The designer vagina has steadily increased in popularity over the years. With advances in technologies and techniques, vaginal rejuvenation is a growing trend in plastic surgery.
What is a Designer Vagina?
“Designer vagina” is a term used to describe surgeries carried out on the vulva and vagina. Labiaplasty is also known as labia reduction surgery. This is for women concerned about the size and shape of the definition of the labia (the inner and outer folds of the vagina). Many women experience problems with their labia.
Any issues with the labia can be from several things such as genetics, ageing, or childbirth. Labiaplasty is a relatively easy and straightforward procedure to resize and reshape the labia.
Designer Vagina (Labiaplasty): Quick Overview
- Surgery Time: 1-2 hours
- Anaesthetic: General
- Hospital Stay: Day
- Dressings and Garments: 1-2 weeks
- Time Off Work: 2 weeks
- Exercise: 6 Weeks
- Mobile: 1 day
- Washing: 1 week
- Sleeping Position: on you back for 3 days
- Full Recovery: 6 weeks
Why Do People Have Labiaplasty?
When an individual’s labia is elongated, the excess skin and tissue can impact everyday life. It can make physical exercise uncomfortable and make you feel self-conscious during sex or wearing a bikini. A large labia can also be obvious in leggings and other tight clothing.
What Happens During Labiaplasty Surgery?
The surgery takes between 1 to 2 hours. During labiaplasty, your surgeon will cut away any unwanted tissue with either a scalpel or laser. The edges are then stitched together. Only dissolvable stitches are used, so you don’t have to worry about coming back to get any stitches out. In general, patients go home the same day to begin the recovery process.
There are several techniques that you can use during this procedure:
- Trim procedure – this involves trimming the edge of the inner lips of the labia. The tissue is removed, and sutures are carefully applied to close the wound and create an attractive natural appearance.
- Wedge excision – this technique is used to reduce a large amount of the labia minora. Your surgeon removes a wedge of tissue from the base of labia minora and then sutures them together, creating a taut labia.
- Clitoral hood reduction – this can be performed alongside a labiaplasty to reduce the size of the clitoral hood.
What are the Benefits of a Designer Vagina?
Having enlarged labia can feel embarrassing and hinder your day to day life. But the good news is there is a procedure that can help. If you feel discomfort when you ride a bike and try to hide how your vagina looks in tight clothing, you may benefit from labiaplasty.
Other benefits include:
- Improve aesthetics
- Increase comfort
- More confidence
- Enhanced pleasure
How Long is Labiaplasty Recovery?
After your procedure, you will experience some discomfort and swelling. This is normal. Following the first day, you should already feel more mobile and be able to shower.
In 1 to 2 weeks, you should be able to go back to work and start driving again. At about 4-6 weeks, you can begin to engage in sexual intercourse. Overall, your total recovery should take 6 weeks. As always, it’s essential to follow the guidance of your surgeon during the recovery so that you can heal effectively.
How Much Time Do You Need Off Work to Recover?
Usually, patients take a few days to up to 1 week off work to recover after labiaplasty. It takes about 1-2 weeks to return to normal activities, with the first few days being the most important to rest and take it easy.
What Can You Expect After the Procedure?
In the first 48 hours, it’s common to experience swelling and itching. This will subside in the following weeks. You can expect to shower the following day but should avoid submerging the area fully for a couple of weeks.
What Happens During Your Labiaplasty Consultation?
During your initial consultation, your surgeon will need to perform a thorough examination to determine if you are suitable for labiaplasty. You will discuss your medical history and any current medications you are on. You will tell your surgeon about concerns with your labia, so they can determine the best approach to help you.
Is Labiaplasty Painful?
The majority of patients opt for general anaesthetic for their procedure, meaning that they don’t feel anything during surgery. There may be some discomfort following the procedure, but this can be managed by painkillers. After a few days, the swelling should subside, and you should be feeling much more comfortable.
Are the Results Permanent?
Yes, the results are permanent. Once the excess skin has been removed, it won’t grow back.
Who is the Ideal Candidate for Designer Vagina Surgery?
The ideal candidate for labiaplasty is in good physical health. Perhaps you don’t like the appearance of your labia, and you feel it’s overly large or asymmetrical. You also might experience physical discomfort during exercise and sexual intercourse. Your surgeon will determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure during your consultation.
Who is Not Suitable for Labiaplasty?
Individuals not suitable for labiaplasty are smokers who don’t want to quit as this increases the risk of poor wound healing and infection.
How Long Should You Wait to Get Labiaplasty After Childbirth?
You should wait at least 6 months to 1 year after giving birth before scheduling your labiaplasty.
When Can You Have Sexual Intercourse After Labiaplasty?
In general, you should wait at least 6-8 weeks before resuming sexual activity. Your plastic surgeon will need to clear you for this.
How Can You Prepare for Labiaplasty Surgery?
Your surgeon will advise you to stop smoking and taking certain medications. You should prepare for your recovery, book time off work and put essentials in easy-to-reach locations. Maintaining a steady weight, exercising regularly, and following a healthy diet will help you be in the best shape possible to undergo surgery.
What are the Potential Risks and Side Effects of Labiaplasty?
It’s important that you’re fully aware of all potential risks and side effects before going ahead with any surgery. That way, you can make a fully informed decision. Risks and side effects of labiaplasty include:
- Reduced sensitivity of genitals
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Hematoma
- Anaesthesia risks
- Skin and or fat/necrosis
- Fluid accumulation
- Pain
- Swelling
- Poor wound healing
- Poor scarring
- Nerve injury
- Contour irregularity
- Seroma
- Over/under correction
- Asymmetry
- Damage to other structures
- DVT
- PE
- Chest infection
If you find yourself unhappy with the appearance of your labia, you may benefit from labiaplasty. To discuss the procedure and book a consultation, please call 0203 582 4947 or email [email protected].
Further Reading:
- What is a Labiaplasty?
- How to Prepare For Your Cosmetic Treatment
- 4 Top Tips: How to Sleep Comfortably After Cosmetic Surgery
- Why Do You Need to Wear Compression Garments After Plastic Surgery?
- Alcohol Effects: Can You Drink Alcohol After Surgery?
- Cosmetic Surgery: How Do Silicone Strips for Scars Work?
- 5 Labiaplasty Recovery Tips for Optimal Results