or asymmetrical labia. Such a correction can boost self-confidence and self-esteem and can also be recommended for medical reasons, such as congenital anomalies. Ultimately, the decision to undergo labiaplasty is a personal one and should be based on well-informed considerations that weigh up the risks and benefits.
What is labiaplasty?
As the name suggests, a labiaplasty involves a surgical procedure to reduce excess tissue and improve the aesthetic contour. This procedure tightens any sagging areas and restores a harmonious shape. Modern surgical techniques enable precise adjustment of the labia through targeted removal of skin and shaping of the underlying tissue. The incision is planned individually to ensure inconspicuous placement, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing result.
Duration
Pain
Scars
Stay
Bandage
Work
Sports
Costs
Who is labiaplasty correction suitable for?
Labiaplasty (labia correction) is suitable for patients with a significant excess of skin and soft tissue that they find mechanically disturbing. In principle, this operation can be performed at any age once the patient has reached the age of majority. The size and shape of the labia vary greatly. However, depending on the extent, the natural variety can be perceived as mechanically disturbing. If, for example, sport, sexual intercourse or wearing tight clothing causes irritation or friction, this is perceived by women as extremely unpleasant
Who is it not suitable for?
If there are no mechanical complaints and the desire for the operation is merely an aesthetic “ideal of beauty”, the indication should certainly be viewed more critically. A combination of “small” outer and “normal-sized” inner labia may also be present. In this case, the outer labia should be enlarged rather than the inner labia reduced.
When is the best time?
Labiaplasty is both an aesthetic and medically necessary operation. In general, there is no time pressure here. Each patient will therefore choose the time for surgery for her own reasons. The timing can be chosen any month. As it is necessary to wear compression garments after the operation, many women opt for cooler months.
What type of anesthesia is required?
During the operation you will be under sedation or, if you wish, general anesthesia. This means you will not feel any pain and will wake up relaxed and pain-free after the procedure. We have a team of 5 anesthetists who are specially trained in aesthetic procedures. Sedation (twilight sleep) is usually only possible for extremely minor procedures. The difference between anesthesia and sedation is, in addition to different medications, the absence of artificial respiration. During sedation, you breathe on your own. Patients perceive this as less stressful.
Can the procedure be combined with other procedures?
Labiaplasty can be combined with many other procedures. For example, breast augmentation with autologous fat or autologous fat transplantation
Surgical and conservative alternatives
There are various conservative and surgical alternatives for many operations. It is therefore necessary to consider these carefully before any surgical procedure. If the use of a scalpel can be dispensed with due to conservative alternatives, these are of course preferable.
Minimally invasive alternatives include filler treatments or autologous fat. Asymmetry, for example, is harmonized without removing tissue. However, this procedure only makes sense for moderate soft tissue excess or minor asymmetries. Whether this is possible should always be clarified during a physical examination
Is this operation performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis?
We usually perform minor labiaplasty on an outpatient basis in our practice. A total of 3-4 hours should be planned. Even if the actual operation time is 1.5-2 hours, the time for preparation and follow-up must be taken into account. For example, the sleeping pills need to be taken. You are welcome to stay in our surgery until you feel fit again. Immediately after waking up, you may experience slight circulatory weakness. Active participation in road traffic should be avoided at all costs for the first 12 hours. We recommend that you are accompanied for the first few hours after the operation and for the first night.
Risks and complications
Surgery is a wonderful routine for us. Nevertheless, we are aware that many of our patients may only have surgery once in their lives. It is therefore essential that you are informed about all the possible consequences of this procedure. During surgical procedures, skin and tissue as well as underlying structures are treated with sharp instruments. Despite all caution, complications of varying severity can occur. During the initial consultation, we will go through a corresponding information sheet with you.
Minor complications
Labiaplasty is a procedure with relatively few complications. If performed carefully, the risk of permanent consequences is very low. As with all surgical procedures, there may be minimal pain, comparable to moderate muscle soreness, as well as swelling and hematomas. Slight asymmetries, scar widening, seromas, wound healing disorders and temporary loss of sensation are exceptions and usually disappear on their own. In our experience, swelling, restricted movement and the protective posture caused by a bandage are well tolerated.
Rare major complications
Major complications may require follow-up treatment or, in extremely rare cases, repeat surgery. Post-operative bleeding must be stopped immediately, even if the blood loss is minimal. Impairment of the skin’s circulation is also possible, the likelihood of which increases with the extent of the operation. All relevant details will be discussed with you in detail during your consultation.
What to do in the event of complications?
If, contrary to expectations, complications occur, we will not leave you to deal with them alone. After the operation, you will be given an emergency number where you can reach us 24 hours a day. During the routine check-ups following the operation, we will discuss the progress and further procedure with you in detail.
Healing and progression
As soon as patients have decided to have surgery, there is great anticipation of the result. However, depending on the procedure, it can be a long journey. You will need to be patient until the final result is achieved. If you know what to expect before your planned operation, this path will be easier.
How long does the recovery take?
You will certainly feel well again quickly and will only notice restrictions for a few days. Nevertheless, physical rest and sexual intercourse are crucial in the first 6 weeks after the operation to allow the deep tissue to rest and regenerate. It takes 3-6 months until complete healing. During this time, the last swellings disappear and the labia take on their final shape. With the exception of competitive sports, sporting activities are possible after 8-12 weeks. Of course, these time recommendations are guidelines based on our experience, which sometimes require individual adjustment. Your body will take the time it needs.
Is the treatment painful?
Labiaplasty is not painful. You will of course not feel any pain during the operation. Immediately after the procedure, the painkillers will still have sufficient effect, so that you will probably only feel moderate pain in the treated areas in the evening of the day of the operation. Swelling occurs after the operation due to water retention. Patients often describe a noticeable feeling of tightness in the first 2-3 days. Standing upright or walking may feel a little unsteady at first.
When can the final result be expected?
The result of labiaplasty is immediately visible. Important: The labia will initially appear somewhat “over-tightened”. After about 3 months, the connective tissue structures will have settled and they will have their final shape.
What should patients plan?
A surgical procedure requires a certain amount of planning and organization not only for the surgical team, but also for the patient, both before and after the operation. It is important that you are well prepared and know what to expect. This allows you to concentrate fully on enjoying the results.
One of the most important questions before any surgical procedure is the “why”. You should be clear about why you want to have surgery at all. Once you have answered this question and made a decision, the following questions should definitely be clarified: How? By whom? When?
I will be delighted if you find your way to my surgery and would like to be operated on by me. However, I also recommend all my patients to get a second opinion. You should be absolutely sure about the date and surgeon.
Plan the time before your operation
Before any labiaplasty, we recommend a general medical check-up to ensure that there are no underlying conditions. As soon as you have decided to have the operation after a detailed consultation and medical history, you should plan the time after the operation with those around you accordingly. Although you should not expect to be out of action for any length of time, you may occasionally experience temporary movement restrictions.
Plan the time after your operation
It is advisable to prepare in advance to wear a bandage for 10 days. It is also necessary to take it easy during this period so as not to hinder the healing process.
What does an operation cost?
Labiaplasty starts at €3000. If additional surgery is planned for other regions, this will affect the operation time and therefore the price. In combination with other procedures such as autologous fat transplantation or Bodytite, combination prices can be offered.
Financing, down payment, payment by installments
We also offer the option of financing. We will be happy to inform you about this during a personal consultation. If you decide on an operation date after our consultation, we will agree a deposit of €500 to fix the date accordingly. You can pay the remaining amount on the day of the operation or in advance.