Labiaplasty is simply the surgical repair of the labia major (outer lip), also known as the large lips of the vagina, or the labia minoror (inner lip), which is located just below the outer lips. Labium minorlar, that is, the inner lips, are constantly moist structures that do not contain fat and hair cells, are not visible from the outside because they are located under the labium major, and are rich in blood vessels and nerve endings. The inner lips are two in number and they fold together in a pleat form on the clitoris. Anatomically, the outer lips cover the inner lips, that is, since the inner lips are located under the outer lips, they are not noticed on the outside.1

When it comes to labiaplasty, what is mostly meant is the removal of defects related to the inner lips rather than the outer lips. The labia minora being larger than normal or sagging due to various reasons is one of the most common genital aesthetic problems. During labiaplasty, the excess tissue on the overgrown or sagging inner lips is removed by the specialist physician and the labiums are reshaped.

The demand for aesthetic gynecology is increasing day by day by both physicians and patients2. Labiaplasty is one of the most frequently performed genital aesthetic operations today. Except for labia majora enlargement (hypertrophy) to a degree that may constitute a medical necessity, there is not yet any national or international medical guide that sheds light on when surgical intervention should be performed. Patients who prefer genital aesthetic surgery state that they receive medical help primarily due to aesthetic concerns and decrease in sexual satisfaction. 4 In the early 1980s, labiaplasty and other genital aesthetic operations, which were preferred only by celebrities, started to be preferred by women in our country as sexual problems ceased to be taboo and began to be talked about.

Why is labiaplasty applied?

Labiaplasty is considered a medical necessity in cases where hypertrophy (extreme enlargement) of the inner labia causes recurrent vaginal and urinary infections, irritation, painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), and restriction in movements despite treatment.5,6

The inner lips, which are structurally normal in size, sag due to multiple births, traumas during vaginal birth, hormonal changes due to menopause, rapid weight gain and loss, and the outer lips become unable to completely cover the inner lips. In women who have never given birth and whose labia minora is normal in size, sagging can be seen due to the decrease in subcutaneous adipose tissue with advancing age. In some women, one or both of the inner lips of the vagina is structurally (genetic) larger than normal and creates an asymmetrical appearance.

For whatever reason, sagging can create an aesthetically unsightly appearance when it exceeds acceptable levels, causing the person to feel bad and loss of self-confidence. Even if there is no medical necessity, this situation can negatively affect a person’s life in various ways. For example, when the sagging of the inner lips is advanced, it may prevent wearing swimsuits, bikinis or tight clothes. It can affect the business life of women, especially from sports branches where physical appearance is prominent and occupational groups related to performing arts, may affect the sexual life of all women and cause loss of self-confidence and decrease in quality of life.

To whom can labiaplasty be applied?

It can be applied if the sagging of the inner lips of the vagina has reached a level that will negatively affect the quality of life of the person or in cases where labiaplasty has become a medical necessity. If the physician deems it appropriate, it can be applied to adult women of all ages who do not have any other disease that prevents surgical intervention. It can be applied for postpartum shaped sagging, as well as women who have never given birth can be candidates for labiaplasty as an examination to regain their self-confidence.

How and where is labiaplasty performed?

Labiaplasty is a procedure that should only be performed by a specialist physician and in a hospital environment, where sterility is important. First of all, your specialist will evaluate whether you are a suitable candidate for labiaplasty. If you are approved, your doctor will inform you about the details of the procedure and what needs to be done after the procedure. For the procedure, which is usually performed under local anesthesia, your doctor may sometimes consider general anesthesia appropriate. The operation time varies from patient to patient, but averages 30-60 minutes. Since anesthesia is applied during the procedure, pain is not felt.

What awaits you after labiaplasty?
Post-procedure complications are not usually seen. Complications such as infection, tissue damage and bleeding are possible complications after all surgical interventions. For this reason, labiaplasty must be done by a specialist.