Aesthetic and functional problems of the genitalia are very private matters but sometimes with far reaching consequences: psychological disorders and a difficult relation with the other sex. Plastic surgery offers a viable solution.
Frequently asked questions about aesthetic genital surgery:
What is aesthetic genital surgery?
For women it means fat injections in the external labia to give a more youthful appearance, reduction of the inner lips (labia minora) of the vagina to decrease protruberances, tightening of the vagina, enhancement of the G-point and skin lightening in the genital area. Men usually request penis enlargement and elongation.
Who is a good candidate for the procedure?
Everyone who is not satisfied with their genital region and who suffer from functional disorders. However, at first it must be established whether there really is a functional problem. The mental health of the patient should also be evaluated. People suffering from psychological disorders should first consult a psychologist.
What procedures are performed on the female genitalia?
The intervention may comprise the following individual steps.
Fat injections: After weight loss and with advancing age and sometimes for functional reasons, the fat tissue in the pubic region decreases and the labia lose shape. Some find this aesthetically unpleasing, others complain that it affects sexual satisfaction. Liposhaping (link) is used in these cases to plump up the labia and restore their youthful appearance.
Labiaplasty: This is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of the labia. The reasons for the intervention are again both functional and aesthetic. The important point here is that the natural shape of the vagina is preserved.
Vaginoplasty: This procedure is performed after childbirth when the vagina has lost its elasticity and affects the sex life. Vagina tightening is a rather simple surgical intervention.
G-point injection: Some researchers claim to have found a highly sensitive region in the front region of the vagina, called the G-point. This point can be enhanced with injections of hyaluronic acid. It is said to support a strong vaginal orgasm.
Skin lightening: Strong pigmentation of the genital area is lightened with chemical peeling.
What procedures are performed on the male genitalia?
Most requests by men concern penis enlargement. Three principle methods are available. In overweight patients the pubic area is liberated of excess fat deposits by liposuction (link); the ligament connecting the penis to the pelvic bone is severed to give the appearance of an elongated penis, and fat is injected to enlarge it.
What to do and what not to do before treatment?
Three weeks before an invasive / surgical treatment patient must stop smoking and taking aspirin. In the last week, patients must stop taking any anticoagulant (“blood-thinning”) medicine.
The following substances are also prohibited:
- pain killers such as Apranax, Voltaren and Vermidon (alternative brand names are Minoset and Novalgin)
- multivitamin tablets containing ginseng, ginkgo biloba and coenzyme Q,
- green tea, herbal products containing linseed, sour cherry stalks, tomato seeds
- all diet products.
Does the procedure require anaesthesia?
The operation is performed in a clinic under general anaesthesia or under sedation. G-point injections can be given in the surgeon’s office.
How long does the procedure take?
That depends on the scope of intervention. On average, it takes 1-2 hours.
Is the procedure painful?
The procedure is not particularly painful, and any pain can be easily treated with simple pain killers.
What happens after the operation?
Patients are usually discharged the same day. They can take a bath after 2 days. After labiaplasty and vaginoplasty, the affected area must be washed with a special solution. Patients are also advised to sit down and get up carefully. They must refrain from sexual intercourse for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks physical activities are permitted; they should, however, not involve running. After 6 six weeks, you are free to exercise as you please.