Cosmetic surgery has become more mainstream in the past few years, and one procedure, in particular, has been gaining in popularity for women of all ages. The labiaplasty is designed to reduce the appearance of the vaginal lips to improve the way the woman feels about her external genitalia. At Tarola Plastic Surgery in Murfreesboro, TN, and Hendersonville, TN, women can regain their body confidence through this surgery.
What Are the Benefits of Getting a Labiaplasty?
Overview of Procedure
Before we get into the many benefits of this surgery, it’s helpful to understand the basics of the procedure. During surgery, the inner vaginal lips (labia minora) are trimmed to reduce their size and appearance. The procedure results in “tucked in” inner vaginal lips that cannot be seen without spreading the labia majora. The trimmed labia minora is no longer visible in bathing suits or leggings, which leads to increased confidence of women in public or with their partner.
Benefits
The improvement in appearance and confidence is the primary benefit of a labia reduction procedure. Women may feel self-conscious about wearing clothing such as leggings or yoga pants that may reveal their elongated or oversized inner vaginal lips, or they may avoid wearing this type of clothing at all. Additionally, they may be embarrassed in front of their partner when engaging in intimate activities.
However, this minor surgical procedure results in some other major benefits in addition to the improved appearance of the external female genitalia.
Comfort in Clothing
Not only can enlarged vaginal lips be embarrassing when you wear certain types of clothes, they can be uncomfortable too. Clothes like leggings and bathing suits are designed to tightly hug your curves, which means the fabric will press against any skin or protruding structure, such as the vaginal lips. The fabric can rub unpleasantly against your labia, which can cause discomfort or even pain. When your lips are tucked between your external lips, this issue is eliminated.
Comfort in Activities
Just as snug-fitting clothes can be uncomfortable, so can activities where your genitalia come in contact with other surfaces, even through clothing. For example, biking and horseback riding can become painful if your labia minora extend beyond your labia majora. The inner vaginal lips have extremely sensitive skin that can become irritated with friction. Even jogging can cause unbearable pain through chafing, but you shouldn’t have to quit the activities you love when there’s a solution.
In addition to activities like hiking and biking, having a labia reduction procedure can also make sexual intercourse more pleasurable. Often, women with enlarged labia report having pain during sex because their lips get in the way. As such, labia rejuvenation will help alleviate this discomfort during sexual intercourse while also making you feel better about your body. This procedure really puts you in a win-win situation when it comes to having sexual intercourse!
Improved Hygiene
It can be difficult to fully clean your vaginal area when you have oversized labia, which means bacteria can flourish in the area. As it is, bacteria already thrive in dark, damp places, so when you add in a condition that is difficult to cleanse, you have the perfect environment for bacteria to grow and cause health problems. Women who have enlarged vaginal lips often also have frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to the overabundance of bacteria.
When your labia minora are the size they’re supposed to be, they are much easier to keep clean because they’re adequately protected by the labia majora. You’ll be less susceptible to UTIs and other conditions that result from bacterial infections. This makes you healthier overall, and without the need to constantly or even frequently treat a UTI, you’ll be able to participate in more activities and events than ever before because you’ll feel better and have more energy.
About the Procedure
Performed Under Local Anesthesia, if Desired
Depending on your pain tolerance, you may be able to get a labia reduction without undergoing general anesthesia. Many women prefer to have only minimal sedation through local anesthesia to minimize the risks associated with general IV sedation. However, it will really be up to you what type of anesthesia you receive for the procedure. We’ll discuss your needs during your initial consultation to determine which type of sedation is best for you.
Quick Recovery
The recovery from a labia reduction procedure is usually very quick. The sutures we use are dissolvable, and they’re absorbed by your body within 10 days of your procedure. Therefore, there’s no need to return to our office to have them removed. Most women are able to resume their normal level of activity after five days, except for sexual activity, which should typically be avoided for a few weeks longer. Compared to many other cosmetic surgeries, a labia reduction is minor in nature.
Can Be Included With Other Procedures
Since labor and childbirth are major causes of an enlarged labia minora, mothers often choose to include a labia reduction procedure as part of a “mommy makeover.” This is a suite of cosmetic surgical procedures that correct many of the conditions that arise for women following childbirth. You can combine this surgery with a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, or liposuction.
Schedule Your Visit Today
If you’re embarrassed by, or in pain because of an enlarged labia minora, then it’s time to consider a labia reduction procedure. Contact Tarola Plastic Surgery in Murfreesboro, TN, and Hendersonville, TN to book your initial consultation today.
