Labiaplasty
Overview
Labiaplasty (or labial reduction) is an increasingly popular cosmetic genital surgical procedure to reduce the size and balance the shape of the small lips (labia minora) on the outside of the vagina. In standard labiaplasty, only the labia minora are altered; however, some patients also ask for cosmetic improvement in the shape and appearance of the large lips (labia majora) and the hood of the clitoris. Many women are born with large or irregular labia. Others develop the condition after childbirth and with aging. Some women suggest that having enlarged labia is embarrassing. In other cases, enlarged labia can be uncomfortable when wearing certain clothing, exercising, and engaging in sexual intercourse. But most women seek surgery to correct the labia because they want to look and feel prettier and younger. In addition to enhancing the appearance of the outer vagina, labiaplasty can help some women feel more attractive and confident.
Your Consultation
A consultation for labiaplasty includes a discussion of your wishes, expectations, and concerns as well as limits and risks of the procedure.
What To Expect
Depending on your unique needs, labiaplasty can take 1 to 2 hours. In some cases, the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia in our office procedure rooms. If you would rather be asleep during surgery, we can perform labiaplasty in our Ambulatory Surgery Center where your anesthesiologist will sedate you with a short-acting, reliable medication to ensure your comfort. Although you will be unaware during the procedure, you will wake within minutes after the surgery is finished. You will be able to return home the same day you have surgery. For 3 to 5 days after surgery, you will experience some discomfort that can be managed with prescription or over-the-counter medications as needed. Sutures are absorbable and will not need to be removed. Risks such as infection and scarring with labiaplasty are uncommon. Minor bleeding similar to what you might experience with menstruation is normal for the first few days after surgery.
Your Recovery
Most patients return to work in 7 to 10 days after surgery for labia reduction. Your plastic surgeon will request that you return for follow-up visits at 2 weeks and 6 weeks to ensure that you heal properly and get the most outstanding results possible. You should avoid strenuous exercise for 4 or more weeks after your surgery and you should avoid sexual activity for 6 to 8 weeks after labiaplasty. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to resume all normal activities after labiaplasty. Once you have healed completely, you will notice that you have smaller, better proportioned labia. In addition, you will notice feeling more comfortable in your clothing, during exercise, and during sexual intercourse. Because the clitoris is not affected during labiaplasty, it is rare to experience loss of sensation to it after surgery. Labiaplasty is completely confidential. If you need a medical excuse letter for work, it will not specify the type of surgery. Studies show that patients are usually very satisfied with results of their labiaplasty.
Ready to get started?
Our Plastic Surgery Specialists
Jain Joseph, MD
Plastic Surgery
Reza Momeni, MD
Plastic Surgery
Daniel Pyo, MD, FACS
Plastic Surgery