Labiaplasty an increasingly common surgery with the number of labiaplasties performed worldwide in 2019 reaching 164,667—a 24.1% increase compared to 2018, and a 73.3% rise compared to 2015.
This article explains labiaplasty and some of the reasons for why people opt for the procedure. It discusses how the surgery is performed and what most people can expect after a labiaplasty.
Why Have a Labiaplasty?
Labia size and shape is as individual as eye color, and there’s great diversity in what’s considered “normal” for labia structure and appearance. However, when a person’s labia are especially elongated, the excess tissue can cause discomfort or get in the way of normal function.
For example, an athlete whose labia are long may find that tissue sticks to the leg during physical activity. Or, labial tissue that protrudes can make sitting on a bicycle seat uncomfortable.
Some who view their inner labia as abnormally long feel self-conscious about the outward appearance of their genitalia, causing them emotional or psychological distress during sex or while wearing a thong or swimsuit. The labia shape can be obvious in tight-fitting yoga pants as well.
These factors contribute to a person’s decision to have the procedure. In fact, a study of 71 people choosing labiaplasty found that 71.8% felt they did not have “normal genitalia.” Aesthetic, sexual, and psychological reasons were the main drivers for their decisions about labiaplasty.
What to Expect From Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty is performed by a surgeon who simply trims the excess tissue to allow the lips of the labia minora to sit tucked neatly within the labia majora—the outer lips of the vulva. It can be done under local or general anesthesia and recovery typically is swift and uncomplicated.
However, there are at least eight different labiaplasty techniques with varying impacts and some procedures may take longer than others. They include labial trimming—the most common type—as well as the wedge resection procedure, laser labiaplasty, and the W-shaped resection.
Healing problems are more likely to occur with a wedge procedure but for most people, recovery is swift and uncomplicated.
Pain medication is usually required afterward, but only for a few days.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says most people take a week off from work to rest and apply ice to the vaginal area. Loose clothing and a mini-pad to absorb minor bleeding may help.
Most people can have sex or use tampons again after four to six weeks. The swelling will be reduced by then, although it may take up to six months for it to go down completely.
A Word From Verywell
Labiaplasty is an increasingly common procedure done for both aesthetic and medical health reasons. It’s not without its risks, though. Be sure to discuss the option with your healthcare providers and become fully informed before making a decision about labiaplasty surgery.
