Labiaplasty: Is it risky?
In the last few years, labiaplasty – a surgical procedure, has caught the attention of many women all across the world. It is also known as vaginal rejuvenation and female genital cosmetic surgery. This surgical procedure focuses on the labia minora which is the inner lips and the labia majora which is the outer lips. The surgeons mostly work on labia minora to give it a tucked in appearance just so that they don’t hang below the labia major.
What happens in Labiaplasty?
This procedure involves reducing the length of the inner labia by cutting and removing the excess tissue present there. There are cases wherein the surgeons work on one side of the inner labia to reduce the asymmetry. Some surgeons have also worked on reducing the extra folds of the clitoral hood.
Why do people get Labiaplasty done?
There are various cases of labiaplasty, and every woman has a different reason to get it done. There are women who get the procedure done as their inner labia is longer than their outer labia or vice-versa. Then there are instances where they are shaped differently, and the clitoris is visible and are asymmetrical.
Is it necessary to get Labiaplasty done?
According to a doctor, labiaplasty has become popular amongst the women due the cultural and societal pressure. Some women have got labiaplasty done as they think that smaller or shorter labia minora are more desirable than what the originally have. In some way, it can also be pointed towards porn for making women choose this procedure, as they see the women and think that a certain type of labia minora is desirable.
However, it is medically advised to get this surgery done when the labia get sucked or tucked in the woman’s vagina during intercourse. If the woman does not get it operated, it might lead to painful tears in the vulva skin and cause extreme pain and discomfort.
There are some doctors who recommend this operation to dancers, sports women or women with sore labia due to chafing.
What is the recovery period after the surgery?
Usually doctors advice the patients to take at least a week off from their work after getting operated. The patients are asked to wear loose clothing as that would provide comfort and reduce the chances of friction.
Women who use tampons are told to abstain from them and use pads. Along with that, the patients are not allowed to have sex for at least 4 to 6 weeks as it might lead to tearing and discomfort.
The patients are usually supposed to be have couple of follow ups with their doctor in order to check for side effects and how the healing process is taking place.
Given below are some risks which come along with the procedure –
Decreased vulvar sensitivity – there are some cases wherein going under the knife resulted in them not feeling as natural as before. As the original and natural labia is being modified with external resources, the anatomy of the area is also modified with excessive tissues being removed. This might result in decreased vulvar sensitivity.
Swelling and bruising after surgery – this is not a permanent side effect, rather is a temporary side effect of the procedure. The swelling after the surgery can be at its peak for couple of days and might take at least up to 3 weeks for it to subside. The bruising which occurs after the surgery takes couple of days to subside, but the patient should contact their doctor if it continues.
Temporary numbness – just as the name suggests, this side effect is a temporary effect. This usually happens as the sensory nerves of the area which was operated on were numbed with an external source and it might take a couple of days to weeks for it to become normal. Just after the period of numbness, the patient feels a sensation similar to pins and needles which again are quite common after the surgery.
Asymmetry – this operation is sometimes opted by women to remove the asymmetry from their labia minora. However, there might be few cases where due to the surgery, some other area may differ, but just so slightly. This is considered to be normal.
Bleeding – bleeding during the surgery and after the surgery is very rare. The patients are often advised not to exercise or indulge in any activity which might put strain or stretch the vulvar area.
Scarring – a risk with every surgery will also be there with labiaplasty. There can be some scarring in the operated area, which over time may also fade away.
Tearing – there can be some tearing in the operated area if the patient plans on vaginal birth in the future. Patients are usually asked whether they plan on delivering children in future or not.
About Dr. V.S Rathore
Dr Rathore has performed more than 9,000 surgeries and has helped all of them finally meet their expectations and boost their self-confidence. He has experience of more than 18 years in the field. He was inspired to practice as a surgeon after seeing the trauma patients suffer because they find surgery difficult.
Dr. Rathore, through his expertise and experience, mastered surgery and makes his patient feel comfortable with the surgery and goes out of his way to promise that. He is regarded as the best cosmetic surgeon in Kolkata.
Visit our website to understand more and book labiaplasty in Kolkata.
