If you've ever wondered whether your labia minora (inner lips) and labia majora (outer lips) are normal, you're not alone. When it comes to anything related to an intimate area, most people ask the question: “Am I normal?” The answer regarding external genitalia is that there is a wide variety of healthy shapes, sizes and colors. In this article we will talk about the labia majora and minora, their importance for normal sexuality and what possible correction methods modern aesthetic gynecology offers women.
The labia (inner and outer) are folds of flesh-colored skin that surround the vaginal and urethral openings at the edges. Together with the clitoris and vaginal opening, they form a conditional anatomical formation - the “vulva”. Depending on the size and shape of these structures, the appearance of women's vulvas can vary widely. The labia begin to change during puberty and often become more visible. This is completely normal, like all other changes that occur during puberty. They continue to change in length and color throughout your life due to hormonal changes and age.
Indications and contraindications
Indications for labiaplasty are congenital or acquired genital defects that cause aesthetic and physical discomfort in women and disrupt normal sex life.
If these are not birth defects, then they can be acquired for various reasons:
- Injuries. As a result of injuries during childbirth;
- Aging. The condition of tissues is affected by age-related changes;
- Hormonal disbalance. Problems with the vulva can be caused by hormonal imbalances in the body. In particular, hormones can affect the shape or size of the labia. The activity of pigmentation is affected by an increase in the production of male hormones - androgens.
- Losing weight. Sudden weight loss is associated with thinning tissue and sagging skin, which also affects the condition of the labia.
But asymmetry of the labia is most often an integral congenital feature of patients.
Typically, women resort to labiaplasty when it is necessary to change the size, eliminate asymmetry and correct unpleasant changes in the genital area. Problems with the vulva often lead to loneliness, as women, considering themselves ugly, are embarrassed to enter into intimate relationships. As a result, an inferiority complex develops, which does not allow women with such problems to find happiness.
Indications for surgery:
- the small lips protrude beyond the large ones;
- asymmetry of the labia;
- elongated, hanging labia;
- very large or, on the contrary, very small volumes;
- flabby labia;
- the patient's desire to look better.
The most common problem with which women turn to plastic surgeons-gynecologists is the lengthening of the labia minora.
Contraindications:
- age under 18 years;
- venereal diseases;
- tumors;
- inflammatory processes in the genital organs;
- low blood coagulation (clotting);
- mental disorders.
Labia reduction
The health and attractiveness of the genitals is a rather intimate issue. Not all representatives of the fair sex who encounter any problems in this area decide to do something to solve them.
The main reasons for this are embarrassment and lack of data on intimate issues. Thus, too large a size or an unusual shape of the labia can create inconvenience during movements and cause the development of complexes and difficulties in sexual life and relationships.
Photos "Before" and "After"
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Hypertrophied labia
Labia that are too large or too long are called hypertrophied. In some cases, the problem is also complicated by asymmetry.
Normally, the labia majora completely cover the labia minora. But about a third of women have labia minora that are slightly larger and of different shapes, which is also within the normal range if they do not cause physical problems.
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Factors in the development of labia hypertrophy:
- congenital feature;
- trauma suffered during the birth of a child;
- stretching during sexual intercourse;
- abuse of piercing in the external genital area;
- diseases in the field of gynecology;
- aging processes;
- severe weight loss.
Stages of labia hypertrophy
There are 4 degrees of hypertrophy.
- An increase of up to 2 cm. Usually this does not cause physical discomfort for the woman and her sexual partner
- Increase up to 3-4 cm. In some cases, the labia protrude slightly and cause discomfort to the owner when moving
- The labia minora protrude from 4 to 6 cm beyond the labia majora, causing a woman a lot of inconvenience when moving, playing sports, and so on.
- Increase over 6 cm. Hypertrophy brings significant discomfort
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What problems do women face due to labia hypertrophy?
Enlarged labia are not a disease or pathology, but they can cause a number of inconveniences.
- Aesthetic. Dissatisfaction with the appearance of the genitals
- Functional. Unpleasant sensations during physical activity, wearing tight-fitting clothes and underwear, and sexual intercourse
- Psychological. The girl experiences embarrassment when it is necessary to undress in public, in a relationship with a sexual partner. In the most serious cases, complexes are formed
How to reduce labia minora?
Plastic surgery can help correct hypertrophied labia. Surgery to reduce or change the shape of the labia is called labiaplasty. During this procedure, part of the labia minora or majora is removed and they are secured in the correct location.
The operation is performed using a classic scalpel, or using the capabilities of radio waves or a laser. The procedure lasts approximately an hour using local or epidural anesthesia. Through plastic correction, a number of shortcomings can be eliminated:
- tissue hypertrophy;
- protrusion (small lips peek out from under the large ones);
- asymmetry;
- stretching during childbirth;
- defects due to birth injuries;
- signs of aging;
- fused labia from birth;
- discomfort in the genital area during movements.
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Labiaplasty is not the same as vaginoplasty. The latter is called suturing of the vagina, which may be necessary after natural childbirth. Labiaplasty is a fairly simple operation, but this does not mean that you do not need to seriously prepare for it.
When planning labiaplasty, consultation with a surgeon and preoperative examination are necessary. The list of tests includes a blood test, coagulogram, ECG and others. In addition, you must be prepared for a painful recovery process, which will take approximately 3-4 weeks.
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In what cases should labiaplasty not be performed?
Contraindications include the following:
- minority;
- oncological diseases;
- mental problems;
- poor blood clotting;
- nonspecific vaginitis;
- STD.
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How to prepare for labiaplasty
As with any operation, if you have any chronic disease, you must be examined by a therapist and consult an aesthetic surgeon.
Minimum set of laboratory tests:
- Blood tests: HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, coagulation, group;
- A smear from the genital tract to check the purity of the flora.
Labiaplasty – what you need to know
Where to go, to whom to surrender?
This is truly a fateful question; I’ll take this opportunity to put in a word for my fellow gynecologists. In Krasnoyarsk, surgeries on the labia are performed by plastic surgeons, operating gynecologists, urologists, dentists, I even know one ophthalmologist, and there are probably representatives of other specialties. To be honest, everything is decided by experience, “golden hands” and trusting relationships.
Experience is the amount of things seen, studied, done. Regarding what we have seen and studied, practicing gynecologists are unrivaled. Regarding what has been done, we can say that each surgeon had his first patient, successes and failures.
Whoever you choose as a surgeon, to exclude diseases of the genital organs, clarify medical indications and contraindications, consult a gynecologist before the operation!
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How is the operation performed?
The operation, depending on the volume and area of intervention, is performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia and takes an average of 30–60 minutes. When several types of plastic surgery are combined, for example, when reducing the volume of the vagina simultaneously with labiaplasty, the operation can last several hours.
After the woman has lost sensation, the surgeon removes the tissue in accordance with the markings using one of the most optimal methods. The stitches are made with special self-absorbing threads that do not require removal and do not leave marks.
Immediately after the operation, the patient is given a drug that relieves pain for several hours. The woman can return home the same day.
Who needs intimate contour plastic surgery?
The main candidates for intimate contouring are women after natural childbirth. Childbirth is a rather stressful and traumatic process, leading to unpleasant consequences.
In addition to internal problems (prolapse of the uterus and vagina, ruptures and incisions in the perineum, etc.), patients note changes in the appearance of the external genitalia:
- asymmetry and stretching of the labia
- asymmetry and loss of elasticity of the labia majora
But the unaesthetic appearance is not always due to a history of childbirth. It happens that disharmony in forms is an innate feature. For example:
- congenital underdevelopment of the large genital organs
- disproportionate size (excessively large) of the small genital organs.
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How is rehabilitation carried out and how long does the period of restoration of tissues and functions last?
The most important stage of rehabilitation is self-care of the intimate area.
- For the first 4–5 days after each urination, it is necessary to wash the operated area with an antiseptic (chlorhexidine or miramistin).
- Long walks and sitting are not recommended for the first few days.
- You cannot go to baths and saunas for 3 weeks; all water procedures must be hygienic only.
- It is recommended to wear special underwear for a week.
During the rehabilitation period, which usually lasts up to two weeks, sexual and physical activity and sports are excluded
Painful sensations can remain for up to 5 days, but if they last longer, this is exactly the case when you need to contact the surgeon again.
Postoperative period and recommendations
To prevent early complications, immediately after surgery, bed rest is prescribed for 3–6 hours. After 3-6 hours, after examining the stitches, the doctor sends the patient home with the following instructions:
- Take prescribed medications;
- Appear for examination 7-10 days after surgery;
- Avoid sexual intercourse, baths, saunas, and physical activity for 6-8 weeks;
- Perform hygienic toileting twice a day;
- If you have any complaints, consult a doctor immediately.
The result of the operation is assessed after four weeks. By this time, the swelling of the tissues subsides, the labia are leveled and acquire the expected shape and size.
The final healing of the labia minora is completed in 8-10 weeks, by which time restrictions are lifted, including exercise and sexual activity.
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Do Kegel exercises
Kegel exercises for strengthening vaginal muscles are very popular, but even if you do them regularly, can you be sure that you are following all the rules?
Many women do not exercise long enough or irregularly. The correct technique involves contracting the vaginal and pelvic muscles for 5 seconds, then relaxing. The number of repetitions should be at least one hundred, and the exercises will be effective if done three times a day. Working out can even be fun if you use your partner's penis instead of a machine.
How to avoid complications?
Any surgical intervention is associated with risks. Swelling, bruising, and changes in sensitivity that go away within 3–4 days of rehabilitation are not included in this category. If the doctor’s recommendations are not followed, the postoperative wound may become infected, bleeding, persistent swelling, deterioration in general health, and the effect of the procedure will be neutralized. That is why the patient should:
- douche daily with antiseptic solutions (for example, Miramistin, Iodinol);
- apply wound-healing ointments to the suture area (Bepanten, Oflomelid, Solcoseryl are often used);
- take a course of antibiotics;
- do not sit for at least a week;
- wear comfortable underwear made from natural materials;
- protect yourself from hypothermia, overheating, and physical overload;
- abstain from sex.
It is important not only to fulfill all these requirements, but also to initially ensure that you are in the safe, professional hands of a surgeon. Dr. Listratenkov takes care of the health of each patient, while making their dreams come true. You can get an appointment with him by leaving a request on the website, writing him an email at the address, or making just one call to the number.
