Labiaplasty, or labia reduction surgery, is a surgery that occurs when a woman wants to improve the appearance of her labia minora, or the inner lips of her vagina, according to Manhattan Labiaplasty. Some women have the surgery because they dislike the size, shape and color of their labia, while others have the surgery for health reasons such as removing excess skin in order to balance out the size of the labia. Labiaplasty can relieve vaginal discomfort triggered by sports, tight fitting clothing and/or sexual intercourse.
Bleeding
Bleeding can occur following labiaplasty as a result of strenuous activity such as walking, bending or lifting, and sexual intercourse, according to the Atlanta Center for Laparoscopic Urogynecology. Increased blood flow can cause the bleeding, as well as pain and discomfort, as the labia and surrounding areas swell. Most people experience light bleeding that stops within a few days after the surgery, but some report severe bleeding that requires surgery to eliminate any blood clots and/or stop the bleeding.
Nerve Injury
Nerve injury may occur from labia reduction surgery, according to Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute, located in Virginia. Scar tissue and swelling around the nerve endings in the vagina can persist long after surgery. Women with nerve ending damage may experience a temporary loss of sensation as a result of a "stunned" or bruised nerve.
Infections
Infections can cause painful scarring following labiaplasty, according to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery. Women who have labiaplasty may experience vaginal infections as a result of allergic reactions to the self-dissolving stitches used during surgery, a wound that reopens, tight underwear that traps moisture in the vaginal area, or poor hygiene, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Intense pain often prevents women from cleansing their vaginal area thoroughly after the surgery. When the vaginal area is not cleaned properly, bacteria can collect in those areas causing infections. Multiple infections can lead to pain and scarring in the vaginal area.
References
- Atlanta Center for Laparoscopic Urogynecology: Labia Reduction Surgery
- Prima Center for Plastic Surgery: Labiaplasty
- Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute located in Virginia: Labiaplasty in Northern Virginia, Fairfax and Manassas
- Total Women's Health: Labiaplasty - Questions And Answers
- Real Self: Risks of Labiaplasty
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