Labiaplasty After Pregnancy: Is It Right for You

Pregnancy is an incredibly jubilant facet of the life of an adult female. But it comes with significant bodily changes that are aesthetically and physically unsatisfactory and uncomfortable. One of the areas affected is the genitals, specifically the labia.

Labia is the lips or folds of skin on the outside of the female genitals (the vu-lva) which protects the vag-ina, cl-itoris, and the urethra. A female has a pair of labia- the labia majora (larger, outer lips covered with V area hair) and labia minora (small, inner lips around the va-ginal and urethral opening). During the final stages of gestation, when hormonal fluctuations are highly experienced, most women experience marked labial growth. And so, after va-ginal delivery, their labia get swollen, bruised, stretched, and torn leading to discomfort and unpleasant appearance, making them feel conscious.

Although labia are the part of female genitals that remains hidden by clothing, still there is growing demand for labiaplasty after pregnancy to address issues like asymmetry or excessive length of the labia.

If you are contemplating labiaplasty in Mumbai post-pregnancy, this article by Dr. Chiatali Mahajan Trivedi is just for you. Here you can learn when labiaplasty after pregnancy is suitable, how it's done, and its benefits and risks.

What is Labiaplasty?

A labiaplasty is a plastic surgery, a trendy va-ginal rejuvenation procedure, that aims to reduce the labia length, reshape it, and make it look tighter and sleeker.

Why Consider Labiaplasty Post-Pregnancy?

Here are the key reasons/ benefits for which women should consider labiaplasty post-pregnancy:

• Satisfactory appearance of the genitalia- A normal childbirth process can lead to stretching or changes in the size and shape of the labial tissue. The noticeable labia asymmetry or surplus labial tissue can make newly made mothers feel conscious. Thankfully, with labiaplasty, the vulva appearance improves, positively impacting the body image and ultimately restoring intimate confidence.
• Relief from va-ginal discomfort- Labial stretching during pregnancy can result in physical issues like chafing, irritation, twisting, tugging, and pain or discomfort which is felt during sexual intercourse, exercise, and when wearing tight clothing. Labiaplasty helps restore the labia to a comfortable state after childbirth.
• Improved hygiene- Enlarged labia after pregnancy can lead to poor hygiene of the genitals and an increased risk of infections. Labiaplasty can reduce the labia size and make hygiene maintenance easier.

Is Labiaplasty Right for Me After Pregnancy?

When assessing the candidacy for labiaplasty after pregnancy, women must consider the following:

• A good general health
• Acceptance of all limitations of labiaplasty
• Willingness to quit smoking or consume nicotine/tobacco products
• Having realistic expectations from the labiaplasty outcome.

The suitability for labiaplasty surgery can be confirmed during a consultation with a gynaecologist in Mumbai.

Labiaplasty: What to Expect

• Consultation- During an initial meeting with the labiaplasty specialist, the patient’s medical records are reviewed, goals and expectations are discussed, and the genitals are physically examined to determine the best surgical approach.
• Preparation- The surgeon provides the pre-surgical guidelines regarding the medications, lifestyle, smoking, and alcohol intake, and the arrangement for driving back home after surgery.
• The surgery- Basically, the procedure involves making incisions for labial tissue excision and labia reshaping and their closure with stitches. The surgeon performs any one of the following three surgical approaches to address the patient’s needs and concerns:
• Trim method- In this approach, the extra skin of the outer edge of the labia minora is trimmed up to the extent that it’s in symmetry with the labia majora. This is preferred for making slight adjustments to the labia.
• Wedge method- This approach involves the removal of a pie-shaped slice of labial tissue and suturing the back of the rest of the labia minora to create a natural shape of the labia. It even works to maintain the authentic lining and color of the labia.
• Clitoral hood reduction- This approach targets the removal of excess labial tissues surrounding the cl-itoris. It helps women achieve satisfactory sexual stimulation/orgasm during sexual intercourse.

Recovery and Aftercare

Following the labiaplasty, the patient should follow post-surgery instructions to ensure quick and smooth healing. Here are some recovery tips:

• Keep the genital area elevated when resting.
• Urinate while taking a shower or use a squirt bottle.
• Resume minimal activity with rest and light-impacted physical jobs in the second week of recovery.
• Avoid aerobic exercise, weightlifting, and straining during bowel movements in the third week of recovery.
• Avoid sexual intercourse until the va-gina completely heals. Vigorous physical activities can be resumed after 4- 6 weeks of undergoing the surgery. 
• Drink plenty of fluids, have more vitamins in your diet, practice proper genital hygiene, and avoid tight clothing or strenuous activity for the first week. To manage swelling and discomfort use a painkiller and cool compress and take prescribed antibiotics to avoid infection.

Potential Risks and Complications

Labiaplasty comes with certain unwanted effects that one must be aware of beforehand to make a well-informed decision.

The potential risks and complications of labiaplasty include:

• Infection
• Scarring
• Wound healing issues
• Labia asymmetry
• Over or under correction of labia
• Anaesthesia-related risks
• Sensory changes/ temporary numbness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is labiaplasty recovery?

For most women, the recovery after labiaplasty surgery is around 6 weeks, when there is a maximal reduction in the labial swelling. However, full recovery may take up to a year. That’s when the swelling completely disappears, scar tissues mature, and the final results become noticeable.

Is labiaplasty painful?

Generally, labiaplasty is a low-pain or painless surgery performed under the effect of anesthesia. Its recovery is associated with mild and temporary pain and discomfort, which can be relieved with medication prescribed by the surgeon.

Does having va-ginal childbirth affect labiaplasty outcome?

Yes. A normal delivery of the child can result in changes in the shape and size of the va-gina, including the labia. Thus, to avoid a negative impact on the prior labiaplasty results, consider labiaplasty only when confirmed about putting an end to childbearing and the va-gina has healed properly, typically 6 months after the last pregnancy.

Schedule a Consultation

Enlarged labia or asymmetry of the labia post-pregnancy can be best addressed with labiaplasty performed by a cosmetic gynecologist. Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi, a cosmetic gynaecologist in Mumbai, who holds specialization and experience in va-ginal rejuvenation procedures like labiaplasty. 
If in postpartum recovery, and looking forward to labiaplasty, schedule a discreet consultation with Dr. Chiatali Mahajan Trivedi at Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital and see if it’s meant for you.