Shrink the labia

introduction

The reduction of the labia or labioplasty has gained popularity in recent years. A complete shave in the genital area emphasizes the aesthetic aspect of the external genital organ.

In the most common anatomical variant of the labia, the inner labia are covered by the outer labia. In other cases, the labia are enlarged and drooping. In particular, protruding the inner labia beyond the outer one is perceived as disturbing.

Learn more about enlarged inner labia.

In addition to the aesthetic aspect, other factors such as increased susceptibility to infections or restrictions in sporting and sexual activity play a role.

The labia minora reduction, which affects the inner labia in the majority of cases, can be performed both surgically and as part of a laser treatment.

Are you interested in other possibilities of labia correction?

• More detailed information can be found at: Labia correction

Labia anatomy

The labia are paired and belong to the external genital organs on. Together with the Venus mound and the clitoris they are called the vulva. Their shape and size differ individually.

The inner (Labia minora pudendi) and outer labia (Labia majora pudendi) serve to cover and protect the vaginal entrance, whose moist and as germ-free environment as possible is preserved in this way.

In most cases, the inner labia are not visible. They are covered by the outer ones. However, this is not always the case. In other cases, the inner ones protrude beyond the outer labia. Such anatomical variants are normal from a medical point of view, but can lead to distress in individual cases.

The outer labia minora run between the perineum and the mons pubis, usually from Pubic hair are overgrown. The covering skin contains so-called free sebum glands (Fordyce glands), which ensure a balanced skin environment. The gland and hair form a functional unit.

There are in the subcutaneous fatty tissue two small pads of fat (Corpus adiposum labii majores), the size of which roughly corresponds to the labia. They are surrounded by a cover made of elastic connective tissue and are used for this protection against mechanical stress.

The clitoris, the vaginal entrance, and the opening of the urethra are covered by the outer labia. The cleft between the labia is called the pubic cleft or Rima pudendi designated.The vestibular or Bartholin's glands are also part of the outer labia. They create a moist environment in the vaginal vestibule. With sexual arousal, the moisture production increases and the penis can be inserted more easily.

The paired inner labia (Nymphae) are to the side of the vaginal vestibule. The thin skin folds contain no fat and converge on the clitoris. To the front, the labia minora divide into an anterior and posterior fold of skin. The fronts merge with the foreskin of the clitoris (Praeputium clitoridis), while the rear ones go straight to the clitoris as Frenulum clitoridis to lead. The outward-facing side of the small labia has increased pigmentation and so-called squamous epithelium. The inside, on the other hand, is made up of sebum glands, the Tyson's glands, occupied and significantly less pigmented. The cells covering the surface are not keratinized.

At sexual arousal the small inner labia are supplied with more blood and swell, exposing the vaginal entrance. As a result of the increased blood flow, they become darker.

The length of the inner labia varies in the range from one centimeter to six centimeters. In general, there is a large genetic variability with different morphological forms.

Treatment cost

The price of a labia reduction greatly depends on that attending physician and the respective clinic as well as the individual initial findings and the treatment to be carried out. The prices can differ by more than 1000 euros. So the lowest cost is included around 600 euros, the highest at about 3000 euros. Mostly it is a calculation from all the costs incurred, which also take into account the costs of anesthesia and postoperative pain medication.

A decision will be made on a case-by-case basis about whether the private or statutory health insurance will assume the costs. Various relevant factors are taken into account when making a decision. These include restrictions in hygiene, recurrent infections in the genital area, consequences affecting the psyche and Discomfort during intercourse.

If surgery is considered, the Application for assumption of costs before their implementation. The medical service of the health insurance funds (MdK) is dedicated to its review. Before performing the operation, the decision should be awaited.

Risks of the operation

An operative labia reduction holds that general risk of surgery. The wound caused is more likely to die Infections, such as bladder infections. To step Painful urination the attending physician should be consulted.
Also Bleeding belong to the postoperative risks. As a rule, these are small vessels, the closure of which is brought about immediately through a miracle opening and welding.
Signs of bleeding that needs treatment are rapid swelling and persistent dripping of blood.

Bruising is also one of the general operative side effects. Excessive scarring occurs in a minority of cases.

In the first time after the operation there are sensory disturbances or Painful intercourse possible, which should disappear in the context of complete wound healing.

Also immediately after the operation are sometimes Problems urinating that are not always due to infection. These are, for example, swellings or reflex-related mechanisms. Pain caused by nerve irritation or cramps in the urinary tract can be treated by a doctor.

Course of the operation

Before the operation, detailed discussions take place to clarify individual ideas, as well as detailed physical examinations with goal setting. The surgical procedure is either under consultation with the patient local anesthesia, in the Twilight sleep or under general anesthetic carried out.
Depending on the choice of clinic and the performing doctor, the procedure can be inpatient or outpatient occur. An outpatient procedure should be carefully considered and consider factors such as the tolerance of narcotic medication, the patient's wishes and a high probability of low post-operative pain consider.

The duration of the operation is on average one to two hours.

A distinction is made between three operative interventions: the Labia reduction or lap reduction plastic that reconstruction the labia and the Modeling the outer labia. During the latter operation there is the possibility of building up volume by injecting autologous fat. The modeling of the labia represents a correction of an unsuccessful procedure and is done in individual consultation with the patient.

After the surgical procedure, the wound is closed with a suture, which aims to achieve a cosmetically beautiful result that is as scar-free as possible.

Aftercare

The follow-up treatment of a labia minora reduction includes in particular the hygiene relevant aspects, as well as the Avoidance of mechanical stress. The time of operation should be chosen so that as possible No menstrual period 14 days after the operation occurs. Special bandages and plasters are not required. Inlays should be used to protect against wound exudate. The surgical wound is cleaned several times a day. Suitable for this Hip baths.

Sports such as horse riding and cycling are not recommended for a period of about four to six weeks. Same goes for Sexual intercourse. Less stressful sports are possible after around one to two weeks. Loose-fitting clothing and cotton underwear are suitable for the period after the operation. In addition, the wound should be examined by a doctor at regular intervals. He or she will prescribe an adequate one as needed Pain medication.

Pain after surgery

Moderate pain after the labia reduction is to be expected after the operation. Especially on the first night, a Burning and sore feeling occur in the genital area. The burn comes with the feeling of one Cystitis compared.

As a rule, the pain is easy to deal with Ibuprofen to treat. Sufficient wound healing with little incidence of pain requires adequate follow-up treatment and a few days of rest.

Pain that does not respond to ibuprofen requires clarification by a doctor. Persistent pain beyond the initial period after the operation also requires clarification. The most common reasons for persistent discomfort can be traced back to excessive scar tissue in unfavorable places and little residual tissue.