The Lava Bot

Female genital surgery is technically known as labioplasty (also spelled labiaplasty). When the labia becomes extended, it can cause a great deal of discomfort and other problems in wearing clothing such as tight-fitting undergarments and bathing suits. This type of corrective surgery addresses the problem through removal of the outer folds of the labia when this extends well outside the vulva.

Vaginoplasty is actually a separate procedure, in which the contour and tightness of the vaginal opening that may have been lost due to childbearing is restored. Another form of female genital surgery is clitoral unhooding, in which the excess skin that causes loss of sexual sensation is removed (this condition is frequently implicated in the inability to climax).

Although it is a relatively unusual condition, some women suffer a condition in which the labia minora (inner lips if the vaginal opening) become enlarged and protrude from the vaginal opening. This may be congenital, the result of a difficult birth, or can be caused by certain skin diseases. It is not a life-threatening condition, but can cause pain, discomfort and even embarrassment. This condition can be corrected by simply removing the excess tissue, which is what labioplasty accomplishes.

Up until the late 1990s, the usual method of labioplasty was a simple amputation of the excess tissue, after which the ends were sutured together. The procedure was painful and patients frequently suffered from complications; the opening was very sensitive afterwards and the vaginal opening frequently was left misshapen and discolored as a result.

Surgeons today employ laser surgical tools and new techniques that have greatly reduced the pain and recovery time, and have made labioplasty one of the safest types of all plastic surgeries. According to a U.K. medical study, over 95% of all labioplasty patients were still happy with the results of their procedure four years later. Although five of the patients in the study experienced complications, these were minor and were easily corrected immediately following the surgery.

Labioplasty is done on an outpatient basis. You may choose either a local anesthetic or complete sedation. You can expect some degree of pain and swelling, but this usually subsides after ten days, and you will be able to return to most of your everyday activities after two weeks (cycling and horseback riding excepted for reasons that should be obvious).

If you are in the Kansas City area, call for a consulation with a Kansas City Cosmetic Surgeon.