Genital aesthetics is the general name of procedures to eliminate congenital or acquired deformities, tissue sagging, volume loss or functional problems in the external genital area of women. In addition to improving the aesthetic appearance, these applications are preferred to increase sexual functions, facilitate hygiene and support self-confidence.
The most common genital aesthetic procedures are labiaplasty (labiaplasty) and vaginoplasty (vaginoplasty). Genital aesthetic procedures can be planned individually or in combination according to the needs of the person.
Thanks to modern medical techniques, genital aesthetic operations can be performed under general anesthesia in a short time. Although the recovery process varies according to the type of procedure, it is usually fast and comfortable. MayClinik supports women to make peace with their bodies with its experience in this field, well-equipped medical staff and personalized planning.
Genital aesthetic procedures are performed both to eliminate aesthetic concerns and to solve functional problems. Various structural differences in women’s genital areas caused by time or birth can sometimes lead to loss of self-confidence as well as physical discomfort. In particular, excessively large or asymmetrical inner lips can cause friction while walking, discomfort while doing sports, and contact problems with tight clothing. Likewise, loosening of the vagina can cause numbness or loss of satisfaction in sexual intercourse.
Postpartum deformations, sagging tissues with age, hormonal changes and traumas are among the other reasons that cause the need for genital aesthetics. In addition to providing a visual change, genital aesthetics directly contributes to hygiene, sexual satisfaction and psychological well-being.
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Genital aesthetic procedures; It is suitable for all women who are dissatisfied with their anatomical structure, who experience functional or aesthetic problems in the external genital area and who think that this situation affects their quality of life.
Women who feel pain during sexual intercourse, who experience numbness due to excessive vaginal opening or who are visually uncomfortable with their genital area can benefit physically and psychologically from these applications. Individuals who feel discomfort while wearing tight clothes in daily life, who experience friction problems in sports such as cycling or who encounter hygiene problems are also candidates for genital aesthetics.
The age limit of 18 is generally taken as a basis for genital aesthetic procedures. However, in rare cases, it can be applied at an earlier age if there is a medical necessity.
The preparation process before genital aesthetic procedures is important for surgical safety and healing success. After the procedure is decided, the first step is a detailed evaluation process. The general health status of the person, previous surgeries, existing diseases and medications used regularly must be reported to the physician. In particular, blood thinners, some painkillers, vitamin supplements or herbal products are evaluated as they may affect the operation process.
Compliance with anesthesia, allergy history and wound healing capacity are also taken into consideration in this process. If deemed necessary, some preoperative tests (blood tests, ECG, etc.) may be requested. In addition, any active infection, fungus or inflammation in the operation area must be treated before the procedure.
Smokers are advised to stop smoking at least 7 to 10 days before the procedure. Smoking slows down healing by reducing the oxygen supply to the tissue. Likewise, alcohol consumption can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infection after the procedure. Therefore, alcohol intake should be stopped a few days before the operation.
Hygiene conditions are another point to be considered before the operation. The genital area should be cleaned with gentle products without irritation; applications such as waxing or razor should be avoided a few days before the procedure. On the day of the operation, the area should be clean and makeup-free; perfume, cream or deodorant should be used.
The healing process after genital aesthetic procedures may differ depending on the method applied. However, no matter which procedure is performed, it is very important to follow the general healing principles in order to prevent complications and maintain the aesthetic result. In the first days, mild pain, edema or a feeling of tension is considered normal. Painkillers and medications recommended by the doctor should be used regularly and over-the-counter products should be avoided.
Cleaning the area is an extremely sensitive issue. For postoperative hygiene, soft cleaning should be done with perfume-free, neutral soaps; irritating applications such as vaginal douching should be avoided. Showering is not recommended for the first few days, cleaning can be done with short standing showers under the guidance of the doctor. Avoiding common areas such as bathtubs, pools and the sea for at least 4 weeks reduces the risk of infection.
Loose and cotton underwear should be preferred instead of tight and synthetic clothes. Clothing that may cause friction may delay the healing process. Physical activity restriction is important for the first few weeks. Lifting heavy weights, standing for long periods of time or brisk walking is not recommended. Resting as much as possible during the first week contributes to tissue reconstruction.
Sexual intercourse should be waited for the time recommended by the doctor. Generally, a break in intercourse for 4 to 6 weeks allows the stitches to heal completely. Contact before this time may increase the risk of wound dehiscence, tenderness or infection.
Smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided during the healing period. These substances may adversely affect circulation and slow down wound healing. Following the given care recommendations completely contributes to the long-term preservation of aesthetic results and the smooth completion of healing.
The risk of scarring in genital aesthetic procedures is directly related to the method applied, the skin structure, the surgeon’s experience and the care given to the healing process. Self-melting and skin-compatible threads are generally used for the stitches in surgical procedures. In this way, the stitches disappear over time without leaving a scar. In internal procedures such as vaginoplasty, the stitches are invisible to the eye and are not noticeable from the outside because they are placed in the mucosal layer.
Since the skin structure is very thin and sensitive after surgical procedures in the external genital area, wound healing is usually fast. Although the possibility of scarring is very low, protecting the area during the healing process, regular use of recommended creams and keeping the area away from infection supports skin regeneration.
Individual factors such as genetic predisposition, skin type and wound healing capacity may also affect scar formation. However, no visible scarring is generally expected after genital aesthetic procedures performed with aesthetic suturing techniques.
Does genital aesthetics affect fertility or menstrual cycle?
Genital aesthetic procedures are surgical applications performed to meet the aesthetic or functional needs of women. They are not interventions that affect fertility or menstrual cycle. These procedures are usually performed in the external genital area or at the entrance of the vagina and the structures directly related to the reproductive system are completely outside the procedure area. Organs critical to reproductive health such as the ovaries, uterus and hormonal cycle are not affected by these procedures.
Surgical procedures such as labiaplasty and vaginoplasty, which are often preferred, aim only to correct the appearance of the external genital structures or to narrow the vaginal canal. For example, even if the vaginal canal is narrowed during vaginoplasty, no intervention is made on the uterus, ovaries or tubes. Therefore, these procedures have no effect on the menstrual cycle and do not adversely affect fertility functions. Labiaplasty operations are also not directly related to the reproductive system, as they are performed only to regulate the shape and size of the outer lips.
Such aesthetic procedures, when performed with the right techniques and by experienced surgeons, provide both aesthetic and psychological benefits to patients. It does not pose any risk to reproductive health.
The time to return to daily life after genital aesthetic procedures varies according to the type of application performed. However, after most interventions, the patient can return to basic activities in a very short time.
In surgical interventions, resting for the first 2-3 days accelerates the healing process. If you are working in a light-paced job such as a desk job, it is possible to return to work within 3-5 days following the procedure. For jobs that require physical effort, a 1-week break is recommended.
Light movements such as walking, climbing stairs can usually be done after a few days. However, activities such as sports, cycling, heavy exercise or prolonged standing should be postponed for 3-4 weeks.
Sexual intercourse is usually restricted for 4 to 6 weeks. Paying attention to the hygiene of the area and adhering to the doctor's recommendations during this process ensures that daily life can continue comfortably.
Since genital aesthetics is an intervention for a private and sensitive area, many women may feel embarrassed or shy at first. However, these procedures are performed by experienced doctors and professional healthcare teams within the framework of ethical rules, in an environment where privacy is protected. The patient's physical comfort and psychological well-being are prioritized at every stage of the process.
During the procedure, only the required area of the body is exposed, other areas remain covered. The utmost attention is paid to patient privacy during and after the operation. The health personnel working in the clinics are specially trained in such procedures and have developed communication skills.
After the operation, natural conditions that may be experienced while providing personal care or during the healing process - for example, symptoms such as edema, tenderness or discharge - are considered medically normal. There is nothing to be ashamed or shy about.
It should not be forgotten that genital aesthetics is as much about self-confidence as health. Every woman who wants to feel good about herself can apply for genital aesthetic procedures with peace of mind.
After genital aesthetic procedures, positive changes in sexual life can be experienced both physically and emotionally. In particular, tightening the vaginal canal with procedures such as vaginoplasty contributes to increased sensation during sexual intercourse. This can strengthen sexual satisfaction for both the person and the partner.
Interventions such as labiaplasty create an increase in self-confidence in individuals with aesthetic concerns. Women who feel shy due to deformities in the genital area may feel more comfortable and happy after the procedure. Psychological relief also positively affects sexual desire and experience.
Of course, in order for these effects to occur, the healing process must be completed and the doctor's recommendations must be followed. Patience and careful care are essential for a healthy sexual life.
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