Right Side Stomach Pain, Know the Causes and How to Treat It
Labiaplasty is a procedure to reduce or enlarge the labia (vaginal lips). This operation can be performed either to correct deformities of the labia, for health reasons, or for aesthetic reasons.
The labia are the external female reproductive organs which consist of two pairs of skin folds, namely the labia majora and the labia minora. The labia majora is the part that is covered with pubic hair after puberty.
Meanwhile, the labia minora are located right inside the labia majora, and surround the vaginal opening and urinary tract (urethra). The shape of each woman's labia can be different and there are no provisions that make it considered ideal or normal.
In some women, the size of the labia may tend to be large or asymmetrical. This condition can cause pain, irritation, or blisters during activities, such as exercising or having sex. Labiaplasty can be performed when the condition of the labia causes complaints as above.
Please note that labiaplasty is different from female circumcision. Labiaplasty is performed at the patient's own request. Apart from that, labiaplasty is also performed because there are clear complaints regarding the shape or size of the labia.
Purpose and Indications for Labiaplasty
The labia can be larger or asymmetrical due to several factors, such as:
- Genetics
- Rapid growth during puberty
- Weight gain
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Menopause
If the size or changes to the labia cause disruption, labiaplasty may be considered. The following are conditions that may be a consideration for labiaplasty:
- Recurrent discomfort, pain, or irritation during activities or sports
- Decreased performance in athletes due to pain or irritation of the labia
- The labia are often twisted, pinched, or stuck, thus interfering with intimate relations
- Urinary tract infections often occur because large labia tend to be more difficult to clean and more easily become a place for bacterial growth
- Enlargement of the labia minora which makes them look more prominent than the labia majora
- Large labia look prominent when wearing swimsuits or tight pants, thereby reducing self-confidence
- Shape The genitals are not clear in the condition of double genitalia so it needs to be reconstructed into female genitalia
Warnings and Prohibitions of Labiaplasty
The doctor may consider not performing labiaplasty if:
- The patient has problems with the reproductive system
- The patient is a heavy smoker, because smoking can increase the risk of poor surgical wound healing
- The patient have disorders in the wound healing process
- Patients want surgery for aesthetic reasons and suffer from body dysmorphic disorder
In addition, labiaplasty may need to be postponed if the patient:
- Under 18 years of age
- Pregnant
- Menstruating
- Having an infection in the vagina or urinary tract
- Still want to get pregnant again, because the final results of labiaplasty may change if pregnant and giving birth
Before Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty is a major operation and is permanent so the patient must be confident in the decision made. Therefore, the doctor will explain the benefits, risks and complications that may occur after undergoing this procedure.
The doctor may carry out a psychiatric examination to assess whether the patient's desire to undergo labiaplasty is influenced by anxiety or depression. Through this examination, the doctor can also find out whether the patient is mentally ready to accept changes to the labia.
Apart from that, the doctor will carry out a thorough examination to ensure that this procedure is safe and appropriate for the patient's condition. The examination can take the form of physical tests, especially of the pelvis. Apart from that, the doctor will carry out supporting examinations, such as:
- Blood tests in the form of complete blood tests and blood chemistry tests
- Urine tests
- Chest X-ray
If the patient is deemed capable of undergoing labiaplasty, the doctor will start planning the surgery schedule, the procedures to be carried out, and the estimated final results.
When the labiaplasty schedule has been determined, There are a number of things that patients need to pay attention to before the surgery schedule, including:
- Stop or reduce the dose of blood thinning medication according to the doctor's recommendations, at least 2 weeks before surgery
- Taking medication recommended by the doctor, for example hormone therapy for patients undergoing surgery to treat double genitalia
- Do not wax or use pubic hair removal cream, at least a few days before the operation
- Shave pubic hair as recommended by the doctor
Before the day of the labiaplasty procedure, patients are advised to ask family or friends to accompany them during the operation. In addition, patients are advised to bring clothes and underwear that are loose and comfortable to wear.
Patients need to fast before labiaplasty. Fasting generally begins at midnight before surgery. Ask your doctor about the rules and duration of fasting for labiaplasty.
Labiaplasty Procedure
The labiaplasty procedure can last 1–2 hours. However, for labiaplasty to clarify gender, the time required will be longer.
In general, the following are the stages of labiaplasty that will be carried out by the doctor:
- Giving intravenous anesthesia
- Installing a breathing apparatus after the patient is under general anesthesia
- Removing excess tissue on the labia if you want to shrink it
- Injecting hyaluronic acid or fat taken from the stomach and thighs to the labia if you want to enlarge them
- Form new labia tissue from the skin of the penis and scrotum if labiaplasty is done to clarify the genitals in multiple genitals
- Complete the labiaplasty by sewing the incision and closing it with bandages
After Labiaplasty
After labiaplasty, the patient will be moved to the recovery room to monitor his condition. While in the recovery room, the doctor will give pain medication and teach the patient to use the toilet or bedpan.
If the doctor confirms that the patient's condition is stable, the patient can go home. Previously, the doctor will provide directions regarding things that need to be done at home, especially regarding surgical wound care. The time needed to fully recover after labiaplasty is generally around 6 weeks.
Patients can ask the doctor when they can return to activities or work after surgery.
To help the recovery process, there are several ways What patients can do is:
- Avoid physical activity or strenuous exercise and intimate relations for 4-6 weeks after surgery
- Take pain and inflammation medication prescribed by your doctor or over-the-counter products if necessary
- Eat foods high in fiber to prevent constipation, because straining can cause the stitches to open again
- Wear loose bottoms and underwear to avoid rubbing on the incision wound
- Clean the stitches regularly with warm water without using soap, for at least 1 week after surgery
- Wash the surgical incision carefully after urinating or defecating
- Use a bandage if a little blood comes out of the incision wound
- Use a cold compress if the incision wound swells
Patients may experience pain, redness, or swelling after labiaplasty. This may make it uncomfortable for the patient to sit or urinate. However, this condition is normal and will improve after 2 weeks. If the complaint does not improve, the patient can consult a doctor.
Please note that if surgery is performed to clarify gender, labiaplasty may only be one of several procedures that need to be performed. Therefore, patients will undergo more examinations and take longer to recover.
Side Effects and Complications of Labiaplasty
As with other operations, Labiaplasty carries the risk of causing the following side effects and complications:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Less sensitive labia
- Labia become dry or numb
- Scar tissue forms
- Pain when urinating or defecating
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Go to the doctor immediately if serious symptoms or signs of labiaplasty complications appear. Some symptoms and signs to watch out for are:
- Fever
- Severe pain
- Increasing blood loss
- Blood clots coming out of the incision wound
- Fluid or pus coming out of the incision wound
- Open stitches
- Severe pain when urinating or defecating
Comments
Post a Comment