Labioplasty (Inner Labia Aesthetics)

Labia minora, often congenital or growing during adolescence, can sag and become irregularly shaped. They not only have an aesthetically unpleasing appearance but can also be uncomfortable, especially when sitting. Sometimes, one of the lip parts, which we call 'labial asymmetry,' may be longer or of a different structure compared to the other. The surgical correction of these conditions is called labiaplasty.

Labioplasty (Inner Labia Aesthetics)

1. What is Labioplasty?
2. When is Labioplasty Applied?

What is Labioplasty?

Labiaplasty is the surgical procedure to repair the labia majora (outer lips) or labia minora (inner lips) of the vagina, also known as the labia. The inner lips, known as labia minora, are located beneath the labia majora (outer lips) and are not visible from the outside. These inner lips exist in pairs and fold together over the clitoris. The outer lips, or labia majora, anatomically cover the inner lips and are usually not noticeable in external appearance.

The term labiaplasty generally refers to the correction of defects related to the inner lips. Enlargement or sagging of the labia minora beyond normal size is one of the most common genital aesthetic issues. During labiaplasty surgery, excess tissue from overly enlarged or sagging inner lips is removed by a specialist to reshape the labia.

The demand for aesthetic gynecology is increasing among both physicians and patients. Labiaplasty is one of the most commonly performed genital aesthetic surgeries today. However, there are currently no national or international medical guidelines regarding when surgical intervention should be performed, except for cases where labia majora hypertrophy (excessive enlargement) creates a medical necessity.

Patients who prefer genital aesthetic surgery often seek medical assistance due to aesthetic concerns and issues like reduced sexual satisfaction. According to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in 2017, there has been a 217.3% increase in the number of people undergoing labiaplasty in the past five years. Labiaplasty and other genital aesthetic surgeries, once preferred only by celebrities in the early 1980s, have become more common among women in our country as discussions about sexual topics have become less taboo.

When Is Labiaplasty Applied?

Labia minora hypertrophy (excessive enlargement) resulting in recurrent vaginal and urinary infections, irritation, painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), and restricted movement is considered a medical solution.

The inner lips may sag due to various factors such as multiple childbirths, trauma during vaginal delivery, hormonal changes due to menopause, rapid weight gain or loss, and more, even if they are structurally normal in size. In women who have never given birth and have naturally sized labia minora, age-related reduction in subcutaneous fat tissue can cause sagging. Additionally, some women may have one or both inner lips structurally larger than normal, resulting in an asymmetrical appearance.

Regardless of the cause, when sagging exceeds acceptable limits, it can create an aesthetically unpleasant appearance and cause a person to feel bad about themselves, resulting in a loss of self-confidence. This situation can negatively affect a person's life in various ways, even if it is not medically necessary. For example, when sagging of the inner lips reaches an advanced stage, it may prevent individuals from wearing swimsuits, bikinis, or tight clothing. It can particularly impact professional groups of women whose physical appearance is crucial, such as those in sports and performing arts, and can negatively affect the sexual lives and self-confidence of all women, consequently reducing their quality of life.