Labia consist of two parts, outer (majora) and inner (minora). Women who express dissatisfaction commonly are unhappy with their labia minora, which may be large or long enough to be easily visible. However, loss of volume in the labia majora can also be a concern. This results in a deflated appearance, which lacks a youthful contour.
There are several reasons a woman may be dissatisfied with her labia, including comfort issues, aesthetic factors, or some combination of the two. Labial surgery at Toronto's Cosmetic Surgery Institute can address these problems by reducing the size of labia minora that are longer than desired or by restoring volume to the labia majora using fat injection techniques to improve confidence and functionality.
Labia minora of a certain length may interfere with sexual intercourse by causing irritation or pain. They may also generate discomfort while exercising, and can be visible when certain types of form-fitting clothing are worn. Sometimes the labia are very asymmetric resulting in an appearance that is perceived to be abnormal thereby causing a loss of self confidence. Reshaping the labia minora with a labiaplasty procedure creates a more smoothly contoured, streamlined appearance.
Volume loss in the labia majora can be a result of normal aging but can also arise after multiple pregnancies. If the contour was not that full to begin with, any loss of volume results in a less attractive, “deflated” appearance. Restoring fullness using fat injection creates a more youthful look. Best of all, the results appear totally natural and are permanent.
Women considering a labiaplasty should know that there is no unified standard for what the labia minora are expected to look like. There are countless variations that are all normal. Some women find that their labia are too large as soon as they develop, while others notice that their labia have gradually increased in size. Sometimes asymmetry is a problem with one side much larger than the other.
That said, ideal labiaplasty candidates are physically mature and have labia, which interfere with their ability to fully enjoy life, whether due to physical discomfort or embarrassment or both. The timing of surgery with respect to age is not as important as having reasonable goals and expectations.
I treat each labiaplasty patient with care and discretion, working to understand her current situation and personal goals, and to help her achieve those goals safely and efficiently.
As a surgical procedure, labiaplasty can be handled quickly and safely. It is a very sensitive area and so I prefer to perform this procedure under a general anesthetic as day surgery.
Labiaplasty involves trimming away excess tissue to bring the labia into a size and shape desirable to the patient. Incisions are closed with dissolving sutures and post-procedural care instructions are given. A follow-up visit is scheduled one week following the surgery. Most patients are able to resume all normal activities within two to three weeks.
Enhancing labia majora contour by restoring lost volume is also a safe and efficient procedure. Under a general anesthetic, fat is taken from an area with some excess (usually tummy or thighs) and prepared for injection. The technique is similar to that used for facial recontouring with the prepared fat injected into its new location. Once it heals, the volume change is stable and has a very natural appearance.
Some recovery time is needed to allow swelling and bruising to resolve, but after a week or two, patients are quite comfortable.
Some patients choose to combine both of these procedures to achieve greater improvement in labial shape and contour. If done together, there are some savings in anesthesia costs and recovery is a one-time event. The final result provides a result, which is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally improved.
Women who have seen their bodies undergo a variety of changes after childbirth may choose to rejuvenate themselves in other areas as well.
A breast lift can raise breasts that have lost their perkiness bringing them to a higher, more youthful position on the chest.
A tummy tuck removes loose skin and fat from the tummy as well as tightening weakened abdominal muscles that have stretched and lost their ability to hold a firm shape.
Sometimes the combination of breast and tummy rejuvenation is referred to as a "Mommy Makeover."
During our consultation visit, I always work with each patient to help her determine which procedure or combination of procedures, will best deliver the results she is seeking.