Labiaplasty: Down About Our Down Under

Having written about this subject back in October of 2007. I am actually not surprised at the rise in this rejuvenation surgery since my last research.  Vaginal rejuvenation is picking up momentum like most procedures do in time. However, I feel it may have an undeserved stigma due to its genital proximity.  Yet this does not silence the sheer numbers of those discontent with their private parts. To some it may seem to be growing at an alarming rate, due to what I am almost certain is 1 part media influence, and 1 part “because I can.” While you won’t find your average beauty rag responsible for coercing thousands of women into trimming their labia, the effects of erotic media on what is considered “normal” and “desirable” (which are rarely one and the same) is undeniable. Let’s revisit the psychology and physiology of what may trigger us to go to such lengths…

Let’s look at Physiology first.  Genetically, some women simply have more prominent (ergo longer) labia minora, yes, the inner lips at the vestibule of the vagina.  Others may tend to notice elongation with aging, child birth, the effects of sexual intercourse, and general skin elasticity issues.  It is what it is.  The elongation of the labia minora can interfere with sexual relations causing pain and discomfort.  Sexual intercourse may not occur as frequently as both partners make like due to the discomfort associated with it.

Psychologically, we can be affected more than we know–even unconsciously. Interestingly I would have never been self conscious had I not heard the immature comments in general about ‘meat curtains’. That in itself is disgusting to even utter, not that I have ever heard it personally directed towards me. I am referring to the comments in general you hear in day to day life, on cable, the Internet, and rude males who I don’t even know why I graced them with my presence. Skydiving males! hmmph! Anyway, if there are comments like this out there, then that means that there is a group who is being judgmental, which means there is a preferred appearance of the labia. Unfortunately that trickles down into wondering about your own private parts. Which in turn brings upon the exponential growth of labiaplasty (or labioplasty) and vaginal rejuvenation procedures.  It is a vicious cycle from which we seemingly cannot escape.

There have not been too many surgical advances since last year (if at all).  Obviously such a short time cannot possibly allow a procedure to evolve. Hence there are complications which we must consider before undergoing such procedures. Although for the most part, labia shortening is generally a cut and dry procedure–no pun intended.  

So, if you’re thinking about it, what is the criteria? Ideal candidates are those who are in good health, have no existing health issues which may interrupt healing, those who are psychologically and emotionally balanced and have realistic expectations.  Just know the risks and realize they don’t just happen to everyone else. Are you willing to take that risk?

At your consultation, you will receive an examination, hopefully see before and after photos of true patients of your doctor, not just stock photos or digitally enhanced photos.  He, or she, should discuss the risks with you, the surgical procedure in detail, and the recovery period. Generally, what to expect.  Of course you should also talk about fees, which typically run anywhere from $3,500. to about $6,000.  Be sure to determine what your total is as some surgeons have their anesthesiologists and surgical centers bill you separately. Be sure before you commit.

The recovery can be somewhat of a long haul. Remember that the area needs to stay clean however, bathing in standing water is often instructed against for about a week.  Discomfort can persist for weeks, and obviously there will be discomfort upon sitting, so this can be very inconvenient if you have a desk job. Sitting for long periods can decrease circulation so take this into account, Circulation is very important during the healing period.  Sexual intercourse is, of course, something that is going to have to be put off for a while. Please do not risk your final outcome and health by trying out your new parts too early. Adhere to your surgeon’s instructions.

Just be sure to have this surgery for yourself, no one else. We all don’t have to be paper dolls with cookie cutter lines. We are individuals and while I understand the desire to feel better about oneself and choose to tweak what we do have–I’d be a hypocrite if I did not. Consider the reasoning behind your decision. Are you comparing yourself to magazines and before and after photos of the post-op patients, or do you have a physical discomfort complaint,. Whatever the reason, if it is yours, it is yours. You have every right to make that choice.  Just be sure it is a healthy choice and a choice where there is more reward and risk.

Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty

Okay, okay.  I admit it; it is true. I have thought about labiaplasty.  I still think about it. Now, I am going to bare my soul and hopefully nothing else to you in this article.  So, before you start thinking I have truly gone off the deep end in a state of ridiculous shallow coma, I have my reasons!  And they are not only aesthetic.   

Now, don’t expect me to get all super-personal and divulging my innermost secrets, so…I have this girlfriend (seriously), right?  Well, this girlfriend told me that she has painful intercourse because her boyfriend and she have, how shall I put this, ‘size differences’.  Apparently, sometimes it doesn’t truly matter how much personal lubricant a woman uses, if the guy is um, well-endowed. Tough.  Sexual intercourse hurts if it goes on for too long or you have it too often.  She said she is starting to avoid it because it tends not to be all that fun due to the pain.  I assure her I am in total agreement with her.  Poor thing.  SO!  She and I have traded stories about wanting vaginoplasty, or as I call it, labiaplasty.  But, is it worth it?

 

As with any plastic surgery, things can go wrong.  But when something goes wrong down south, it can change your life in ways you could not imagine.  My friend told me that Jenna Jameson had labiaplasty and had complications resulting in more harm than good.  I didn’t even know Jenna Jameson had labiaplasty until I was told, not that I would know anyyway—I don’t watch porn.  Apparently, as the rumor goes, there was going to be a movie version of her book, ‘How To Make Love Like a Porn Star’.  However, after her surgery reportedly didn’t go so well, she decided to take it easy for a while.  Can you imagine more pain or being less-aesthetically pleasing than before?  With too much pain, then you can’t use it at all. 

 

Why Have Labiaplasty or Vaginoplasty?

Now to your obvious question, why on Earth would someone mess with what God gave them down there for simple aesthetic reasons?  Well, not all of us have perfectly airbrushed Playboy hoo-hoos.  If you have ever seen a Playboy centerfold, the Playmates have their hoo-hoos airbrushed so that they are, for lack of a better word, trim.  There is no labia minora hanging out of, or below, the perfectly symmetrical and small labia majora and the clitoris (I can’t believe I am even talking about the clitoris in public) is small and almost completely hidden except for a lil bit o’ hood showage.  That ain’t natural, that’s Photoshop. 

There are two types of Vaginoplasty categories, Internal and External Vaginoplasty.  They are then further broken down into several sub-categories of other procedures.  Not only can it benefit women who have painful intercourse, it can be for those who have had children and have larger than desired labia minora, or majora.  Some women don’t even have to have children to have this problem, as they can have it genetically.  Most internal procedures commonly consist of tightening.  A common external tightening procedure is often performed after childbirth after an episiotomy during pregnancy, you know…the “extra stitch”.  The internal version is more in-depth and leaves more room for error.  I cannot relate because I have not had children, and (TMI Alert) my problem is on the opposite end of the scope.  But, I am not sure I would risk internal tightening myself were it warranted.  I would more than likely have a Cesarean anyway.  But I simultaneously digress and get ahead of myself. I am not even sure I am having children yet.  I am presently ‘undecided’. 

 

As with most magazines, the media tends to set some sort of intangible-for-most Gold standard we are all supposed to measure up to.  I am not saying it’s right; it is what it is.  I am not thrilled that men, and men don’t call me bitter, seem to determine what we as women should resemble and then we do it even if we think it’s not fair.  It is an ongoing debate and many argue that we prefer what we like because it does, indeed, look better—like breast implants.  Sorry ladies, I am one of the women who feel that implanted boobs are way better looking and feeling than natural ones (of the same size).  I should not lose my Woman Card because I feel this way; I am being honest.  I should mention that he media and men do not sway my decision. 

Do I feel the same about hoo-hoos?  Honestly, no.  If I didn’t have to show it to anyone, I would not care what it looked like.  The decision is usually and partly because of we ladies wanting to look more trim to our sex partner.  Although I doubt men notice the difference nor do I think they even care.  Why would I do it?  MOSTLY because (TMI Alert) it friggin’ hurts.  I still can’t believe I am talking about this.  ANYWAY!  I am going to break it down…so ladies, if there is a part [a piece of skin] that becomes inflamed with a larger partner, I say cut it off!!!   There, I said it.  Plus, eternal labiaplasty (namely the minora) reductions, IMHO, can make you look a little neater.  Read below.

 

External Labiaplasty Surgeries
 Let’s talk about external, since it is more for aesthetic reasons anyway.  As I said, these procedures fall into several sub-categories.  Some of which you may already know about, others you’d be surprised about. 

• Labia minior and majora reduction:  It is true; you can reduce the size of both labia types if you so choose.  Common methods were to snip the ends off, suture it and call it a day.  Not so much anymore. Several doctors I spoke with advised they prefer to remove a section in the middle of the labia and suture it closed, thereby reducing its overall size.  Why?  Because apparently scar tissue on the ends can be a real issue and cause more pain than not.  Also, keeping the natural, let’s call it an ‘edge’, looks more natural and requires less downtime for the healing process. 
• Fat Injections/Injectable Fillers to the Labia Majora:  I kid you not.  Just as with your face, as you age you can lose fat and collagen.  Plump them back up, if you so desire.
• Laser Rejuvenation:  If it’s wrinkly, you can actually tighten the look of the visible Labia Majora skin.  Ouch.
• Clitoral Injections:  It’s true!  Not reaching orgasm without a little help, not reaching orgasm at all?  Some women are choosing to have their clitoris injected so that it is more prominent and is more easily stimulated. Not exactly aesthetic, but it does make it stick out more if it is too hidden.  If there is such a thing.
• Bleaching: Seriously.  Don’t like the color of your goods?  Some doctors are actually using chemical peels to lighten the skin and making it pinker.  Lasers have been used for this as well.
• Hair Removal:  Not exactly labiaplasty, but hair removal is a super-popular way to clean up the appearance of your southward bidness. 

Internal Vaginoplasty Surgeries
Most of the procedures in this category are simply different methods in vaginal reconstruction.  Vaginal surgeries of this type are designed to tighten the vaginal canal and is often a procedure chosen by women who have had children.  They may incorporate methods which have been utilized in sexual reassignment surgeries, or they may have invented what they deem to be a superior method.  Be sure your doctor explains what he/she intends on doing and how many procedures such as this they have performed.  Cross-reference via the Internet, talk to other patients, etc.  Although obviously, procedures to tighten a natural vagina are far less complex, dangerous and prolonged, not everyone knows what they are doing.

Some procedures simply include injections to the G-spot to increase the probability of a non-clitoral orgasm.  (Hmmmm…)  And still others, to remove folds of skin that essentially get assaulted during intercourse. 

Again, Why?

So, you see, it’s not just about aesthetics and conforming to a Gold Standard that is now invading our most private parts.  It is about being comfortable.  Comfortable with ourselves and being intimate with someone that we love (or not).  The one thing it is is a personal choice. A choice we should not be judged for.  Come on ladies, don’t disapprove of your friend for getting a procedure which is honestly none of your concern.  If you could walk a mile in someone else’s hoo-hoo you might not be so apt to make a harsh judgment about them.  As unrealistic as that sounds, what I am trying to say is, it’s ludicrous to put your two cents in when you have no idea what the other person is feeling or has to go through during something so basic [and not so basic for some] as sexual intercourse. 

Even if you want it for aesthetic reasons, granted your reward is simply aesthetic and not comfortability, but it’s your vagina.  Do what you want with it.  Regardless of your reasons, you are just as entitled to opt for a surgical change to your body, as you are to switch brands of dryer sheets.  No one should tell you, or make you feel guilty, for wanting to change any aspect of your physical body.  YOU have to live with it, and whether it is causing you pain emotionally or physically, you get to make the choice to alter your path.

If you’re the one having surgery, pleeeeeeeeeease do your research.  This isn’t getting Botox, or Restylane.  This is messing with something functional.  And even if you have surgery with The Labiaplasty Master, there are still inherent risks you must weigh before you choose to go ahead with surgery.  Risk versus reward.  Think of poor Jenna.