Every woman has her unique anatomy and body type. We come in varying packages – different skin tones, structures and constitutions – all types alluring and beautiful. Like all the other parts of the body that are openly spoken about, the vagina (and all its intricacies) also differs from one lady to the next. Although there is no defined ‘normal’ when it comes to one’s nether regions, a procedure called labiaplasty is fast catching on with women in Bahrain. And all for the most practical reasons.
The labia are dual folds of skin at the vaginal opening. Labia majora are the outer lip-like structures, consisting mostly of skin, fatty tissue and hair follicles. Underneath, the labia minora are a pair of soft folds of fat-free, hairless skin that protect the vulvar area, urethra and vagina. In some women, the labia minora protrude or sag outside the labia majora, often causing discomfort, and sometimes, embarrassment.
“Labiaplasty is correction and reconstruction of enlarged labia minora [the inner labia] in women,” says Dr Salil Bharadwaj, consultant plastic surgeon at Bahrain Specialist Hospital. “Typical symptoms include pain from twisting and tugging of the labia when riding a bike, engaging in sporting activity or during intercourse. There might be irritation with itching, and the area may look aesthetically unpleasing, making them self-conscious, especially when wearing [tight-] fitting clothes.”
The 30-45-minute corrective procedure is performed under local or general anaesthesia, as per the patient’s wishes, either in the out-patient setting or as a day care case. He says: “The estimated cost is approximately BD1,000, all inclusive. When done by a qualified, experienced surgeon, the surgery poses no grave risks, other than routine risks like a blood clot formation requiring treatment, wound dehiscence [breakdown] and infection. When done improperly, the most common complication is over-resection, which can result in chronic dryness, scarring at or near the vaginal opening and pain with intercourse.”
Dr Bharadwaj says: “The discomfort which is felt after any medical procedure responds well to analgaesics and local icing. There is virtually no scarring, particularly with the technique I like to use, which avoids any scar on the edge whatsoever. Results are visible within a few days once the swelling subsides, though final results take four to five weeks to be evident.”
He observes that there is now a good demand for this procedure, which is only increasing as more and more women become aware of the condition and understand that there is an easy corrective surgery with permanent results. Women who have not given birth can safely undergo the procedure with no repercussions for future pregnancies.
Want firsthand information of what it’s really like to have labiaplasty done? Hear it all in the words of the very lovely Louise O’Loan, who lives in Bahrain and got her surgery done at the Bahrain Specialist Hospital.
Deciding to do the surgery was more about everyday ease and comfort. I give great importance to functional movement and engaging in activities that support the natural mobility of the body. Having developed such a deep awareness of my body and its alignment, I became conscious that my labia minora was slightly out of place and, on occasion, uncomfortable during activities like bike riding, horse riding and practising yoga.
I spent many hours poring over reports on labiaplasty and doing my own research to make a serious decision. During the consultation, Dr Salil Bharadwaj patiently answered all my questions. I discussed the issue with my husband, friends and health and movement teachers and, once all the information was gathered and processed, I had no hesitation at all. Of course, it needs to be noted that any surgery carries with it the usual risks and precautions need to be adhered to. If you are thinking about having labiaplasty, please ensure you do your own research and discuss it with your friends, family or doctor.
The procedure is pretty complex, but also relatively quick. On the day, I had a final consult with the doctor, the nursing staff and anaesthesiologist right before surgery. A few hours later, I was heading home (albeit tenderly, especially over the speed bumps on the road).
The recuperation time and process are often underestimated by people. During the first few days, keeping pressure off the surgical sutures is vital. I intermittently iced and applied cold arnica cream (refrigerated for extra coolness upon application), ensured the area was dry and clean, wore loose clothing and used sanitary liners. I easily resumed normal non-strenuous activities after three to four days, but continued using the post-op antibiotic cream as prescribed. I had two follow-up sessions and opted to remove the remaining dissolvable sutures on the final check.
As an extra precaution, I chose to take six weeks to return to all activities with full force, although others may fully recover in four weeks. I could get back in the saddle with absolute comfort. Another unexpected discovery was a change in my gait – I had a better range of movement and a healthier walking stride – all from such a small surgery.
I can understand that as it is a deeply personal area of the female anatomy, it certainly isn’t dinner party conversation. Most people had never heard of labiaplasty, let alone talked about it with anyone. Since sharing my experience with friends, I know of two women that have opted to have the same procedure. One of them said she’d been “living in shame and with great discomfort for many years”. That just made me really feel for this lady and I’m happy to report that, since she has had her operation, she too is feeling the benefits. I believe that more of these stories ought to be shared with those that seek them.
