Aesthetic gynaecology is becoming increasingly popular in our country. Patient awareness and the increasing number of surgeries offering this type of service have made aesthetic gynaecology procedures more popular.
Table of contents:
- Labia majora - what is it?
- Labioplasty, or plastic surgery of the labia minora
- Indications for labioplasty
- Main contraindications
The shape and size of the labia majora is important. If it is too large, it can cause considerable discomfort in everyday life. Fitted underwear, swimwear, tight trousers, for example, can cause a significant problem when a woman is struggling with labia too protruding. Also in sexual life, overly large labia can cause a lack of self-confidence or be a problem for physical activity.
Labia majora - what is it?
The labia minora, the female external organs, are divided into the labia minora and the labia majora. It should be noted that there is no uniform pattern as to what size and shape the organs take. The female body, under the influence of hormonal changes, childbirth and mechanical damage, also changes in this respect.
The labia majora (also known as the outer labia) are made up of two developed folds of skin. Towards the top they form the pubic sockets. Laterally they are separated by the so-called genital-femoral furrow. Between the labia majora is the so-called vulvar crevice. The labia majora are covered by squamous epithelium. The skin on the outside of the labia majora is covered with hairs. It also contains many sebaceous and sweat glands. The labia majora reach a size of 7 to 12 cm. The labia minora, or inner labia, are two folds of skin that lie lateral to the vaginal vestibule. The upper part of the labia minora can take the form of a fold or several folds. The skin on the labia minora is devoid of hair follicles (so no hair grows on it) nor does it have subcutaneous fat. The epithelium that covers the skin of the labia minora is known as the multilayered epithelium. The average length of the labia minora reaches about 30 mm, the width about 20 mm.
Labioplasty, or plastic surgery of the labia minora
The appearance and size of the labia minora is an individual issue, which is influenced by many factors: fat content, age, body weight, number of births. According to some publications, the labia minora is said to be hypertrophied when it reaches a size of more than 4 cm. If patients report that the labia minora are often painful, cause itching, burning and recurrent inflammation, labioplasty may be considered. Genetics are actually responsible for the size of the labia minora. The second reason for the disproportion in the appearance of the labia minora is damage caused during childbirth.
Labia majora, photo: panthermedia
Indications for labioplasty
The labioplasty procedure is offered to patients who have:
- large or deformed labia (e.g. as a result of trauma),
- experience discomfort when sitting down, wearing tight underwear,
- experience discomfort during sexual intercourse.
Main contraindications
Contraindications that do not allow the procedure to be performed are:
- vaginitis,
- vulvitis,
- blood clotting problems,
- allergy to certain medications,
- confinement,
- abnormal cytology results.
Immediately after the procedure, the patient should take the medication prescribed by the doctor. Within approximately 24-48 hours after the procedure, spotting from the wound edges should subside. The bruising and swelling gradually subsides up to several days after the procedure. Full physical activity can be undertaken approximately four weeks after the procedure. Complications are rare: haematomas, slow healing or wound dehiscence are occasional.
Before deciding to undergo labiolasty, it is important to consult your doctor and perform a package of necessary tests that the medical professional will indicate.
