Intimate plastic and reconstructive surgery encompasses several procedures aimed at correcting morphological or functional abnormalities of the external genitalia. As an aesthetic surgeon, my role is to restore the balance between physical comfort and the psychological well-being of patients.
The Different Surgical Interventions
Reduction Labiaplasty
This procedure treats hypertrophy of the labia minora. It consists of removing excess skin and mucous membrane that extends beyond the labia majora. This situation can cause irritation when wearing tight clothing or pain during sports and sexual activities. Either the longitudinal or the V-shaped technique is used to preserve natural contours.
Labia Majora Labiaplasty
This concerns the volume of the labia majora. In cases of volume loss due to aging or weight loss, lipofilling (injection of the patient’s own fat) is performed. Conversely, if they are too voluminous, liposuction may be carried out.
Vaginoplasty and Perineoplasty
Vaginoplasty aims to tighten the internal diameter of the vagina, often after postpartum relaxation. Perineoplasty, on the other hand, reconstructs the area between the vaginal opening and the anus to strengthen the pelvic floor and improve the tone of the vulvar opening.
Mons Pubis Liposuction
This procedure targets localized fat accumulation on the pubis. It refines the contour of this area when it is considered too prominent, particularly when wearing swimsuits or tight trousers.
Surgical Protocol and Aftercare
The procedure lasts on average between forty-five and ninety minutes. It is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s preference. Patients return home the same day with outpatient surgery.
Complete healing takes approximately six weeks. During the first few days, swelling and local sensitivity are common. The use of dissolvable sutures eliminates the need for manual suture removal. A few days of sick leave are recommended depending on the strenuousness of the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of sexual abstinence after surgery?
It is imperative to wait for complete tissue healing, which is a period of six weeks, before resuming sexual intercourse or using tampons.
Are the scars visible?
Incisions are placed in natural folds or on mucosal transition zones. Once the scar maturation phase is complete, the marks generally become imperceptible to the naked eye.
Is there a loss of sensation after labiaplasty?
The risk of loss of sensation is extremely low because the main sensory nerves are located deeper than the resection areas. On the contrary, reducing excess skin can sometimes improve comfort and sensory responsiveness.
Is coverage by social security possible?
Coverage is subject to strict criteria. It may be granted in cases of major hypertrophy causing medically documented daily functional discomfort. For purely aesthetic procedures, no reimbursement is possible.
