Labiaplasty is a procedure which can improve the appearance of a women's labia minora (inner lips) of her vagina. In the last decade changing cultural styles and hair waxing has increased the awareness of enlargement (hypertrophy) and asymmetry of the labia minora. These women state that they dislike the size, shape, and discoloration (hyperpigmentation) of their labia. Sometimes they remark that, "It just gets in the way." Almost universally these women having the labia reduction surgery state, "I am doing this for myself, doctor."
It reduces the size of the labia, removes excess skin and achieves a balance of size. Labia contour surgery can relieve the discomfort of sports activity, tight fitting clothing, and intercourse (dysparunia). Incisions are placed as inconspicuously as possible and dissolving sutures are used. Dr, Swift has performed this procedure for 10 years. It can be performed under local anesthesia in his office operating room. However, a Board Certified Anesthesiologist is available to provide twilight anesthesia (intravenous sedation) if desired.
What is labiaplasty (labioplasty / labia reduction)?
Labiaplasty is a relatively minor surgical procedure that trims large or uneven labia minora for cosmetic, hygienic, pain relief and/or functional reasons. Labiaplasty can be performed alone or together with other procedures such as vaginoplasty and liposuction for more extensive vaginal rejuvenation.
What causes large or irregular labia?
Some women are born with large, thick or irregular labia. Others may develop large labia after giving birth or as they age. Whatever the cause, you do not have to live with large labia if they cause you pain or lower your confidence in yourself. If you are unhappy with the way your labia look, feel or interfere in your life, labiaplasty may be the solution you've been looking for.
How can labiaplasty help me?
Labiaplasty offers solutions to large labia in several ways. By trimming large labia, labiaplasty can:
- Improve the appearance of the vagina and vulva
- Boost self-confidence
- Reduce discomfort caused by clothes rubbing against the labia
- Eliminate pain caused by large labia during sexual intercourse
- Improve or restore sexual satisfaction that was hampered by large labia
How is the labiaplasty or labia reduction procedure performed?
Labiaplasty is generally done just after the patient has had her period. Before the labia reduction procedure, the patient receives anesthesia or IV sedation along with medications to block nerve signals and minimize bleeding. Then the surgeon trims excess labial tissue. Recent advances in surgical techniques allow surgeons to recreate the edges of the labia with a natural-looking color and shape. Finally, the surgeon closes the wounds with absorbable stitches and applies an antibiotic cream and sanitary pad.
What is the recovery like after labiaplasty?
Most patients have an easy recovery after labiaplasty, experiencing only mild swelling and little to no discomfort. Patients typically return to work in two to four days and resume sexual activity in six weeks. Post-operative care involves carefully washing the area and using antibiotic creams to prevent infection. The body naturally absorbs the stitches used during surgery over time, so no follow-up procedure is needed to take them out.
What are the possible complications of labia reduction?
Complications with labiaplasty are rare, but as with any surgery, there are risks. These can include bleeding, infection, poor healing, labial asymmetry, labia that are smaller or larger than desired, and the need for a second surgery.
Labiaplasty is a delicate procedure. One way to ensure that your surgery is as safe as possible and achieves your goals is to choose a qualified, experienced surgeon who has performed many successful labiaplasty procedures. Vaginal rejuvenation specialists are often plastic surgeons, OB/GYNs or urologists.
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