Is Labiaplasty the same as female circumcision?

EmobileclinicLabiaplasty (Vulval surgery)

A labiaplasty is surgery to reduce the size of the labia minora; the flaps of skin either side of the vaginal opening. It is natural and normal for a woman to have noticeable skin folds around her vaginal opening. A labiaplasty is offered as cosmetic surgery or as treatment for a medical problem, with the full consent of the patient unlike female circumcision that is done without the consent of the girl and at a tender age.

A labiaplasty can be expensive and the operation carries a number of risks. There is also no guarantee you will get the result you expected. 

How it is done?

It can be done using either a general anaesthetic or a local anaesthetic with sedation.

It involves shortening or reshaping the vaginal lips. The unwanted tissue is cut away with a scalpel or possibly a laser, and the loose edge may be stitched up with fine, dissolvable stitches.

Recovery

Bed rest to recover 

Ensure the area is always clean and free from infection

Wear loose underwear and clothes to prevent rubbing

Avoid sex for a few weeks

Use sanitary towels instead of tampons for a few weeks

Risks involved

Sore

Bruising and swelling for up to two weeks.

Painful urination

Possible Complications

Bleeding

Infection

Scarring of tissue

Lower genitals sensitivity

Allergic reaction to the anaesthetic

Caution

A labiaplasty should not be performed on girls younger than 18. Their labia may continue to grow and develop well beyond puberty, into early adulthood.

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