Labiaplasty FAQs

Following are the common questions about Labiaplasty:

1. What is labiaplasty?
2. What is the difference between labia majoraplasty and labia minoraplasty?
3. How to know if my labia is too big?
4. What are the major benefits of labiaplasty?
5. What is the procedure for labiaplasty?
6. How to make labia smaller at home?
7. What is the cost of labiaplasty in India?
8. Which doctor performs labiaplasty- a gynecologist or a plastic surgeon?
9. What are the qualifications of a labiaplasty doctor?
10. What is the best time to schedule labiaplasty surgery?
11. How long does the recovery take after labiaplasty surgery?
12. Is a hospital stay required after labiaplasty?
13. Does labiaplasty leave any visible scars on the labia lips?
14. Can labiaplasty cause any problems in giving childbirth?
15. How long should I wait before having sex after labiaplasty?
16. Are the results of labiaplasty permanent?
17. What are the possible risks or side effects of labiaplasty?
18. How to prepare for labiaplasty?
19. How to recover after Labiaplasty?

Q. What is labiaplasty?

A. Labiaplasty is a functional cosmetic surgery done to trim and reshape the enlarged labia (vaginal lips).

Aging and childbirth can at times enlarge, stretch or loosen the labia through time. This, then causes constant discomfort, tugging, twisting, irritation, pain, and rashes in the woman’s vaginal area. Here, labiaplasty offers a surgical solution. It trims and reshapes the vaginal lips in a manner that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The surgery is simple, highly popular, takes less than 45 minutes, and can be performed on both- labia minora and labia majora.

Q. What is the difference between labia majoraplasty and labia minoraplasty?

A. While both procedures are targeted towards trimming and reshaping the labial lips, labia majoraplasty is the surgery for the outer layers of the vaginal lips (labia majora). While labia minoraplasty is the surgery for the inner layers of the vaginal l‘0lips (labia minoraplasty).

Q. How to know if my labia is too big?

A. There is no statute formula of how big or small a labia should be. Just as we are all different, so are the shape and sizing of our genital areas. As long as it looks and feels healthy to you, you are good.

However, If you feel chafing, rashes, pain, and itching very regularly around your labia lips, or frequently experience swelling around your vulva, chances are that your labia has enlarged over time. In such a case, we advise you to visit your gynecologist. The doctor could confirm the same through your explained symptoms and pelvic exam.

Q. What are the major benefits of labiaplasty?

A. Labiaplasty offers the following benefits-

• Relief in the incessant friction, rashes, and infection in the vaginal area
• Relief in pain during sex
• Better personal hygiene and health
• Improved sexual life
• Comfort in clothing

Q. What is the procedure for labiaplasty?

A. To perform a labiaplasty, the doctor first injects a small dose of local anesthesia at the vaginal site (labia majora or labia minora). This makes the area numb and hence the procedure painless.

Once numb, the lips are pulled up through a specialized medical equipment and markings are made. The excess part is then removed through a laser or surgical blade. After removal, the ends are stitched together using very soft and minute sutures. The thread used is self dissolvable and recovery happens within 3 weeks.

If needed, the same procedure can also be performed on general anesthesia.

Q. How to make labia smaller at home?

A. Unfortunately, no medicine, creams, ointment, or home remedy can help reduce the size of an enlarged labia. Labiaplasty surgery is the only proven way to reduce or reshape the enlarged labia lips.

Q. What is the cost of labiaplasty in India?

A. Labiaplasty costs an average of INR 20,000 to INR 35,000 in India. However, the exact treatment cost may slightly vary a little depending on the

• The type of labiaplasty performed (labia majoraplasty or labia minoraplasty)
• The method used for surgery (LASER or traditional)
• Experience and expertise of your surgeon
• Reputation and infrastructure of the hospital/ Gyne-clinic
• Added treatments/ procedures if needed (Example, vaginoplasty)
• Aftercare and medications

Q. Which doctor performs labiaplasty- a gynecologist or a plastic surgeon?

A. Both gynecologists and plastic surgeons can perform labiaplasty. However, an Ob-Gynecologist specifically trained and experienced in cosmetic gynecology is the most ideal choice.

Q. What are the qualifications of a labiaplasty doctor?

A. The certifications of a labiaplasty surgeon must include one/ more of the following qualifications:

• MBBS
• DGO
• DNB/MS- General Surgery
• MS-Gynecology
• MS- Obstetrics
• MS-Plastic Surgery
• Masters Course in Cosmetic Gynecology (MCCG)
• Diploma course in Cosmetic Gynecology (DCCG)
• Fellowship in Cosmetic Gynecology (FCG)

Q. What is the best time to schedule labiaplasty surgery?

A. The best time to schedule labiaplasty surgery is 2-3 days after your current menstrual cycle. This would thus allow your vaginal site to substantially heal before your next cycle.

Q. How long does the recovery take after labiaplasty surgery?

A. While you will be able to resume some basic work and your regular routine within 3-5 days, complete healing may take an average of 5-6 weeks.

Q. Is a hospital stay required after labiaplasty?

A. No. Hospital stay is neither mandatory nor required after labiaplasty.

Labiaplasty is a minor surgery typically performed on local anesthesia. This is why it is usually a daycare procedure and you can go home right after. However, if the same is performed on general anesthesia, your doctor may prescribe you rest of 24-48 hours and recommend a hospital stay for monitoring some post-surgical medical stats.

Q. Does labiaplasty leave any visible scars on the labia lips?

A. No. Cosmetic gynecologists ensure that the procedure doesn’t leave any visible scars on the labia lips. The incisions are made only in the natural folds of the vulva and are self dissolvable. They shall completely erase after 8 weeks.

Q. Can labiaplasty cause any problems in giving childbirth?

A. No. Labiaplasty does not alter your ability for childbirth. Labiaplasty is performed only on the outer vulvar region, while the reproductive organs such as the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes lie way above it. Since none of either is invaded during the procedure, labiaplasty does not alter your reproductive abilities.

Q. How long should I wait before having sex after labiaplasty?

A. Doctors advise you to wait for at least 5-6 weeks before resuming your sex life after labiaplasty surgery. Then, as you slowly heal, and feel well-rested, please see your gynecologist for one final clearance. Thereafter, you may resume as you like.

Q. Are the results of labiaplasty permanent?

A. No. No surgery whether cosmetic or otherwise is permanent in nature. Our bodies change with age and that's only natural.

However, yes, the labiaplasty results are generally long-term and depending on the type and method of surgery used, may sustain for more than 10-15 years.

Q. What are the possible risks or side effects of labiaplasty?

A. Labiaplasty when performed under strict medical guidance and trained gynecologists, is largely a safe procedure with minimal to no side effects. However, since no surgery is completely free of risks, you may experience some of the below symptoms as you heal:

• Mild bleeding
• Infection
• Hematoma
• Temporary numbness
• Vaginal dryness
• Decreased sensitivity around the vulva
• Mild discomfort during sexual intercourse in the initial days of the recovery

Q. How to prepare for labiaplasty?

A. As you prepare for labiapalsty, some of the things we advise you do are:

• Speak to your doctor about your daily medication, including vitamin supplements or for any other condition. You might be required to halt a few medications (such as blood thinners) as they risk excessive blood flow.
• Since the surgery is performed under anesthesia, do not eat or drink for at least 8 hours before the surgery. This would help avoid any complications related to anesthesia.
• Take enough rest before the surgery so that the body is fully prepared for the procedure.

Q. How to recover after Labiaplasty?

A. As you recover, we suggest you follow the below-mentioned procedures to ensure a swift and smooth recovery:

• Take complete bed rest for the first 24 hours.
• Avoid head bath for the next 2 days.
• Start gentle walking one day after the procedure. It should help in blood circulation and better recovery.
• It is normal to feel a slight itch and burning sensation as you heal. However, please do not rub or itch the surgical site. Rather, use ice packs around the vulva to relieve minor pain and swelling.
• Pay extra attention to hygiene in the vaginal area till you have healed completely. Use only plain water to clean and gently pat dry.
• Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting fabrics to ensure breathability and moisture-free space.
• Resume sexual activities only after final clearance from your gynecologist. (typically 5-6 weeks.)