After years of discomfort with my longer labia and large clitoral hood I decided to do something about it. It's important to me that I share a lot about my experience to helps others make an informed decision. This is long, but I've put different aspects in paragraphs so you don't have to read the whole thing depending on what you're interested in.
My decision to go through with the procedure was a difficult one. I have experienced physical pain (chaffing, discomfort during sex, pee spraying everywhere, etc) and emotional discomfort since it started to "grow" at 14. After much research I learned that having a longer labia/clitoral hood was totally normal. I learned about surgery but felt I was being dramatic and giving into "societies beauty standards" by considering surgery. At 20 years old After much thought I decided the physical and emotional discomfort was not worth my pride and ego and this surgery would improve the quality of my life.
I researched the doctors in my area ruthlessly and eventually came to Dr.Giannoulias. His reviews were limited, but all fantastic and made it clear he was well educated and experienced. His staff was phenomenal and put me at ease from the second I walked in, through my initial consult, my pre-op, and my surgery. When meeting Dr.Giannoulias I found he didn't talk much, but he answers all your questions straight to the point and his confidence is contagious. In addition he took my concerns about specific narcotics very seriously and prescribed me the appropriate medications which was very important to me. I felt comfortable at the clinic and after explaining my issues and what I'd like done, I got a quote for my surgery, A total of $7006 (CDN) A hefty price, but nothing in comparison to the long term discomfort of not having this procedure.
I had my surgery in the early morning of October 28th, 2017 and I am already thrilled with my results. It will take time for swelling to go down and have things look more aesthetically pleasing, for the first two weeks of healing it's going to look somewhere between burnt lasagna and an infected baboons ass. In addition the physical discomfort from my longer labia is gone and I can tell!! I was able to pee without my stream going everywhere and that made me incredibly happy. I was in pain earlier today, but the pain killers are helping and I feel I am healing well. I will continue to update every few days on the recovery process.
At this point I don't have many criticisms, the only is I wasn't able to give feedback as to which style of procedure I wanted done (the Barbie vs rim). Regardless I have faith the results will look fantastic because Dr.Giannoulias knows what he's doing.
Updated on 5 Nov 2017:
This last week has consisted of a lot of pain medication, irregular sleeping, and feeling sorry for myself. Luckily everyday the swelling had decreased a little bit more and the pain has lessened. Unfortunately I've got a yeast infection caused by applying Fucidin cream (topical antibiotic). But that's totally normal and canesten cream had been a miracle worker. It's been pretty gnarly looking over the last week and at times down right disturbing!
I had both sutures and dermabond (skin glue) on my labia and dermabond for the smaller areas around my clitoral hood so that's what the weird white stuff is. As well as some canesten cream. I'm more swollen on my right side and my dissolvable sutures are starting to pop out. Thought I'd post these so their women know it's totally okay to have it not looking super pretty a week later.
I am already noticing the lack of chaffing. Even while swollen and angry I'm feeling the difference with my labia. I am unhappy that I can't workout yet, but this is very worth it.
Updated on 8 Nov 2017:
I am about a week and a half into healing and have notice an area on my clitoral hood that was closed with dermabond has seemed to split open. I talked to the doctor and was able to send him a picture. He says it will close. I'm still totally freaked out and not entirely convinced, but I will trust the doctor that this will close. I thought I'd share this update so that I don't make this sounds all hunky dory and a perfect recovery. It's concerning at times. If anyone has similar experiences it would mean the world for someone to share them with me in a comment or a private message.
Updated on 12 Nov 2017:
I am now just over 2 weeks post op and I'm able to get back to work tomorrow. I saw Dr.G for my scheduled post op. He said everything looks to be healing well! I finally was able to shave today. The photos I've posted made me look a little bit gnarly still, but there's a lot of swelling and my labia majors had like no fat so it makes my labia minora look larger than it is. I have a few petty aesthetic worries, but I have to let those anxieties wait until I'm fully healed. I already feel a huge difference when I sit down and use the rest room. I was very worried that I could be left not functional if a procedure was botched and I am completely confident that my labia is as functional as ever! No more chaffing and have to adjust myself. It's been a really intense two weeks with ups and downs, but I'm glad to start getting back into normal life. Not sure how people go back to work 2-3 days after. It's taken two weeks for me to be able to get up and move.
Updated on 17 Nov 2017:
It's a day early, but I thought I'd share my next update. I'm healing well and the area on my hood is starting to close up and heal. One side looks perfect (super swollen still) and exactly what I wanted. The other side has an area that's still sensitive and has an indent along the labia. I was assured I'm healing well and it's hard to tell final results before as late as 6 months. I know I have to be patient, but it totally sucks because I want to know now! I trust Dr.G and his team and will continue to update. All the dermabond is gone at this point and stitches are popping out. I feel so much less self conscious already. I love being able to sit with discomfort and not have to adjust myself constantly. So far I am very happy with results.
Updated on 18 Nov 2017:
The view from standing up is so much better than before. I hated the way my labia and clitoral hood protruded and looked so "meaty". I prefer how I look when I "tuck" myself in, but I'm still swollen so we will see how it looks at 6 weeks. I couldn't tuck in my labia before because it was so large. I never took a before photo standing up out of a mix of not thinking to and hating that angle of myself SO MUCH. Seeing it in the mirror while getting intimate could kill the mood because I was so self conscious. I wouldn't want to have sex or let my partner see it even after being together well over 2 years. We have been intimate many times but it's always been a challenge for me to accept myself and I think it effected the quality and definitely quantity of our intimacy. He's always been very supportive and wonderful about it. Even claimed he liked it! But he also saw how it effected me and while he never admitted it till post surgery it would make certain bedroom activities difficult as it got in the way. I'm very grateful to have a supportive partner through this experience who hasn't judged me before or after surgery. He's been very neutral so I can make the decision for myself. Never make a decision like this for other people. If it's not for you, chances are you will regret the procedure or it will not be life changing. If you fear a potential or current partners reactions, that's very normal and okay, but if that's the sole reason for your discomfort then I'd recommend dropping the partner, not part of your labia. A lot less expensive and time consuming lol.
This is a decision that has to be made for you and shouldn't be made without some serious thought. It's surgery, its low risk, but still surgery. It's taxing physically, emotionally, and financially. Your happiness matters most, other people's opinions come, go, and change. If you are honest with your intentions and feel this could change your life from constant pain and insecurity to confidence then by all means find a qualified surgeon and get rid! Lol. The physical pain and emotional discomfort bothered me almost every waking hour of the day. It's bothered me even after learning everyone is different and it's all normal. So this was the right decision for me. No one can assure you 100% that this the right call. You have to trust yourself. If anyone ever had questions about my experience I would always be happy to answer them in a comment or private message. I struggled a lot with this and felt very alone for a long time. If I can help someone feel less alone it would mean the world to me.
Updated on 18 Nov 2017:
I didn't want to post these initially but thought I should to help others. It gets WAY worse before it gets better....
Updated on 19 Nov 2017:
The swelling went down immensely today so I thought I'd take a nice photo. Getting closer to the final result everyday!
Updated on 25 Nov 2017:
So I'm just about four weeks post op. I can honestly say physical discomfort from my labia is entirely gone from my life. Which is amazing because that's what matters to me most. Although aesthetically I'm being increasingly displeased with the results. Not sure what has happened, but it's very likely I'll be pretty uneven. I know it's just 4 weeks so there's time for the labia to get closer to evening out, but for whatever reason, part of my left labia has split and is a pretty different shape from the other labia. I'm going to continue being patient. I would like to make it clear I don't know if this is the fault of the doctor or just a [RS bleep] happens situation. Either way I will judge my final results around 3-6 months.
Updated on 25 Nov 2017:
Just one more photo legs closed on my side.
Updated on 25 Nov 2017:
Kinda wish I could delete the second last update. The photos this morning I just realized seem worse because I was really swollen for some reason. This is the same day in the evening.
Updated on 3 Dec 2017:
I'm now 5 weeks post op and starting to return to regular exercise. I am going to wait another week before sex though. I really can't stress how happy I am not being in constant physical discomfort. It becomes more apparent everyday how much my larger labia effected me daily. I really didn't understand how much it effected me till it was gone. I have never felt so free.
Aesthetically I'm not super phenomenal at this point. I do have more weeks for swelling to go down and for my labia to even out. I won't judge until 6 months post op. I'm overall still ecstatic about the results.
I had some more before pics I was too uncomfortable to share prior and I decided to post them with my 5 weeks post op and wow I can't believe the difference. I was really a big girl lol
Updated on 11 Dec 2017:
This has been such a rocky road of emotions, especially anxiety. I am fully back to my normal routines and I have never felt better physically or emotionally. I feel I've been freed from a chain. My labia was such a burden to me. I keep feeling like this is a dream and I'm scared I'll wake up! The unevenness is settling and getting better daily. The physical discomfort is minimal and I know scar tissue will be better over time. I just have slightly itchiness and tenderness if I put too much pressure directly on a scar. I have a good idea now of what my labia will look like. I know there's still a little swelling. I'm only going to update every two weeks from now on. Can't express how much better my life is. It may seem silly to some, but I was burdened with overwhelming emotional discomforts and physical pain and even limitations for years. To be free of it and feel feminine and not different is just amazing.
Updated on 21 Dec 2017:
Honestly my entire life is better. I haven't been great with the new cream, but I still apply it once or twice a week at least. My entire life has improved. My new found confidence has helped me in every aspect of my life. In addition I'm getting back into my exercise routines and I can actually ride a bike and perform all activities pain free. As well I look way better in my underwear which makes me excited for swimwear season!
I just tried out sex for the first time since before surgery and I was a bit sore because it was swollen, but it was sex like I've never had before. No pulling or tugging. My partner had a way easier time and I felt so much more confident. Before I couldn't not think about it. It was always in the back of my mind and almost felt like I had mud between my legs during sex. I finally experienced oral sex with full sensitivity. Much better experience to say the least. I prefer how it looks when my legs are closed, it it doesn't look bad by any means when it's spread open.
Everyday I'm happier I made this decision. The hardest part of the whole process was letting go of others opinions and feelings of "what if I'm doing this to be vain and it's unnecessary". The decision to go through with it was harder than any day during or post surgery. If it's a problem to you, it's valid and that's all that matters. When done for the right reasons plastic surgery can change lives and I feel confident saying my life has changed and would not have changed this dramatic without this surgery. I am no longer constantly plagued with the emotional and physical pain and discomfort. I feel I've won a war with myself. I can never accurately explain to someone that hasn't experienced it how much my longer labia bothered me. I feel feminine, confident, and most importantly normal. I never wanted anything more than to feel I'm just like everyone else. I feel I fit in, no longer a freak (having a long labia doesn't make you a freak but I felt like one). All my emotions are from a place of relief not euphoria.
In addition writing these reviews has been so helpful for me. I've never been able to open up about this anywhere before this realself app. Only my boyfriend and mom knew, as well as two very close friends. This is a wonderful platform for getting this out.
Updated on 13 Jan 2018:
Just more photos of my end result. Things have become slightly more swollen recently but that's because I have been sexually active and back to my workout routine. Even when slightly swollen after masturbation I'm so so happy with the results. I didn't care to be tiny and tucked in. I just didn't want to be super large. I really am happy with my outcome. I can only slightly complain but a tiny bit of unevenness and sometimes I do well my clitoral hood was less prominent but I'm still in love with the results. I feel they are the best results I could have had done with where I started.
Updated on 28 Mar 2018:
Thought I'd pop back in for 4 months post op. I will around 6 and 12 months as well. Life is wonderful and I can now see how much my larger labia held me back. My life is absolutely fuller because I have the confidence to try new things and can connect with people. Previously I was psychologically or physically uncomfortable all the time because of my labia. I couldn't push myself to do anything outside of my comfort zone because any further discomfort was too much. I now don't even think about it. I feel free, feminine, and comfortable in my own skin. I'm not perfectly tiny but that's okay. I never cared to be. I just didn't want to be as large as I was. In addition the lack of fat in majora makes my minora look larger than it is. But again, I'm not in physical pain anymore so I really don't care much about how it looks. Though I am very happy about the appearance! Just enough, but not too much.
Oh and my sex life is much richer. I thought my orgasms were good before, but I can now orgasm during sex. Previously I could only orgasm through masturbation because I could only stimulate my clitoris one specific way. Previously I didn't care for vibrators because there was too much hood to feel anything intensely, but straight on the clitoris was too much.
Updated on 10 Jun 2018:
I totally forgot to post around 6 months. Which shows a huge difference because in the first 3 months I still thought about my labia a lot. Now I barely ever think about it which is amazing. So freeing. Here's my update with how things are looking though! Still very happy with the results.
Updated on 18 Jul 2018:
Thought I'd just share briefly some more photos because I now actually want to take photos of my labia, but also just felt I should share something my review didn't touch on previously.
While overall I have absolutely not regrets about the surgery, I still can be very critical of how my labia looks. Sometimes I still feel it's too big or that it's a uneven, or there are weird tags, bumps, discolouration etc. All totally normal and I would not consider a revision because it's not meant to be perfect. I'm just grateful I'm not in constant physical pain anymore and it doesn't hold back my confidence the way it used to. That's what matters more than anything. I've posted 4 photos with this review of some of the angles I like and some I don't. Again still very happy with procedure, we are all our own worst critic.