in this article

• Labial reduction
• Vaginal tightening
• Risk and complications

related

• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Reduction
• Breast Uplift
• Tummy Tuck
• Liposuction
• Genital Surgery

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Rome, Italy, May, 1987
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Female Genital Surgery

With age and childbirth the labia and surrounding vaginal tissue, (both external and internal), can change in shape, size and tone. Many women can become unhappy with parts of their genitalia.

Labial reduction (labiaplasty)

Female genitalia are more or less hidden but larger than average labia may protrude well beyond the outer lips of the vagina causing discomfort when they rub against clothing, or during sport or sex. Women with exceptionally long or unequal lengths of the inner lips (labia minora) can have them aesthetically reshaped. During genital surgery, the surgeon removes a wedge-shaped piece of tissue and re-attaches the labium in a new position so that the inner lips no longer protrude beyond the outer lips. Normally this is done under general anaesthesia as a day case.

Vaginal tightening (perineoraphy)

The most common cause of an enlarged vagina is childbirth. However post-menopausal women and those who have been treated for cervical cancer can find their vaginas have enlarged, and may seek vaginal reconstruction. In this procedure, which is normally performed under general anaesthesia as a day case, a section of vaginal lining is removed and the underlying muscles are repositioned in such a way that the outer third of the vagina is noticeably tighter. The surgeon will remove a wedge-shaped section of tissue from the back of the vaginal wall where it is separated from the anus by the perineum, (the elastic tissue that is stretched and sometimes cut (Episiotomy)or torn during childbirth). Muscle and skin are then rejoined with stitches. Any post-operative discomfort is similar to that of an episiotomy. This area usually heals well and the wound should settle within about 10 days.

What about the after-effects?

A sanitary towel may be applied as a dressing immediately after surgery, and all wounds are sutured with dissolvable stitches. In the first week after genital surgery the area is likely to be swollen, and bruised, and urinating may be uncomfortable. This burning and stinging sensation can be eased, either by urinating whilst showering, or pouring lukewarm water from a jug over the area whilst urinating. An ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) can be used to alleviate the discomfort and reduce the swelling. We recommend that patients have as much bed rest as possible during the first week after surgery. Personal hygiene is extremely important for rapid healing and twice-daily showering is essential. Loose underwear should be worn for the first two weeks. Tampons should not be used during the first six weeks, and penetrative sex should also be avoided during this period.

What are the risks?

Fortunately complications with these procedures are very rare. They include: (1) Bleeding which usually stops spontaneously within 24 hours. (2) An accumulation of clotted blood (haematoma) in the tissue which needs to be removed surgically. This will not affect the final result. (3) Infection, which can normally be treated with antibiotics. A more common possible after effect is the opening of parts of the wound, which will normally be left to heal spontaneously. Other areas may require further correction at a later date. Because of the risk, albeit small, of postoperative bleeding, day surgery patients who need to travel a long distance from the hospital to their home are advised, as a precaution an overnight stay may be advised.

Arranging a consultation

This website has been prepared to give a basic understanding of the procedure before a consultation takes place, and to encourage and answer many of the questions frequently asked about this type of cosmetic surgery. Final decisions should not be made until an individual assessment has taken place with the surgeon.

Mr Anthony Erian offers cosmetic surgery consultations in London Harley Street, London Welbeck Hospital, Cambridge Nuffield Health Hospital, The Nottingham Woodthorpe Hospital as well as Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital.

There is no obligation to undergo surgery by attending a consultation. If you have further questions or would like to arrange a consultation with Mr Anthony Erian, please do not hesitate to call us on 01223 208 268 or fill in the contact form.

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