Labiaplasty

 

LABIAPLASTY (INNER LIP AESTHETICS)

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The labia minora, or inner lips, are structures rich in nerves and blood vessels, lying between the labia majora (outer lips) and extending from the clitoris to the entrance of the vagina. They do not contain fat and hair cells and vary in shape, length, form, and color according to the individual and race. Sometimes the inner lips may be larger than normal, medically referred to as labial hypertrophy. Labiaplasty refers to the aesthetic correction process for size or asymmetry of the inner lips.

In the past 5 years, both the awareness of labiaplasty has increased among wider masses and the number of labiaplasty operations has significantly risen. This has made labiaplasty one of the most commonly performed aesthetic surgeries following breast and nose aesthetics.

The appearance of the inner and outer lips varies from person to person, and defining a 'normal' appearance is not accurate. Everyone's perception of 'normal' is different. The appearance of the inner lips is significant if it causes discomfort to the individual.

Sagging of the inner lips can be due to genetic and hormonal factors, growth during puberty, pregnancies, weight changes, frequent vaginal infections, and childbirth. Additionally, waxing and intense masturbation can lead to relaxation and asymmetry of the inner and outer lips. These factors can lead an individual to consider a labiaplasty operation.

Labiaplasty can be performed on all individuals over the age of 18. It may not be suitable for individuals with unregulated diabetes, untreated thyroid diseases, psychiatric drug use, blood thinners, heavy smoking and alcohol consumption, or drug use.

 

LABIAPLASTY PROCESS

1. Trim Labiaplasty: This method is generally known as trim labiaplasty, conducted using scissors and scalpel.

2. Radiofrequency Labiaplasty: The inner lips are reduced using a radiofrequency device. This method has less lateral tissue damage, and the healthy tissue does not burn while cutting, and bleeding control is easier.

3. Laser Labiaplasty: The reduction of the inner lips using fractional or diode laser is called laser labiaplasty.

4. Wedge Labiaplasty: Unlike trim labiaplasty, a triangular section of tissue is removed from the middle or bottom of the inner lips. This method helps to preserve the natural color of the inner lip.

5. De-epithelization Labiaplasty Technique: Skin tissue is removed in a window shape from the inner and outer parts of the labium and the tissues are sewn together. The aim of this method is to protect the nerves and vessels inside the inner lips.

 

AFTER LABIAPLASTY

After the labiaplasty operation, discomforts such as genital wetness, bad odor, tightness and pain when wearing jeans, protrusions when wearing bikinis, deviations when urinating, and difficulties in drying the genital area after urination are seen to reduce or disappear.

 

LABIAPLASTY COSTS

The cost of labiaplasty surgery can vary depending on the complexity of the surgery, the characteristics of the hospital where it will be performed, and other procedures to be performed along with labiaplasty. Procedures related to the clitoris are considered part of the labiaplasty surgery and are not charged separately.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LABIAPLASTY

During labiaplasty, additional surgeries such as external lip aesthetics, clitoral aesthetics, vaginal tightening, and hymen repair can be performed. Labiaplasty surgery does not prevent normal childbirth and is limited to the reduction of the inner lips. There is no loss of sensation after labiaplasty, and in some cases, an increase in sexual sensitivity can be observed. It is generally not noticeable that labiaplasty has been performed, except by an experienced doctor. It is advised to wait for 6 weeks after surgery before engaging in sexual intercourse. Labiaplasty and vaginal tightening surgeries can be performed simultaneously. Labiaplasty can also be applied to virgins, as the surgery does not harm the hymen. The inner lips do not sag again after the surgery. The healing process usually takes 4-6 weeks, and the stitches used are self-dissolving. The most suitable time for labiaplasty might be winter months, considering the 6-week healing process. Labiaplasty during the menstrual period can increase the risk of infection, hence a timing after the period is more suitable.

 

 

For more detailed information about labiaplasty, visit our website Everything About Labiaplasty.