Aesthetic Gynaecology

What is labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is the surgical correction of labia minora (small lips on the side of the genital area) or labia majora (large lips that usually cover small lips).

Some women simply do not like the look of their labia minora because they are too long or asymmetrical (one longer or bigger than the other one). In other cases, the lips can be uncomfortable during exercise or sexual intercourse. Occasionally, they may (rarely) be a cause of frequent infections, itchiness, and discharge.

How do I know whether my labia minora are normal?

All labia minora are normal. However, if you are unhappy, bothered and distressed with the shape of your genitals it is advisable to see a specialist to get advice.

What are the different ways of performing Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty can be done in many different ways. Common techniques are; curvilinear labiaplasty (known also trim technique), V- labiaplasty or central wedge resection.

Trim or curvilinear labiaplasty is when the edges of the labia minora are removed. This technique reduces the size of the labia minora. Because the end of the labia minora is excised, the lips will look pink with this technique.

V-wedge labiaplasty is done when the V-shape area is cut off is in the middle of the lips and they are re-shaped with sutures. Although the edges have a natural look as they are not cut off, there will be a tiny scar in the middle of the area which is not visible once you heal.

Some women may choose to remove excess skin of the labia majora. Others may prefer labia majora filling which can be done with either fat filling or hyalorunic acid fillers to imprve the look.

How long does it take to recover from a labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty procedures are day surgery or at most you may be required to stay for one night. You will likely feel sleepy and will need bed rest until the medications from the surgery have worn off. You will be given something to eat and drink. You will certainly need to take your pain killers before the local anaesthesia effect is finished. You will be given anti-inflammatory medications (unless there is a contraindication to do so). You will be given local antibiotics to apply to the wond for one week. You will be allowed to go home only once you have passed urine and your pain is controlled.

The sutures used are dissolvable and may take 6 weeks to dissolve. You should avoid strenuous exercise for 4 weeks and sexual intercourse for 6 weeks.

You normally would be seen 10-14 days after surgery and then six weeks and six months for check-up.

What to expect after the operation?

• Sitting and passing urine might be a little uncomfortable during the first week after the operation

• Bruising, swelling and soreness are usual and may last up to two weeks. However, these symptoms are expected to improve with each day.

• Bloody or blood-stained discharge can be expected for 1 week.

• The skin may be partially numb for several months after the operation. Permanent numbness is very rare.

• Occasionally (very rarely in my experience), patients feel that the desired look is not achieved with the surgery and they want another operation.

• The scarring is not visible once the area is fully healed as you will see from before and after photos

When to contact your doctor after the operation?

• If you have a fever, feel hot and cold.

• If you have unusual bleeding.

• If there is unusual swelling or redness around the area of surgery.

• If you have any concerns or not sure or worried

The chance of complications after this procedure is very small.

What care is required after the operation?

• Avoid sitting immediately after the operation.

• Apply an ice pack every 4-6 hours within the first 24 hours while awake. Place an ice-pack over a thin pad, NOT directly onto the skin

• You will be prescribed non-inflammatory medications to take for 3 to 5 days after the operation. The medications will help with pain and decrease the swelling. The medications will not cause drowsiness.

• Constipation might complicate recovery so laxatives may be needed.

• You should avoid sexual intercourse for 6 weeks.

• You should not use tampons for 6 weeks.

• It is important to keep the area of surgery clean and dry. You will need to wash every time you have open bowels or pass urine.

• You will be prescribed an antibacterial ointment to apply to the scar area twice a day for one week.

• You can perform light exercise one week after the surgery, and your regular exercise 2-4 weeks after surgery

• I review my patients 1-2 weeks after surgery in 4 weeks after surgery

What aesthetic gynaecological procedures does Mr Alazzam perform?

Mr Alazzam is experienced in the vast majority of aesthetic gynaecological procedures including labiaplasties. He is skilled in various techniques of the labiaplasty procedures. He participated in workshops and meetings on aesthetic gynaecolog.

As each labiaplasty is different and no woman has the same anatomy like the other. Mr Alazzam is able adjust his technique based on patient's needs, desires, concerns and anatomy. He always works with his patients to offer them the best care and support. He would only perform labiaplasty if he agrees with the patient that it is in her best interest.

What is vaginoplasty?

Vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure to tighten the vagina. It can involve either tightening of the muscle at the vaginal entry with sutures or tightening of the tissue (muscle) along the posterior (back) vaginal wall. Some times fillers might be used to amximise the benefit while minimising the surgical risks. Vaginoplasty can be done alone or in combination with other gynaecology aesthetic procedures.

Vaginoplasty is usually performed in women who feel that their vagina is too loose as a result of vaginal childbirth or as they get older. Women, who feel that they or their partners have less feeling during vaginal intercourse due to vaginal laxity, request vaginoplasty.

How long does it take to recover from a vaginoplasty?

Labiaplasty procedures are day surgery or at most you may be required to stay for one night. It is usually performed either under general or regional anaesthesia. You will likely feel sleepy and will need bed rest until the medications from the surgery have worn off. You will be given something to eat and drink. You will certainly need to take your pain killers before the local anaesthesia effect is finished. You will be given anti-inflammatory medications (unless there is a contraindication to do so). You will be given antibiotics to take for a week. You will be allowed to go home only once you have passed urine and your pain is controlled.

The sutures used are dissolvable and may take 6 weeks to dissolve. You should avoid strenuous exercise for 4 weeks and sexual intercourse for 6 weeks.

You normally would be seen 10-14 days after surgery and then six weeks and six months for check-up.

What aesthetic gynaecological procedures does Mr Alazzam perform?

Mr Alazzam is experienced in the vast majority of aesthetic gynaecological procedures including vaginoplasty. He is highly skilled has performed many vaginoplasties as part of both medical and aesthetic procedures. Mr Alazzam is able adjust his technique based on patient's needs, desires, concerns and anatomy. He always works with his patients to offer them the best care and support. He would only perform labiaplasty if he agrees with the patient that it is in her best interest.

There is so much to aesthetic gynaecology than simply labiaplasty and vaginoplasty. Mr Alazzam also offers Vaginismus treatment which helps with the pain that occurs during intercourse (penetration of the vagina).

What is vaginismus?

Vaginismus is a condition which results from involuntary contractions of vaginal muscles. It is usually triggered by anxiety which could be related to unpleasant sexual experience more commonly due to pain caused by infection, vaginal dryness, a spasm or soreness in one of the vaginal muscles and glands or other medical conditions. Some times it may be related to previous forced sexual experience

The cause of vaginismus is not fully understood. Usually the brain to send a signal to the vaginal muscles to contract in anticipation of pain, which in turn causes more pain resulting in a vicious cycle into play. Even when the original cause of pain is no longer exists, the contraction of the vaginal muscles occurs automatically.

Traditionally, Vaginismus treatment involves psychological therapy which is often accompanied by vaginal dilators.

What treatments does Mr Alazzam offer for vaginismus?

Mr Alazzam uses injection called Botolinum toxin (commonly known as Botox). Botox is widely administered for various medical and cosmetic purposes. The botox is usually injected to the vaginal muscles. This in turn stops the vaginal muscles from contracting and breaks the vicious cycle of Vaginismus. The effects of botox injection in managing vaginismus would be clearly felt around two-weeks. Like in any other part of the body the effect of botox wears off in 4-6 months after the injection. Some patients may need multiple rounds of treatments before becoming independent of the botox injection.