Q&As on Labiaplasty

Does labiaplasty look natural?

Quite often, a labiaplasty is performed to correct the unnatural appearance of the labia and to make it appear more natural. And apart from removing excess labial tissue, labiaplasty also resolves issues related to aesthetics. It provides a very natural-looking labia, which helps individuals feel more confident and comfortable. The better trained and more experienced the Cosmetic Surgeon is, the higher the chances of a more natural-looking outcome. Individuals should ensure that they trust the doctor who will perform their surgery and ask appropriate questions related to the surgery. 
Although, individuals should not have unrealistic expectations from the labiaplasty procedure. 

 Can you still have kids after labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty only addresses and concerns the labia minora and the labia majora. It does not affect an individual’s chances of having kids or giving birth. There are no risks in having kids after a labiaplasty. Although in certain cases, there may be some issues that are minimal. There is a slight risk of new, pregnancy hormone-related tissue growth, and there may be additional stretching and laxity in the remaining labial tissues that can slightly reverse the outcome of a labiaplasty.
It is usually suggested that individuals should undergo labiaplasty after they decide not to have any more kids. Individuals should discuss this with their Cosmetic Surgeon.

 Are labiaplasty scars visible?

Like most cosmetic surgeries performed these days, a labiaplasty does not leave any visible scars when performed by a well-trained, experienced surgeon and done well. It mostly depends on the technique used and the skill of the Cosmetic/Plastic Surgeon. The labia minora and labia majora are highly vascular areas like the face, so there are hardly any scars visible after healing is completed. Labiaplasty involves placing very fine, resorbable sutures that dissolve on their own in three or four weeks so there is no visible scarring. There is no ugly, overgrown, keloid-like formation that develops after a labiaplasty.

 How do you clean your vagina after labiaplasty?

The labia minora and labia majora are the folds of tissue that cover the vagina, so it is very important to keep the area clean and dry to facilitate good and uneventful healing after a labiaplasty. Keeping the vaginal area clean and dry helps to avoid any infection or discomfort. It should be patted clean and dried very gently and carefully. Normally there are no dressing in this area. The area is rinsed / washed twice a day with mild soap and after drying antibiotic ointment prescribed by your doctor is applied for about 10 days. Rinsing should occur after each toilet visit.

At what age can you get a labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is mostly a cosmetic procedure, so it should only be performed on individuals older than 18 years. Although women reach puberty by 11-12 years of age, the labial tissue continues to grow well beyond puberty. The labial tissue should be allowed to grow fully before restructuring it with a labiaplasty.
Labiaplasty is generally done at a later age in life, mostly after having kids. In cases where there is a medical reason to undergo a labiaplasty, even in those cases, it is advised to wait for the labial tissue to grow fully before undergoing the procedure

How many times can you get labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty, a procedure that is performed as a reduction surgery for excess labial tissue in the labia minora or the labia majora, is a one-time, long-lasting surgery and usually is not repeated. Since the excess labial tissue removed does not regrow after the surgery, there is no need to undergo the procedure again.
In some circumstances, such as an incorrect, botched, or unsuccessful labiaplasty, where there is a complication, it may be repeated. This is called a revision labiaplasty. It is done to correct the first labiaplasty procedure or remove any excess labial tissue that was left. It is rarely needed.

Does it hurt to pee after labiaplasty?

Some amount of pain and discomfort is normal and expected after undergoing a labiaplasty procedure. For a few days after labiaplasty, urinating is painful, and individuals undergoing the procedure are informed about it before being discharged from the hospital. Some amount of bruising and swelling is also normal in the area. It subsides with time in a few days. 
An easy and simple way to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with urinating after the surgery is to have a stream of warm running water on the area while urinating. Most individuals find it easier and less painful to urinate this way after the surgery. 

 Can you walk after labiaplasty?

Yes, one can start walking after labiaplasty. Individuals who undergo a labiaplasty do not undergo any pain or discomfort in resuming walking or other regular physical activities. Since labiaplasty is not a painful procedure and does not require a hospital stay, individuals are encouraged to resume regular physical activities as soon as they feel comfortable. But this does not mean that individuals can engage in strenuous or demanding physical activities.
So, individuals should avoid any strenuous physical activity for a couple of weeks until primary healing is completed. After the initial follow-up, if they have been cleared by the Cosmetic Surgeon, they can resume all physical activities.

How common is labiaplasty surgery?

Labiaplasty is one of the most common cosmetic, aesthetic, and functional female genital surgeries performed. It is a safe procedure. Surgeons have been performing it for decades now, so a lot is known about it, and there are extensive studies about the associated risks or complications, if any. Since it is a relatively short surgery that does not require a hospital stay, it can be easily performed at out-patient clinics. It has a high safety profile with fewer associated risks and complications.
Individuals should be aware of what the procedure entails and speak to their surgeon about any doubts or apprehensions that they might have regarding the procedure or the outcome.

How long does it take for stitches to dissolve after labiaplasty?

For a labiaplasty, the surgeon places sutures that do not need to be removed at a later follow-up appointment. These are called resorbable or dissolvable sutures. Dissolvable sutures take around three or four weeks to dissolve completely. These are common sutures, and most cosmetic procedures involve placing dissolvable sutures.The sutures are usually placed within the naturally occurring folds so that the minimal scars associated with the procedure blend very easily with the labial tissue. Despite this, proper precaution and care should be taken to ensure good and uneventful healing.