Labioplasty, a surgical procedure that can reduce or reshape the labia minora or majora, is spelled as /leɪ.bi.o.plæs.ti/. The initial syllable "lay" is pronounced like the word "lay", while "bio" is pronounced as "by-o". The "plasty" part is pronounced with a long "a" sound, like "play", and ends with a "sti" with a short "i" sound as in "sit". The word is made up of Latin and Greek roots, with "labe" meaning lip in Latin, and "plastikos" meaning to mold or give form in Greek.
Labioplasty is a surgical procedure that involves altering the size, shape, and appearance of the labia minora and/or labia majora, which are the inner and outer folds of skin around the vulva. Also known as vulvar or vaginal rejuvenation surgery, labioplasty is typically performed for cosmetic reasons and aims to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the female genitalia.
During a labioplasty procedure, excess tissue is removed from the labia minora or labia majora to either reduce their size or achieve symmetry. It may involve trimming or reshaping the labia, or may even include fat grafting to increase the volume of the labia majora. The surgery is carried out under local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's preference and the complexity of the procedure.
Labioplasty is a personal choice and can be sought by individuals who may feel self-conscious or experience discomfort due to enlarged or asymmetrical labia. It is important for individuals considering labioplasty to have a thorough consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss their goals and expectations, as well as the potential risks and benefits associated with the procedure. Despite being a relatively safe cosmetic surgery, labioplasty, like any surgical procedure, carries potential risks such as bleeding, infection, scarring, and changes in sensation.
It is worth noting that labioplasty is distinct from other surgical procedures, such as vaginoplasty or hymenoplasty, which specifically target the vaginal canal or the hymen, respectively.
Chiloplasty.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "labioplasty" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "labia" and "plastikos".
The term "labia" refers to the fleshy folds that surround the external opening of the female reproductive organs, often known as the "labia minora" (inner lips) and "labia majora" (outer lips). The word is originally derived from the Greek word "labon", which means "lip".
The second part of the word, "plastikos", comes from the Greek word "plassein", meaning "to mold" or "to shape". It is commonly used as a combining form in medical terminology to indicate surgical procedures involving the modification or reconstruction of body parts.
Therefore, "labioplasty" refers to a surgical procedure that involves reshaping or altering the labia, typically for cosmetic or functional reasons.