A woman who feels good about her body tends to have more confidence. And when it comes to femininity, being satisfied with how the intimate areas look can significantly contribute to this feel-good womanhood.
Let’s face it; some factors can cause some women to lose skin firmness down there. For example, a tight, firm vaginal area is often associated with youth and sexual attractiveness, so vaginal lips (or the skin framing the vaginal cavity) that are even and firm are considered a feminine asset.
While women’s vaginal lips can differ in size, shape, and color, some changes happen naturally. For example, unevenness and enlargement usually come with aging, childbirth, sexual intercourse, exercise, and even genetics. This can make a woman feel self-conscious, especially when menopause looms and physical changes happen.
This is why labiaplasty came to be. There was a growing need for it, and cosmetic surgery responded to that need.
But what exactly is labiaplasty?
Table of Contents
Why Some Women Undergo Labiaplasty
Different Labiaplasty Techniques
Definition of Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure performed on the female genitalia. It involves cutting or trimming the labia minora or vaginal lips to reshape them using a scalpel or laser as surgical tools. It falls under the umbrella term’ vaginal rejuvenation,’ which involves other surgical and non-surgical procedures designed to improve the appearance and feel of the female genitalia.
Labiaplasty is an elective treatment. This means that it is done not for life-threatening reasons but to enhance the quality of life.
You may ask, what do the female labia have to do with improving life quality? Read on!
Labia Minora and Labia Majora
Labia minora is the inner skinfold that leads to the vagina, while labia majora are the external vaginal lips we see upfront. A loosening, stretching, or enlargement of the labia minora changes how the vulva looks. These excess skin or flaps extending over a bit to the labia majora can also be quite bothersome during certain physical activities.
Aside from the physical effect, it may also have psychological effects. For some women, large labia can feel like losing the vaginal youthfulness they had when they were younger. This could make them feel insecure during sexual intercourse with their partner or even as a woman with body awareness.
Why Some Women Undergo Labiaplasty
The reasons range from health and hygiene to aesthetic and personal reasons. For example, enlarged vaginal lips can make a woman self-conscious about how the vagina looks, whether clothed or naked.
It can also cause discomfort when doing physical activities like yoga, running, biking, etc. A stretched labia can also make the vagina more prone to infections like UTI and vaginal irritation with skin-to-skin friction. In addition, the large lip folds can trap moisture and dirt, causing hygiene issues.
This vaginal condition may also cause women to feel less confident when wearing tight workout clothes like leggings or swimwear. Having something look and feel out of shape in the crotch area can be unsightly for some and may ruin an otherwise great-looking body or nice-fitting activewear.
According to research, 37% of patients seek labiaplasty for aesthetic purposes, 32% for impairment and discomfort correction, and 31% for both reasons combined.
How is Labiaplasty Done?
Depending on the patient’s condition, the surgeon uses general or local anesthesia and sedation to numb the area and prepare the patient. Then, the loose or unwanted tissues in the vaginal labia are cut away, and the remaining edge is stitched with thin, dissolvable surgical thread.
It is an outpatient procedure that takes about an hour or two.
Who Performs Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure and should only be performed by a board-certified surgeon that specializes in labiaplasty.
It is essential to consult with a reputable surgeon first to discuss your vaginal concerns so the doctor can provide the correct procedure and treatment plan for you.
Pro tip: Do not simply Google labiaplasty surgeons and assume that the first that pops in the search results is the best. Some algorithms make this happen in search engines, and it does not automatically translate to being the finest in the list.
Do your due diligence research for the surgeon’s track record, experience, client testimonials, and the facility where the labiaplasty will be performed.
Different Labiaplasty Techniques
Labia reduction is made using different techniques. These may differ in approach, but the objective is the same – make the labia look smaller, tighter, and symmetrical.
The most common types of labiaplasty are trim and wedge.
Trim Technique
Also called linear labiaplasty, this is the initial way labiaplasty was done when it was first introduced in the cosmetic surgery space. And because it pioneered the labiaplasty procedure, it is the most widely used technique- preferred by many women for its straightforwardness and less risk.
It involves making an incision along the outer edge of the labia minor to remove excess tissues. Then, the incision is sutured using delicate, dissolvable stitches, giving it invisible scarring while providing desired results.
Because this technique removes the skin in the inner lips’ outermost part, giving the labia a lighter color when done.
Wedge Technique
This newer technique involves creating a wedge or v-shaped incision in the broadest part of the labia minora instead of the outer edge. The edges created by the wedge are then stitched together, keeping the labia’s outermost edge untouched, giving it a more natural look.
The wedge resection process reduces the volume of the labia while keeping its natural contour. This technique has gained popularity in the cosmetic enhancement circle since its introduction in the 90s.
Possible Risks of Labiaplasty
With the right labiaplasty expert, the procedure is generally risk-free. Still, like any other surgical procedure, some degree of risk- such as scarring, infections, hematoma, and flap necrosis- is associated.
Post-Operative Care
The recovery period may take up to 14 days, and it may take a few months for your surgical site to heal fully. During recovery and healing time, patients are advised to:
● Keep the vagina clean using clean water and towels
● Avoid long showers
● Avoid wearing tight underwear or clothes
● Avoid physical activities for 6 to 12 weeks
● Avoid sexual intercourse for one month
● Avoid using tampons for one month
Cost of Labiaplasty in Canada
The costs of labiaplasty in Canada usually range between $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the patient’s condition, surgeon’s credentials, facility, and location. If you want to have labiaplasty done but your finances can only afford a flexible payment term, Beautifi can help you finance the procedure while giving you access to reputable cosmetic surgeons and facilities in your area.
Application for financing terms can be conveniently made online. After submitting the requirements and getting approval, you can consult your chosen doctor before the procedure. The Beautifi platform has a roster of board-certified and experienced plastic surgeons that offer financing to clients in Canada and worldwide.
With this cosmetic surgery financing program and its high approval rate, you won’t have to put your beauty goals on hold. It is a cosmetic surgery loan designed to give the average woman and man access to the latest cosmetic procedures.
Beautifi is the best way to finance cosmetic surgery with a monthly installment option.
Intimate Beauty
Having a lovely face or body can give any woman confidence a boost. But, taking it further and giving your feminine part extra attention may also raise your romance game while making you feel more confident to wear anything or do workouts without worries.
Nothing feels more empowering than being able to take care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.