Okay, this article is not for the squeamish. But if you are a woman who is concerned about the appearance and/or feel of the outside lips of your vagina - and many women are - then read on.

Plastic surgeons have perfected a technique to give you the the vulva you've always dreamed of, and the good news is that it's a relatively straightforward procedure that almost always has favorable results.

The bad news is that labiaplasty is not cheap and certainly isn't painless, but for thousands of women this simple operation has reshaped not only their genitals but also their sex lives - and has also drastically changed the way they feel about themselves overall, giving them increased confidence and improved self-esteem.

What is Labiaplasty?

Also known as labioplasty, this is a specialized surgery to change the labia minora, or external folds of tissue around the vulval area of the vagina. The procedure is carried out for either aesthetic or functional reasons, while in some cases it's a combination of both.

Some women are unhappy with the way they look and feel, believing that these folds are either too large or unduly asymmetrical, and therefore not aesthetically pleasing to either themselves or current or potential partners. Labiaplasty corrects what is seen as these "peculiarities", although they are actually quite commonplace, affecting a large percentage of women.

Reasons for considering labiaplasty are many, and a good surgeon will carry out the op if he or she believes it will help a woman function better both emotionally and physiologically, not simply because she wants a "designer vagina". They include:
Disease or injury to the labia, especially following childbirth
Vaginal folds considered too big
Labia considered to be asymmetrical
Labia considered too prominent and protuberant, sometimes obviously sticking out when a woman stands up
Discomfort when engaging in sport because the labia is too large or thick
Discomfort when wearing tight clothes, especially trousers, because labia too large
Desire to turn back the clock and have vagina appear more youthful

What Does the Surgery Entail

Here's the gruesome part: labiaplasty reshapes the external structure of the labia minora through surgery. The traditional technique involves cutting off the excess skin or flesh, then sewing over the raw edge. It sounds unpleasant, but it works.

Some surgeons, however, say this technique is not desirable as it eradicates the original colour and contour of the labia. So a new technique, dubbed the "new labiaplasty", cuts the protuberant parts of the labia into a V-shape, then sutures together the upper and lower edges. This, they say, is better because only a small suture line is visible.

Whichever technique you decide on, the operation will take about an hour and will involve local anesthesia in most cases, although you can opt for general if you prefer. In some cases, women will decide to have a hoodectomy at the same time, a relatively simple procedure that involves making the clitoris appear more exposed to make it easier to become sexually stimulated. You may also want vaginoplasty, where the vaginal muscles are made tighter.

What are the Risks?

Like any type of surgery, labiaplasty carries specific risks such as bleeding, scarring and infection. There is also the very slight risk of under- or over-correction. The former can be dealt with easily in a second operation, the latter is not something you would want to have happen to you! It is estimated that anywhere from five to seven percent of women who have labiaplasty return to the surgeon for correction.

You can minimize the risks by opting for a local anesthetic instead of a general, and making sure you only use a surgeon who is accredited with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, or its equivalent. Do your homework beforehand, and find a surgeon who not only has a decent track record, but one who has done this specific procedure hundreds of times before. Speaking to former patients is also a good idea: if a surgeon is reluctant to put you in touch with someone, go elsewhere.

What About Aftercare?

Labiaplasty is done with soluble sutures which dissolve on their own, and usually the scars are supple and almost indiscernible. While the area will heal quickly, as the labia is filled with small blood vessels it may feel swollen and engorged for a while.

It is advised to avoid sexual intercourse for the first month, although you can resume other everyday activities within a fortnight.

You may find it hard to go to the toilet or sit down at first, and you will need to wear a sanitary pad and wash carefully each time you go to the toilet until everything has healed completely.

How Much Does it Cost?

Prices vary from clinic to clinic and depending what part of the country you live in, but expect to pay at least $3,500 on up, depending on if you want additional work done etc. Stinting on costs is not a great idea: you get what you pay for, and what you want is a sleek, new vagina that both you and a partner find beautiful, not excess scarring or infection.

Some critics see labiaplasty as self-inflicted female genital mutilation, saying that women are taught that their naturally beautiful vaginas are ugly and that they will do anything to make them appear more attractive - and less frightening - to men. However, there is no doubt that women with very protuberant labia who experience frequent discomfort as a result could benefit from such an operation.

If you are considering labiaplasty, make sure you use a certified surgeon who has experience in the area and a stunning track record.

Think long and hard whether such elective surgery is right for you, as there is no going back! Saying that, in a recent study, 93 percent of 163 women who had labiaplasty were satisfied with the results. Then again, you may just want to invest in a nicer partner - and looser pants!

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care an appropriate health care provider.