Labiaplasty
What is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty (Labioplasty) or Labia Minora Reduction is a surgical procedure that reduces and/or reshapes the labia minora - the skin surrounding the vaginal opening. Some women experience changes in this area as they age: the labia can become elongated, asymmetrical, or misshapen. Other, often younger women suffer from embarrassment or physical discomfort due to the labial irregularities they were born with. While the root cause might differ, the effects are often the same. Women feel self–conscious about how their labia look. In addition, if these differences are pronounced, they can interfere with hygiene, cause pain during intercourse and other activities, or prevent a woman from wearing form–fitting clothing. Fortunately, labiaplasty surgery can correct cosmetic or medically necessary irregularities of the labia, making them smaller, more symmetrical, and more comfortable.
Labiaplasty enhances the appearance of inner and/or outer labia (labia minora and labia majora) that are enlarged, elongated, or misshapen, and this procedure effectively repairs the labia following disease, injury, or childbirth. Labiaplasty can also remove excess skin around the clitoris to improve appearance and sensation.
Most labiaplasty procedures are performed under general anesthesia, and incisions are placed inconspicuously so that resulting scars are not noticeable. Patients can expect to return to work within two to three days, begin exercising after three or four weeks, and resume sexual activity after approximately six weeks.
Quick Facts
RISKS
Bleeding, infection, neuromas, and scarring are possible in rare cases
SIDE EFFECTS
Swelling, tenderness, discomfort, painful urination
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RECOVERY
Back at work in 2-4 days
Resume light exercise at 4 weeks
Resume strenuous activity at 6-8 weeks
6 weeks for swelling to resolve
DURATION OF RESULTS
Years
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PROCEDURE LENGTH
1 - 2 hours
ANESTHESIA
Conscious sedation
IN/OUT PATIENT
Outpatient
Common reasons to have labiaplasty include:
To correct a natural irregularity such as an uncomfortably large labia
To improve the size or shape of vaginal lips that have become stretched over time or with childbirth
To enhance intimacy
To resolve pain from an enlarged labia that has become irritated by tight clothing, sex, or physical activity
To be happier with your body, and feel more comfortable with a partner
Preparing for labiaplasty surgery
To prepare for labiaplasty surgery, you may be asked to:
Discontinue certain medications, vitamins, or supplements
Quit smoking
Make arrangements for someone to drive you to and from your appointment
Buy loose, comfortable, non-irritating clothing
Every labiaplasty begins with a consultation in our office. You can expect to discuss personal health history, motivations for wanting a labiaplasty, and expected results. The doctor will go over the steps to the procedure, recovery, and possible risks.
While risks are rare, they are possible with any surgical procedure. Skin contour and pigment irregularities, scarring, asymmetry, delayed healing, and allergic reaction to anesthesia are all possible complications. Patients who smoke, consume blood thinners, or suffer from immune suppressive disorders are at greater risk.
Procedure
Labiaplasty is performed right in our office under conscious sedation, which means you’ll be lightly sleeping on a short-acting drug while we monitor your vitals and be awakened when the procedure is finished. As you sleep, the surgeon will measure and mark excess labial skin for removal, trim it with a scalpel or surgical scissors, and use absorbable sutures to close the incisions. There are several different techniques a surgeon may choose, depending on your unique anatomy, which will be discussed during the consultation.
Typically, the whole procedure is finished in 1-2 hours. You will need to spend a few hours for recovery at our facility under the supervision of a nurse before returning home.
"Enhanced intimacy, increased sensitivity, and improved self-confidence are all wonderful benefits reported among my patients who have opted for labiaplasty. It really empowers women who have silently suffered embarrassment and physical discomfort for so many years."
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- Dr. Ingrid Isdith, MD
Results
Patients generally express great satisfaction with their results. You’ll notice improvement as soon as the swelling goes down within the first few months, but more subtle improvements will take place up to six months after the procedure.