Labia minora hypertrophy is defined as an excessive size of the labia minora compared to the labia majora. Thus, when standing, the labia minora protrude from the vulvar slit.
Often, the labia minora will show hyperpigmentation due to rubbing in the underwear. Sometimes, the hypertrophy extends forward, creating folds on either side of the clitoris. The hypertrophy of the labia minora often causes discomfort in clothing (when wearing tight jeans or lingerie) or when practicing certain sports (cycling, horseback riding). Discomfort can also be present during sexual intercourse, often less physical (interposition of the labia minora during penetration) than psychological (discomfort in being naked in front of a partner).
Technique:
Under local anesthesia, the excess part of the labia minora is incised. Particular care is taken during the suture, as wound dehiscence is frequent in this area, which tends to suffer from maceration.
Sometimes a lipofilling of the labia majora is associated with this procedure if there is atrophy (loss of volume).
Results:
Time frame for final results: After 4-7 days (hematoma, swelling), the lips will still be slightly swollen, they will recover their thinness at 6-10 weeks after the procedure.
Longevity of results: Definitive
Before the procedure:
Stop smoking 1 month before
Do not take Aspirin 10 days before surgery, inform Dr. Lucas of any anticoagulant medication (Sintrom, Coumadin, Eliquis, etc.) in order to arrange for its discontinuation or replacement.
Take Arnica capsules 5 times a day for 5 days before surgery to prevent hematoma
Shave pubic area 3 days before surgery.
Intervention :
Pain: the pain during the intervention will be almost non-existent, with an adapted anesthesia
Duration of the procedure: 45 minutes
Anesthesia: local with sedation or general if desired by the patient
Location: operating room
Ambulatory (without hospitalization)
After surgery:
Post-operative pain: 1/10 often responding to Dafalgan
Social eviction: swelling and hematoma for 4-7 days
Suture removal: resorbable sutures disappearing spontaneously 10-15 days after the operation
Return to work: 2-4 days
Return to sport: 1 month
Instructions:
Disinfection of the scar with Merfen disinfectant spray twice a day for 10 days.
There may be some discomfort when walking for 2 to 5 days.
No wearing of tight underwear and no sexual intercourse for 1 month.
Shower from the 2nd day: for 3 weeks, do not rub too hard, dry with a clean cloth by dabbing.
After each visit to the toilet, clean the labia minora with water and then dry with a tampon for 3 weeks.
During the first week, keep a compress in your underwear, as there is often slight bleeding during the first week.
Dr. Lucas advises you to avoid wearing pants during the first week, to avoid maceration.
You should always keep the surgical area dry, to avoid maceration, especially during the first 10 days.
Preventive antibiotic therapy for 3 days with Augmentin 1 g twice a day.
Dr. Lucas control 2 days, 1 week, 3 weeks, 3 months.
Complications:
– Infection, hematoma
– Bleeding: small amount, frequent in the first days.
– Delayed healing, wound dehiscence, lengthening the postoperative period. Requires more frequent local care, but often heals spontaneously without the need for reoperation. The rule is to disinfect the wound, keep the area dry and avoid rubbing the scar for the first 10 days.
– Necrosis of the mucosa: more common in patients who smoke.
– Decreased sensitivity: often temporary, may last a few weeks.
Alternatives and operations that can be combined:
Sometimes, lipofilling of the labia majora is associated with it if atrophy (loss of volume) is associated.
