What is Labiaplasty?

What is Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure which involves altering the labia minora (inner labia) and labia majora(outer labia), the folds of skin surrounding the human vulva. The size and colour of labia vary significantly and may change as a result of childbirth, ageing or any other such reasons.

Structure

The vulva consists of external female sex organs which include the mons pubis(or mons Veneris) which is a rounded mass of fatty tissue, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibular bulbs, vulval vestibule, urinary meatus, the vaginal opening, and vestibular glands. The fleshy outer lips of the vulva, labia majora, is covered with pubic hair and contain fat that cushion the area. Inside the labia majora, are thinner, pigmented and delicate flaps of skin called the labia minora. The labia minora join at the top enclosing the clitoris. The labia majora, labia minora and clitoris, are made up of erectile tissues, that become engorged with blood. The area between the labia minora, vestibule, contains the openings of the urethra and the vagina and the Bartholin’s glands, located on either side of the vaginal opening, produce lubricant for the vestibule. The flesh between the vaginal opening and the anus is the perineum.

What data says?

The cosmetic surgery and the services industry is expected to register a CAGR of 5.9% in the coming quinquennial. The stats also show that the growth rate is expected to be highest in Asian countries. The factors fuelling the growth of the market are rapid technological advancements in devices, growing demand for minimally invasive and non-invasive procedures, improved cosmetic treatment procedures, and growing awareness regarding cosmetic surgery.

There has been an increasing trend in the number of women looking to change the appearance of their reproductive organs, according to the plastic surgeons. Labiaplasty was named as the fastest-growing type of cosmetic surgery, in a new study. In 2016, according to the data gathered by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), 45% more Labiaplasty procedures were carried out in 2015, and the trend has since been on the rise.

Why is it trending so much?

The surgical improvement of female labia is rapidly becoming a sought-after procedure among women. There are generally three groups who demand this procedure. The first group consist of women in the age group 15-19 who have congenital asymmetries of the labia. The outer vaginal lips swell or enlarge due to excessive tissue growth. This extra causes one side to be larger than the other, leading to an asymmetrical appearance. The issue can be as minor as possible discomfort and major out to vaginal obstruction or abdominal pain. Many also notice difficulties or discomfort in intercourse. The second group have women in the middle age group i.e. 25-35. They are concerned with the appearance of their vulvar area. This has come up due to the onslaught of women taking advantage of hair removal techniques through waxing or laser. The third group include the women aged 38 or even older who experience atrophy and wrinkling. Atrophy occurs due to decrease in oestrogen levels. As a women ages, the gradual decline in oestradiol, beginning in the peri-menopausal period results in various changes which can affect the genitourinary tract.

What women say?

Ninety per cent of women say that they have excess tissue protruding beyond their labia majora. Forty-six per cent want their asymmetries to be corrected. Most female patients request for surgeries to minimize pain, while many desire to improve the aesthetic appearance of their genital area.

Problems

A large number of surgeries involve the labia minora. A large labia minora can cause discomfort when wearing tight clothes, even discomfort during sex. In a very less number of cases, it is observed that the labia majora hangs lower than the desired. Sometimes in certain cases, it is also observed that a hood of skin is hanging down partially covering the clitoris, which can interfere with orgasms.

What is Labiaplasty? what are the Treatments?

There are a number of procedures depending on the problems to be resolved.

• Edge resection technique: This procedure is also called direct excision. This consists of marking the most protuberant part of the labia, followed by making an incision along the outer edge of the redundant labia to direct trim off the thick or dark skin at the edge. The shape of the labia can be adjusted at the same time. The skin is then joined through stitches or other means for cosmetic appearance and healing. By removal of the labial edges, pinker parts become visible in many cases. It is also important to keep the labial length 1cm or more, to prevent adverse effects.

• Central wedge resection technique: It aims at removing a V-shaped piece of tissue with the apex towards the labial edge, starting from the most prominent part of labium which is being excised. The technique has been refined further to allow a more pleasing cosmetic closure with minimal scars and wound contracture and reduce the recovery period and risk of further complications.

• De-epithelialization technique: The central part of the inner aspect of each labium is incised superficially in an oval manner, the epithelial layer is removed leaving the subcutaneous tissue intact. This is followed by reapproximation of the two edges. Several modifications to the process have been suggested. Complications of this process were found below. Kaayakalp Cosmetic and Laser surgery Clinic is one of the best cosmetic surgery clinics in Kolkata which provides various cosmetic surgeries such as hair transplant, liposuction, lip augmentation,  male breast correction, breast implants, rhinoplasty, scar management, sex change, body contouring and many more. We at Kaayakalp have a team of experienced and professional cosmetic surgeons who take extra care to provide quality service to the clients. We customize the treatment according to the client's need and also maintain confidentiality. We are well equipped with the latest technologies and machinery and offer surgery at an affordable cost.