Barbaros Mah. Ağaoğlu My Prestige, Kat: 15 Daire: 127 Ataşehir İstanbul
Labioplasty is the most common surgical procedure among genital aesthetic surgeries. Although it is generally defined as inner lip aesthetic surgery and outer lip aesthetic surgery, labioplasty is considered as the inner lip correction surgery.
Labioplasty refers to the surgery performed to correct enlarged, sagging, or asymmetrical inner lips that cause deformities and sexual dysfunction due to hormonal factors, age, and, most importantly, structural reasons. The existing tissue of the inner lips is used to correct the appearance and the structural abnormalities that cause dysfunction. Although it is considered an aesthetic procedure, it has become a necessary surgery for functional disorders.
The external lip aesthetics that encompass labioplasty are surgeries that involve removing tissue from the outer lips to correct sagging. Often, in external lip aesthetics, filling or fat injections may be needed for visual enhancement.
The term "plasty" is generally used in surgeries that correct a particular organ. "Labium" means lip. Labioplasty is a lip correction surgery. The surgery for correcting inner lips is called "minor labioplasty," while the correction of outer lips is termed "major labioplasty." For lips that cause deformities, labioplasty should be performed in a "personalized" manner to achieve the best result.
The most important factor is structural characteristics. However, hormonal changes, hormonal diseases, trauma during normal vaginal birth, and tears are other factors. Significant weight gain and loss can also be a cause of sagging. Unfortunately, besides weight gain and loss, hormonal diseases, and birth trauma, there is no method to prevent genital sagging and enlargement. Therefore, structural factors, namely genetic factors, are crucial. Tears occurring during normal vaginal birth can frequently cause deformities in the labium, including inner and outer lips.
Labium deformation—inner lip sagging—causes not only a visual distortion but also other problems. If inner lip sagging is present, uncomfortable and unwanted visual effects may occur when wearing tight clothing, swimsuits, or bikinis. Furthermore, enlarged and sagging inner lips can greatly affect a woman's self-confidence during sexual intercourse, disrupting sexual function.
Excess sagging tissue on the clitoris can reduce clitoral stimulation, which can lead to difficulty in achieving orgasm or reduced orgasm quality. Some patients seek help due to complaints of not feeling anything during sexual intercourse or experiencing injuries. Additionally, large sagging labium can tear and suffer trauma during normal vaginal birth.
When the inner and outer lips are multilayered, as they are immediately above the urinary tract, urinary tract and vaginal infections become more frequent.
In cases where pain or trauma occurs during intercourse due to large labium, labioplasty surgery can be performed to significantly alleviate these complaints.
Labioplasty is the surgery to correct large or asymmetrical labium through an aesthetic procedure. Technically, our clinic performs five types of labioplasty surgeries, but since each patient's labium structure is quite different, we can say that each patient undergoes a personalized labioplasty. To achieve the best aesthetic result, labioplasty must be tailored to the individual's anatomy.
Labioplasty surgery can be done under general or local anesthesia. If you opt for general anesthesia, a 6-hour fasting period is required. No fasting period is necessary for local anesthesia. Labioplasty surgery is often performed with local anesthesia, and we commonly perform it under local anesthesia in office conditions. If the labium is large and highly asymmetrical, the surgery time may be longer.
We apply five main types of labioplasty methods in our clinic.
The most commonly used method, but one we rarely apply in our clinic, is the trim (straight cut) method, which is not anatomically suitable for genital areas. This method leaves a jagged edge along the incision line, leading to a "sawtooth" appearance. The most common reason patients come to us for revision surgeries is that they previously had labioplasty using the trim method.
The clitoral hood, the area below it, the clitoral angle, and the area between the clitoris and the urethra form the labium minus. In the trim method, since only one incision is made, the aesthetic appearance and sexual and urinary function may be negatively affected after surgery. The most frequent complaint is that it resembles the genital area of a young boy.
Type 1 Labioplasty: Preferred in patients with a wide mons pubis (the uppermost part of the genital area). To achieve an optimal result, the entire area must be evaluated in one visual. However, if too much tissue is removed, complications such as difficulty urinating, painful intercourse, constant clitoral sexual stimulation, and others can arise, so the surgery should be performed by experienced physicians. If simple methods are used instead, the result may lead to a jagged appearance, a protruding look visible under tight clothing or bikinis, so a personalized Type 1 labioplasty is essential for these patients.
Type 2 Labioplasty: In some patients, the clitoris, urethra, and clitoral hood have large folds. This type of labioplasty involves intervention in these three areas, as well as the labium minus. Hudoplasty, which involves addressing the area above the clitoris, is also performed in this type of labioplasty.
Type 3 Labioplasty: In addition to the other areas, the top point between the labium majus and minora (the mons pubis) is also addressed. The aim is to achieve an acceptable aesthetic appearance by addressing the excessive folds on the sides and upper part when the labium minora is reduced.
Type 4 Labioplasty: Applied when the labium is small. It involves intervention in two areas. Although the labium is small, achieving the desired aesthetic appearance with only a straight cut is not possible. The tissue must be removed to prevent the clitoral area from being too prominent.
Technically, while the methods differ, each woman's labium width, angle, and appearance are completely different. The exact amount of tissue to be removed or the exact type of incision to be made is determined based on the patient's genital appearance. If not done properly, the desired optimal result cannot be achieved. The labium skin is thin, so careful planning is essential to avoid repeated incisions. For this reason, we perform personalized labioplasty in our clinic. The preoperative drawing and planning are done collaboratively with the patient during the evaluation. Many revision labioplasty patients come to our clinic because of inadequate preoperative planning, straight cuts, or excessive incisions.
The genital area is both a functional area and a visual concern for sexual confidence. The urethra, which is responsible for urine expulsion, the clitoris, which is a sexual stimulation area, the vaginal opening, the perineal body beneath it, and the anus are all part of the pelvic floor. Pelvic floor disorders affect the overall quality of life. When performing labioplasty surgery, there is no intervention in the perineal body or anus unless vaginal narrowing (vaginoplasty) is also performed.
While performing labioplasty, it is important to be cautious about the urinary system and clitoris to avoid any functional disorders. If excessive tissue is removed from the labium near the vaginal entrance, it could cause pain during sexual intercourse. For this reason, labioplasty should be performed by experienced physicians who specialize in genital aesthetics.
Labioplasty should be personalized. The size of the area to be addressed can affect the duration of the surgery. After evaluation, a precise price can be determined in our clinic. Price ranges can be discussed before the consultation.
Since every woman’s labium structure is different, the duration may vary. Type 4 labioplasty typically takes 1 hour, while type 1 labioplasty may take longer. If combined genital aesthetic surgery is not performed, the procedure time usually ranges between 1 to 2 hours. If minimal correction is needed, it may be completed in less than 1 hour.
Labioplasty surgery can be performed under general, spinal, or local anesthesia. Spinal (epidural) anesthesia and local anesthesia are the most commonly recommended options. Local anesthesia can be performed in office settings. If you are afraid of general anesthesia due to other medical conditions or fear of sleep, local anesthesia can be safely preferred.
After labioplasty surgery, pain is minimal. On the first day, any pain can be relieved with simple painkillers, which is usually due to the stitches. Showers can be taken 2 days after the surgery. Tight clothes and jeans that apply pressure should be avoided as they may cause discomfort.
Patients can return to work or school 2 to 3 days after the surgery. Sports activities can begin 3 to 4 weeks later, while lifting heavy loads is possible after 1 week. Post-surgery antibiotics should be used carefully, and general hygiene rules should be followed. Self-absorbing stitches are used in the surgery, so stitches usually don’t need to be removed. There is no restriction on sexual intercourse after the 1-month check-up.
There is no need to be cautious when sitting or standing after surgery. Some patients may try to be more careful with movements, but this is not necessary.
It is normal to experience some swelling and light pink bleeding in the first few days after labioplasty. The swelling generally subsides around the 2nd week, although it may vary from person to person. Slight numbness may be felt as the tissues heal. However, if there is excessive swelling, bleeding, or itching, you should contact your doctor.
We use allergy-free, very fine sutures in the clinic. Patients can return to work or school 2 to 3 days after surgery. One week after the surgery, you can wear your usual clothes, and all activities, except for intense sports and sexual intercourse, can be resumed.
For patients coming from abroad or outside Istanbul, the question of when they can travel or fly is important. Many of our overseas patients return the next day or after 2 days, but it is advisable to wait until after the post-surgery check-up. Domestic patients can return the following day as well, but we recommend waiting until the 2nd day post-surgery to avoid swelling.
In labioplasty surgery, excess tissue around the clitoris is removed, so clitoral stimulation and orgasm quality during intercourse are expected to improve. The clitoral area should be carefully adjusted in the surgery.
If the surgery is performed optimally, the expected results are increased sexual stimulation and the cessation of pain during intercourse, thus improving sexual quality. In cases where a simple incision is made, the clitoral area is not interfered with, and these positive results may not be achieved; in fact, the clitoris may appear protruded.
If the clitoral area is too tight, spontaneous orgasms, pain, and excessive stimulation throughout the day may occur. Additionally, in recent cases where the labia minora are completely removed, pain during intercourse may occur. In revision labioplasty cases, where the labia minora have been entirely removed, we reconstruct the inner labia surgically to prevent pain during intercourse.
The surgical area in labioplasty is entirely external to the vagina, so it does not affect the hymen, and the structure of the hymen is not disturbed. In virginal patients, the labioplasty procedure is not detectable about a month after the surgery.
Labioplasty surgery does not damage the hymen, and the structure of the hymen remains intact.
Labioplasty involves the internal labia (labia minora) located outside the vagina, while hymenoplasty (hymen repair) involves the hymen, which is located inside the vagina. These two areas are about 2-2.5 cm apart, and it is possible to perform both surgeries simultaneously without surgical complications. This combined procedure is quite common.
The most common phrase used by patients who undergo labioplasty at our clinic is, "Why didn’t I do this earlier?"
The correction of large or misshaped inner labia improves quality of life significantly, from clothing choices and sports activities to reduced self-confidence during sexual intercourse. Many patients report increased sexual pleasure and improved self-confidence, leading to better performance. They also express their happiness in wearing tight pants and leggings comfortably.
Labioplasty surgery eliminates pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) caused by large, overlapping labia. If you experience significant pain during intercourse, it may be due to the labia, and a gynecological examination can determine this. If the cause is the labia, labioplasty will relieve you from pain during intercourse.
Many surgeries can now be performed using lasers, and labioplasty can be performed with laser surgery. The advantage is less bleeding. However, in cases with very large, asymmetrical, or deeply irregular labia, laser cuts may not provide an optimal visual result. For smaller interventions, laser labioplasty can be safely used.
In our clinic, self-absorbing sutures are used for labioplasty surgery. With special techniques, the stitches are placed in a way that heals without leaving any visible scarring or a "sawtooth" appearance, ensuring a natural look.
The stitches are soft and color-matched to the tissue, so they are not noticeable and do not cause discomfort during the healing process.
The inner labia are located outside the vagina, and labioplasty eliminates pain during intercourse but does not narrow the vagina. If vaginal tightening is necessary, you should mention the desire for vaginoplasty (vaginal narrowing surgery) during the pre-surgical consultation with your gynecologist.
Labioplasty and vaginoplasty (vaginal narrowing surgery) can be safely performed in the same session. It is one of the most commonly combined procedures in our clinic. Vaginoplasty typically adds 30 minutes to the surgery. Both the vaginal exit and the entire area need to be tightened. Performing labioplasty and vaginoplasty together is both a correct surgical approach and an enhancement of quality of life.
In Turkey and many other countries, individuals under 18 are considered children. For any surgery, including labioplasty, parental or legal guardian consent is required. In our clinic, all patients under 18 are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during the consultation and examination.
Surgical labioplasty before 18 is not contraindicated. Many young women have had positive outcomes from surgical correction of large labia, and it has had a significant beneficial impact on their physical and social well-being.
Labioplasty is not performed in public hospitals for aesthetic reasons. However, at Zeynep Kamil Education and Research Hospital, where I previously worked as a specialist, I performed these surgeries under special permission as part of training for resident doctors, ensuring that patients received free surgery.
Before labioplasty, problems such as visible bulges from tight clothing, frequent vaginal discharge, odor, difficulty or pain during intercourse, and inability to orgasm can be addressed. After the surgery, patients report a significant improvement in their sexual confidence and overall well-being. They no longer experience issues such as odor, sounds, or discharge during sexual activity. At our clinic, we provide detailed explanations of the expected outcomes during pre-surgery consultations.
We do not recommend surgeries that would not benefit the patient, even if requested. It's important to have a detailed conversation and mutual understanding during the consultation.
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