Labiaplasty – Choosing The Right Doctor
The term labiaplasty refers to the surgical method of reducing or reshaping the size of the one or both sides of the labia (labia majora and or labia minora) which are the external folds of skin surrounding the vulva.
The Vulva is the collection of a woman external genitalia and it comprises:
- Labia majora
- Labia minora
- Clitoris
- Urethra
- Vagina
The labia majora are the part of labia on outside of the body while the labia minora is the hairless flaps of skin that cover the clitoris and vagina, and it is situated between the labia majora. Due to the fact that labia minora are mostly longer than labia minora, most labiaplasty are usually carried out on labia minora although, cosmetic surgeries on labia majora are also on increase.
Just like other parts of the body, woman’s labia can come in different shapes, colors, textures and sizes. It is also possible for labia to be large, flaccid or asymmetric. Although, the causes of labia unevenness are unknown, but the tearing and stretching of the labia minora is caused mainly by childbirth, accident and age.
Labiaplasty is now considered as the fastest growing cosmetic surgery around the world as it is becoming more popular than ever. In fact, statistic reveals that there are about 45% more labiaplasty procedures performed in 2016 than there were in the previous year. The popularity of labiaplasty is as a result of modern exposure to the several techniques of removing pubic hair, such as Brazilian waxing, which has increasingly made women more mindful of their private parts. Most women viewed the differences in labia as abnormal and thus, sought for correction.
Also, the physical discomfort which most women experience as a result of labia minora protrusion leads to an increase in the choice for labiaplastasty. Labia minora often projected from the vulva and are one of the sensitive parts of the female external genital. Long labia minora often rubs with the underwear and prolong rubbing may lead to irritation or pain. These experiences often made women to feel self-conscious and uncomfortable. Furthermore, the long labial minora is often noticed as bulge, especially in tight clothing and thus, making women feel embarrassing in putting on dresses like gym leggings, G-string underwear, and bathing suit. Furthermore, activities which include running, bike riding and horse riding as well as sex, may cause great discomfort to ladies with protruded labia. Labiaplasty, however, is a panacea which addresses not only issues such as hygiene problems, irritation, pain and discomfort, arising from labia protrusion but also, boosts women self-confidence.
For women who want to undergo labial reduction surgery, it should be noted that labiaplasty is a procedure that required two techniques: trim and wedge, performed under general anaesthesia and often associated with some complications. The complications which may arise from labiaplasty include: bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, labial asymmetry, etc. Therefore, in order to have a perfect labial reduction surgery, it is necessary to find a competent doctor. The following conditions are what to consider in choosing the right doctor for labiaplasty.
- Board Certification
A surgeon’s board- certification is an indicator which guarantee the qualification of such surgeon.
- Experience
Experience is also an important factor to consider while choosing a labiaplasty surgeon. A well experienced labiaplasty surgeon knows the best method to use and also ways to minimize complications
- Reasonable Cost
The normal cost for a Labiaplasty ranges from $3,000 to $8,000. It should be noted that the cost is dependent on the following factors:
- Geographical location
- The surgeon fee
- The labiaplasty procedure
- Sedation
- Combining procedures
Other guides to consider include:
- The method used
- Facility Accreditation and Hospital Privileges
- Reliable References
- Follow-up Care
