Your surgeon will always discuss with you and recommend the treatment that is appropriate for you. During the consultation, the surgeon will also explain the treatment, its results and benefits, the duration of the result and the frequency of repeating the treatment.
PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY
You will be given specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medicines.
If you smoke, plan to quit at least two weeks prior to the surgery and not resume smoking for at least two weeks after your surgery. Avoid overexposure to the sun before the surgery, especially on the abdomen, and do not go on astringent diet, as both can inhibit your ability to heal. If you develop a cold or infection of any kind, it is important to inform the surgeon, as your surgery may need to be postponed.
You will need to arrange for someone to collect you after your surgery, as you will be unable to drive. It is also advisable to have someone to stay with you for a few days to help you out, if needed.
WHERE THE SURGERY WILL BE PERFORMED
The Labiaplasty (vulval surgery) is performed in our Dubai Healthcare City clinic.
TYPE OF ANESTHESIA
The labiaplasty procedure is carried out under intravenous sedation so there will be no pain and you will sleep through the operation.
THE SURGERY
The labiaplasty procedure usually takes between one to two hours.
LABIAPLASTY
The surgery will be performed under Local Anesthetic with Sedation at our Dubai Healthcare City Clinic.
YOUR LABIAPLASTY SURGERY
The labiaplasty can be carried out under sedation, and you will return home the same day.
The procedures involves the reshaping or shortening of the vaginal lips. The excess tissue is removed, and the area is tightened with dissolvable stitches. During your reconvery time, it is advised that you keep the area clean, and wear loose clothing and avoid sex intercourse for a few weeks post-surgery. Our nursing team will also provide you with detailed post-recovery instructions.
It is best not to wear any makeup when you come in for your operation, and to tie your hair back if possible. It is also best to wear a long dress or comfortable trousers for the journey home.
BEFORE YOUR SURGERY
It is essential to have a consultation with your surgeon to understand what is involved in the procedure. It will be a time for you to ask your surgeon questions and concerns that you may have.
In the week before, you should not take any medications containing aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid), since these products affect the bloods clotting mechanism and therefore may lead to excessive bleeding during and after surgery, hence resulting in increased bruising. Taking high doses of vitamin E preparations, eating large amounts of garlic and consuming alcohol can also produce the same result and should be avoided. If pain medication is necessary, we recommend you take ibuprofen/paracetamol.
It is in your own best interests to quit smoking, at least two weeks before and until 2 weeks after surgery. It is well known that smoking causes narrowing of the blood vessels, which leads to a decreased blood supply to the skin, thus slowing and interfering with the healing process.
Be sure to inform your surgeon of any medications you take, as well as possible allergies including (drug, latex, plasters and so on).
The operation will take place at our Dubai Healthcare City clinic under local anaesthetic and sedation (this is not a general anesthetic). You may or may not be aware of what is going on but it will be totally pain free. You will need to arrange someone to collect you from the clinic as driving and using public transport are to be avoided for 48hrs after sedation.
AFTER THE OPERATION
While the stitches heal, you will be expected to experience soreness, bruising and swelling for up to two weeks. Going to the bathroom and sitting may be uncomfortable during this time too although this can be controlled through painkillers.
ALL SURGERY CARRIED SOME UNCERTAINTIES AND COMPLICATIONS
Labiaplasty is a very common procedure and relatively straightforward. However, as with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure. Post-operative complaints such as an allergic reaction to the anesthetic, excessive bleeding during or after surgery, wound infection, developing a blood clot, are rare but can occur.
Specific complications of scarring and being irritable for a long time, rarely, reduced sensitivity of the genitals, infection and bleeding. These symptoms usually disappear with time but may be permanent in some patients.
If you have any further questions or queries about this procedure, please feel free to call and speak to either Dr Amir Nasseri or any of our nurses. Please note that it is necessary to attend a consultation prior to your operation, this is also the case with existing patients, it may also be necessary to have repeat blood tests.