Is labiaplasty for you?
SIMILAR to other parts of the body, the labia come in varying colours, sizes and shapes. And it’s these characteristics, depending on anything from what they’ve seen in movies to personal dissatisfaction, that women often seek to change.
Consultant obstetrician-gynaecologist at Seymour Park, Dr Michelle Bailey, describes the labia as part of the female genitalia, which consists of two areas — the labia majora (the outer larger portion), and the labia minora (an irregular fold of skin beneath the labia majora).
She pointed out that the labia serve to protect the clitoris and the openings of the vagina and the urethra.
“In the non-aroused state, the labia close off the entrance to the vagina and urethra, thereby minimising the risk of both vaginal and bladder infections. When the woman becomes sexually aroused, the labia become engorged and separate, allowing the penis to enter the vagina. They also form a cushion between the pubic bones during intercourse,” Dr Bailey explained.
Like their faces, breasts or buttocks, Dr Bailey said some women share a similar concern about the appearance of their genitalia.
“The perception that the labia minora, which to them may seem longer than normal or asymmetrical, may lead to emotional and psychological distress. However, it is important to note that there are many variants of normal. The normal width of the labia minora ranges from three to four centimetres, but when greater than five centimetres it may be associated with irritation, chronic infection, pain or interference with sexual and sporting activities,” Dr Bailey said.
She pointed out, however, that while the appearance stands as one of the most common reasons why women express a desire to alter the appearance of their labia, there are a number of other reasons including:
1. Pain on penetration during sexual intercourse.
2. Difficulty in performing sporting activities — for example running, horseback riding, or swimming.
3. Social embarrassment from a protrusion or swelling through their clothing.
4. Cosmetic purposes — related to a perceived flawed appearance of the labia.
A woman’s desire for reconstruction of her labia is usually addressed with a surgical procedure called labiaplasty.
“A labiaplasty is an intricate procedure in which small portions of the labia are removed to create a more symmetrical and youthful external genitalia,” Dr Bailey stated.
“Patients who are considering a labiaplasty need to be counselled about the possible side effects, which in rare cases can lead to unattractive labia, especially if there is infection and a break down of the suture line leading to excessive scarring,” she added.
Dr Bailey also recommended that surgeries are only to be performed on adults or on older adolescents with significant medical issues, such as in cases of female genital mutilation.
