Pregnancy and the aging process can affect the appearance of the vaginal region and the labia lips in particular. Enlarged labia can cause discomfort, chafing, pain during intercourse, and self-consciousness. Luckily, there is a safe, effective procedure to contour the labia lips known as labiaplasty. Below we will discuss the basic facts you should be aware of before embarking on your vaginal rejuvenation journey.
WHO SHOULD CONSIDER LABIAPLASTY?
After childbirth, the labia lips change shape, becoming elongated and asymmetrical. This change in size can make some women feel embarrassed. It can also cause discomfort in tight-fitting clothing such as jeans and swimwear. Sometimes the inner vaginal lips (labia minora) become enlarged, protruding past the labia majora. Surgery can correct both the inner and outer vaginal lips, improve your quality of life, and open up your wardrobe to new options.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE PROCEDURE?
You will be given either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. The choice will be based on the extent of the work performed by your doctor. Either way, you will need someone to drive you home after your appointment.
During surgery, your plastic surgeon will create small incisions in the labia to trim away excess skin and create a more pleasing appearance in the vagina. This surgery is often combined with vaginoplasty or clitoral hood reduction to improve vaginal comfort, aesthetics, and function.
WHAT WILL MY RECOVERY BE LIKE?
Recovery after labiaplasty takes most clients 1-2 weeks. You will need to use this time to rest, which can be difficult for social butterflies and patients who enjoy volunteering, exercising, and staying active. You will experience some minor swelling and bruising in the vagina, and one side of your labia may look more pronounced than the other. These are normal reactions to surgery, and they will slowly disappear. Your doctor will help keep you comfortable with prescription pain medications and provide an aftercare plan with instructions for bathing, sleeping, returning to work, and resuming intercourse. During your recovery, you will want to wear loose, cotton clothing that allows your labia to breathe and heal. Results are long-lasting and natural-looking.
WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO HAVE SEX AGAIN?
It typically takes six weeks for the body to recover after labiaplasty fully. While that might seem like a long time not to have sex with your partner, once your vaginal area has healed, you will be thrilled with its appearance, and you may feel more confident in the bedroom than ever before. Your surgeon will monitor your healing and give you the green light when it’s safe to resume intercourse and other sexual activity.
WHAT IS THE TAKEAWAY?
Labiaplasty can improve both form and function when it comes to the vaginal region. Patients find that sex becomes more enjoyable, clothing fits better, and self-confidence soars. If you are concerned about the appearance of the labia minora or labia majora after pregnancy, call Dr. Andres today to learn about how labiaplasty can improve your aesthetics and comfort.
