Labiaplasty: Surgery Procedure, Benefits and Recovery

How to prepare for labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty surgery results are permanent; hence, the surgery is considered paramount. Hence, before the procedure, the gynecologist will ensure that you are through a counseling session and are well informed about the procedure and its effects.

Before the procedure, you will have a standard pelvic examination to identify any infections that may need treatment before the surgery.

As labiaplasty is performed under the influence of anesthesia, you will be asked to refrain from eating any food or drinking any fluid 8 hours before the surgery.

You will be instructed to stop taking blood thinners or any anti-inflammatory medications for at least a week before the surgery.

On the day of the surgery, it’s important to wear loose-fitting clothing and bring a device for listening to music (if you have it under local anesthetic).

What is the purpose of labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is a genital cosmetic surgery, the purpose of which is to make the labia aesthetically pleasing. Surgery is done as a patient’s choice and request, not as a medical treatment. The reasons why a woman may choose to undergo labiaplasty are very personal. Common reasons are:

• Protrusion – Labiaplasty can be an effective treatment for women who want to reshape the uneven edges and sides of the labia. Although medical professionals consider labia asymmetry normal, most women find it aesthetically unpleasant and seek labiaplasty.
• Symmetry – Labiaplasty can be an effective treatment for women who want to reshape the uneven edges and sides of the labia. Although medical professionals consider labia asymmetry normal, most women find it aesthetically unpleasant and seek labiaplasty.
• Pain and discomfort – The enlargement of the labia may cause tenderness, bleeding, pain, and irritation in the labia minora during sex or any athletic activity. Women seek labiaplasty to find relief from such painful symptoms.
• Concerns with appearance – Women may also want to alter how the labia look under their undergarments or when they are nude. Just like any other body part, the desire to have a pleasing genital is genuine too.

Risks associated with Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure involving incisions and therefore carries a risk of potential complications that patients should be aware of. Some complications that may occur after labiaplasty surgery include:

• Soreness, Bruising, and Swelling: It is common for patients to notice mild to severe soreness, bruising, and swelling in the treated area. These symptoms are typically temporary and subside as the healing process progresses. The severity of these issues may vary for every patient.
• Allergic Reaction to Anesthesia: Some individuals may have an allergic reaction to the anesthesia administered during the surgery. However, before the surgery, the surgeons carry out a comprehensive pre-operative assessment and careful monitoring of how the patient’s body reacts to anesthesia. 
• Bleeding: There is a possibility of bleeding from the surgical site after the procedure, but it’s quite uncommon. In case excessive or persistent bleeding occurs, the patients must immediately reach out to their healthcare provider. 
• Infection: Since incisions are involved in a labiaplasty, the patients stand the risk of developing an infection at the incision site. To minimize this risk, the patients must strictly follow post-operative care instructions provided by their doctor, maintain proper hygiene, and take prescribed antibiotics as recommended by the doctor. 
• Scarring: As with any surgical procedure, there exists a risk of scarring with labiaplasty. But, most surgeons are skilled enough to minimize the risk of scarring and ensure aesthetically pleasing outcomes. 
• Reduced Sensitivity and Chronic Dryness: In some cases, patients experience reduced sensitivity or chronic dryness in their vagina after a labiaplasty. If these complications arise, the patients must reach out to their healthcare provider and look for a solution.
• Blood Clots or Hematoma Formation: The formation of blood clots or hematoma is a potential complication of labiaplasty. Following post-operative instructions, avoiding strenuous activities, and adhering to any other post-operative instructions can help reduce the risk of this potential complication.

Different Labiaplasty Techniques

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that aims at enhancing the appearance of the vulva by reducing the size of the labia minora and the inner lips of the vulva. Earlier, doctors used to rely only on one single method of labia reduction surgery. However, with the advancement of medical technologies and techniques over the years, the labia can now be treated in three methods:

1. Edge trim Procedure – This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon in this procedure makes the incision vertically along the length of the labia minora with the help of a laser or scalpel. Once the linear incision is made, the doctor removes the excess tissue around the labia minora to make it look more symmetrical with the labia majora.
2. Wedge procedure: This procedure involves the removal of a small part of the excess tissue from the labia minora in the shape of a wedge. Keeping the submucosa layer intact, the surgeon removes only the thickest part of the inner lips. This procedure is also performed after the administration of anesthesia.
3. De-epithelialization procedure: Performed under the influence of general anesthesia, the gynecologist in this procedure completely removes the inner lining of the labia. The post-surgical complications of this procedure are less than all other procedures and the recovery time is fast.

What to Expect After Labiaplasty Surgery? (Recovery after Labiaplasty)

• The recovery after labiaplasty is typically easy and risk-free, provided you follow your doctor’s recovery instructions.
• There might be swelling and pain after the surgery, but that usually goes away with time and over-the-counter medication. In case you don’t see the pain and swelling decrease, be sure to contact your doctor.
• Like any other surgery, home remedies may help you soother the post-surgery effects in case of labiaplasty too. Home remedies like cold compresses or ice packs can help relieve pain and swelling. Apply an ice pack to the operative area for 20 minutes to reduce pain and swelling.
• The doctor may prescribe an oral or topical antibiotic to apply to your surgical wound to prevent infection.
• Wear loose-fitting pants and undergarments during the recovery period. Tight-fitting clothes can cause friction against the wound and prevent or delay healing.
• Use only lukewarm water to wash the surgical wound. Gently wipe or dab the area dry after peeing. Do not use soap to clean the site; do not rub.
• You may be able to return to your normal lifestyle between two and four weeks after surgery. But you should refrain from exerting any pressure in your body. It may take another few weeks for you to return to sports and fitness.

Read more: Recovery After Labiaplasty Surgery

Case Study

“I did not want to feel uncomfortable on the wedding night. I think I made the right decision to get the surgery done before the wedding.”

Roopali (name changed) is 32 and is about to get married in December 2022. She is beautiful, confident, and hopeful of a new beginning in her life. While she was busy doing all the preparation to lose weight, get glowing skin, and look the best on her big day, she was clueless about what to do with her genitals.

“I have always been concerned with my protruding labia. It caused pain every time I wore jeans or any tight-fit dress, for that matter. It was not until the marriage date got fixed that I thought much about it. I realized I was bothered by how my labia looked but did not know how to get it fixed. It was then that a colleague of mine suggested labiaplasty. I did a lot of first-hand research to be convinced about the surgery. I am glad I came across Pristyn Care and one of the best gynecologists when I needed it the most.”

Roopali did labiaplasty to change how her labia looked. She feels more confident than ever now. It’s been almost a month since her surgery. She has followed all the post-surgery instructions by the doctor and is recovering swiftly now.

What is the cost of Labiaplasty Surgery in India?

On average, the total expense of labiaplasty surgery in India is Rs. 33,000. The overall cost of the labiaplasty surgery can vary for each individual for varied reasons. These reasons cause the actual cost of labiaplasty to differ across the country.

Some common factors that influence the cost of labiaplasty surgery include the following:

• Choice of city and hospital where the patient will undergo the surgery
• Consultation fees of the surgeon
• Cost of lab tests required before the surgery
• Age and overall health of the patient
• Hospitalization charges
• Fees of the anesthetist
• Cost of post-operative care, which generally includes medicines, nursing, etc.
• Cost of additional procedures (if any)

Consult with the best Female Gynecologist at Pristyn Care and get cost estimate of Labiaplasty

Diet and Lifestyle Changes after Labiaplasty

To make labiaplasty recovery quick and hassle-free, patients need to make certain changes to their diet and lifestyle. This includes altering their diet, eating the right foods, monitoring activity levels, and making other necessary changes to speed up healing and recovery. Let us first start by discussing the various lifestyle changes a person should make following their labiaplasty surgery: 

• Take complete rest and give the body time to recover: It is crucial to give the body enough time to rest and recover after surgery. The patients must refrain from indulging in strenuous activities, exercise, and heavy lifting for the recommended duration provided by their surgeon. This will help reduce swelling, promote healing, and prevent potential complications. 
• Maintain proper hygiene: The patient must follow their healthcare provider’s instructions for post-operative care, including proper hygiene practices. They must gently clean the surgical area with mild soap and warm water and pat dry with a soft towel. Avoid using harsh cleansers or scented products that may irritate the area.
• Avoid tampons, menstrual cups, and other irritants: Patients are suggested to avoid using tampons and menstrual cups following their surgery as they may cause hindrance in the healing process. 
• Avoid sexual activity: Patients who’ve undergone a labiaplasty are advised to avoid sexual activity till the surgeon suggests it is fine to indulge in it. Doing so can strain the surgical site and increase the risk of infections. 
• Choose clothes wisely: Opt for loose-fitting and breathable underwear made from natural fabrics, such as cotton, to minimize friction and irritation. Avoid tight clothing or synthetic materials that may cause discomfort or hinder the healing process.
• Follow the doctor’s pain management instructions: Slight pain is normal after labiaplasty. If the doctor has provided any instructions regarding pain management, such as using pain relievers, trying home remedies, etc, the patients must follow them diligently. In case of severe pain, excessive swelling, or any concerning symptoms, it is important to reach out to the healthcare provider in time. 
• Follow-up Appointments: Patients must not miss any scheduled follow-up appointments with their doctor to monitor the healing progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

Eating the right foods and maintaining healthy dietary habits also play a pivotal role in recovery after any surgery, including a labiaplasty. Let us now move on to the necessary dietary changes a patient should make following their labiaplasty surgery: 

• Hydration is key: Drink adequate water to keep the body hydrated, as it aids in the healing process.
• Eat nutrient-rich foods: Eat a well-balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods have all the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients needed for healing.
• Eat A Fiber Rich Diet: Patients must include high-fiber foods, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, to prevent constipation, which can cause discomfort during the recovery period.
• Keep A Check On Salt Intake: Eating too much salt can lead to swelling and water retention. Patients must turn to low-sodium alternatives and avoid adding extra salt to their meals.
• Do Not Consume Alcohol and Caffeine: Alcohol and caffeine are known to cause dehydration in the body and potentially hamper the healing process. Therefore, doctors suggest limiting or avoiding these beverages altogether during recovery.
• Limit Processed Food Intake: Patients must limit their intake of processed foods, as they can be high in sodium and additives, which may slow down the healing process and may even contribute to swelling.

Is Labiaplasty Covered Under Insurance?

The coverage for labiaplasty surgery through insurance policies can be quite limited. Labiaplasty is primarily considered an elective or cosmetic procedure rather than a medically necessary one, which often means that insurance providers do not cover its cost.

Labiaplasty insurance coverage depends on the specific policy and insurance provider. In general, cosmetic procedures are not covered by health insurance or mediclaim policies, as these policies are primarily designed to cover medical treatments that are deemed necessary for health and well-being.

Patients who are seeking labiaplasty for cosmetic reasons, will likely have to bear the entire expense of the procedure on their own. It is unlikely that health insurance or mediclaim policies will provide coverage for elective cosmetic surgeries, including labiaplasty.

To obtain a clear understanding of labiaplasty insurance coverage, it is advisable for patients to contact their insurance provider directly. They will be able to provide specific information regarding the coverage available under their policy and whether any exceptions or additional coverage options exist.

It’s important to note that labiaplasty insurance coverage can vary widely, and it is always best to consult with their insurance provider to get accurate and personalized information regarding their specific policy and coverage options.