Labiaplasty was something on my mind since I was 17. No partner ever said anything negative about my vulva, but I was still self-conscious. I had one labia minora that was longer, darker, and thicker than the other. This side was always getting pinched in underwear, pressed through lace, and tugged on during sex (and not in a good way). I constantly had to tuck it upwards and adjust myself to feel comfortable.
It got worse when I committed to a healthier lifestyle. My outer labia lost some volume with my weight loss, causing the area to look deflated. I say this with the most humor possible, but I called it my "sad squidward".The end result had me looking for a surgeon who could remove the longer tissue while preserving a natural look. I wasn't looking to be a cookie-cutter vulva; but something that looked and functioned better. I ultimately settled with Dr. Nicole Williams. Her background was impressive and she was exactly what I was hoping for. She was friendly professional and personable. I had my surgery just a few days ago and plan on updating as my healing process continues!
Updated on 19 Apr 2021:
I wanted to share my before pictures. I know that it helped me when others posted theirs.
Updated on 19 Apr 2021:
This photo is 1 day post-op. I was worried about the inflammation circled (I didn’t have tissue removed there, there were no stitches). I contacted the office and they said it was completely normal. If it got worse, I was to call back.
Updated on 19 Apr 2021:
The spot of inflammation I was concerned about has gone down. I’m starting to see a lot of scabbing and dead skin. I’m sticking with the medications the doctor prescribed and rinsing the area with a squeeze bottle when I urinate. I had my first bowel movement on this day and I’m relieved to announce I had no issues or pain.
Updated on 21 Apr 2021:
Overall:
The swelling has gone down dramatically and a lot of the dead skin has rinsed away. I’m having some discharge the last couple days, but my wounds seem to be dry.
Comfort Level:
Sitting is an issue. The labia feels like it’s being tugged and sitting directly on a seat just isn’t possible. Walking around is okay. I try to take little steps and walk slower than usual. It’s no longer stinging; but starting to itch. I’m more irritated than in pain. Still using the donut pillow when I drive.
Aftercare:
I have finished all but one of my prescriptions, so now I’m just taking Aleve as I need it. I haven’t found the need to ice as often, but I do at the end of the day. I’ve been applying antibiotic ointment, taking arnica supplements and keeping up with my vitamins. I still use the peri bottle when I use the bathroom. Bowel movements haven’t been an issue, I just use natural baby wipes to clean and then use the peri bottle. At the end of the day, I’ll remove my bottoms, prop my knees up and just let the area have some fresh air.
Updated on 24 Apr 2021:
This photo is exactly one week from the surgery and I was so happy with the results. Inflammation had gone down dramatically and I knew will go down more as time goes on. I could no longer can see the stitches on the left labia. I did notice a bit of bruising on the inner left lip, but I had been walking around more than usual. The right has this pesky scabbing around the stitches that I was afraid to remove.
I finished all my prescriptions at that point. I took Aleve just because I was walking around more. I was still using the peri bottle when I go to the bathroom, icing at the end of the day and applying antibacterial ointment 2x a day. I moved to wearing loose underwear because pads were putting too much pressure on the area.
Updated on 11 May 2021:
Hello Again! At the point of this photo, I had already seen Dr. Williams for my 2 week follow-up appointment. Everything is healing great. The suture glue has dissolved and I only have a few visible stitches left. Dr. Williams said those would dissolve with time. She cleared me to start doing light workouts again and wearing leggings. She asked me to fill avoid thongs, vigorous exercise (like running or super bendy positions in yoga), and sex.
I will say the scar tissue itched a bit more this week. I’ve been a little more active and just finished my cycle so I’m sure that’s part of it. I noticed that it seems a little more sensitive and irritated than usual, but nothing painful.
My next follow up appointment is in 3 weeks! I’m still really satisfied with the outcome and am looking forward to watching the area heal over the next few months.
Updated on 11 May 2021:
Updated on 6 Jun 2021:
These are the photos from exactly 6 weeks from my surgery date. Swelling has gone down tremendously. All of the stitches have dissolved and I can barely see the scar. My labia is still fairly tender and a little itchy at times, but all associated pain was gone weeks ago.
I’m completely satisfied with the final result. I feel much better throughout the day. I feel more comfortable in underwear and leggings (no more pinching!!!). Aesthetically, I think it looks natural and I’m very happy with it. For those concerned about clitoral sensitivity, I have noticed no change from before surgery.