Difference between Vaginoplasty and Labiaplasty

Vaginoplasty, also known as vaginal reconstructive surgery, is a procedure for vaginal reconstruction or repair performed by addressing the vaginal muscles. The surgery is well-suited for women who experience a wide or loose vagina after childbirth, due to ageing or weight changes. 

Tightening muscles and soft tissues in the vagina through vaginoplasty increases friction and sensation during sexual intercourse. As a result, rejuvenating the vagina after vaginoplasty can help women with a boost of confidence, especially in intimate settings. 

The procedure typically involves making incisions in the vaginal tissue, removing excess skin, and then stitching the remaining tissue back together to create a tighter vaginal canal. 

The procedure may be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the patient's preferences and the surgeon's recommendation.

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure performed to reduce the size of the labia (skin folds that surround the urethra and vagina). The labia’s skin, size, and colour vary from one woman to another.

Some women may have congenital defects that affect the size and shape of their labia. Whereas some may experience a change in the labia structure after childbirth.  

Excess skin of the labia can get pinched and twisted, causing discomfort during physical activities, exercise, and sexual intercourse. Labiaplasty can be helpful for these problems. It is also performed for cosmetic reasons like restoring a more youthful look after childbirth or ageing.

Additionally, labiaplasty can help resolve the following issues:

1. Irritation after sex
2. Bulge from the labia while wearing tight clothes
3. Multi-directional urine stream

The procedure typically involves making incisions in the labial tissue and removing or reshaping the excess skin. The incisions are then closed with dissolvable stitches, and the labial tissue is reshaped to create a more desirable appearance. 

Labiaplasty can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's preference and the surgeon's recommendation.

Now that you know what is labiaplasty and vaginoplasty, let’s look at their differences. Even though surgery for both vaginoplasty and labiaplasty is performed in similar parts of the body, there are several differences between vaginoplasty and labiaplasty’s meaning, need, procedure, etc.

The following table compares vaginoplasty vs labiaplasty.

Both vaginoplasty and labiaplasty offer some of the same benefits to women while addressing different problems. 

1. Vaginoplasty can be the right procedure for you if you are experiencing a loose or wide vagina with decreased sensation during sexual intercourse.
2. You may want to consider labiaplasty if you struggle with a stretched labia minora, causing pain and discomfort during physical activities, exercise, and intercourse.

Depending on your needs, these procedures can either be performed alone or together as a rejuvenation package. Usually, a combination of vaginoplasty and labiaplasty is performed to correct a cosmetic or functional issue.

After a vaginoplasty and labiaplasty, the recovery period can take a few weeks. Some do’s and don’ts that you must follow during recovery include:

1. Do not swim, take baths or use hot tubs for eight weeks.
2. Do not engage in strenuous activities for six weeks.
3. Do not ride a bike for three months.
4. Do not have sexual intercourse for three months.
5. Avoid tobacco for at least a month.
6. Take pain medications only when necessary.
7. You can shower after the first post-operative visit.
8. Sit on a doughnut ring for comfort.
9. Wash the affected area thoroughly with water before and after urinating.

While vaginoplasty and labiaplasty are not very risky procedures, they may lead to some complications like any other surgery. You should call your healthcare provider if you experience the following post-surgery:

1. Excessive bleeding
2. Seeing clumps of blood
3. Pain that does not improve with medications
4. Abnormal swelling
5. Infections, which can cause fever and discoloured pus or discharge from the incision
6. Severe pain while peeing or pooping
7. Vomiting

Vaginoplasty and labiaplasty are effective vaginal rejuvenation procedures to help women reconstruct their genital area, relieve pain and discomfort during physical activities, and improve self-confidence.

While both these procedures are performed on the genitals, labiaplasty and vaginoplasty’s meanings, purposes, and procedures differ. Labiaplasty is performed to reduce the size of the labia. On the other hand, vaginoplasty is performed to repair the vagina. 

If you are considering getting a vaginoplasty or labiaplasty, you can make an appointment with an expert at HexaHealth TODAY! We will help you understand the differences between vaginoplasty and labiaplasty and determine the right procedure. Furthermore, we will connect you with the top gynaecologists or plastic surgeons from the most trusted hospitals at an affordable price.