What is Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty, also known as labial reduction, is an aesthetic surgical procedure for the female genitalia, which involves reduction of excess tissue on the labia minora and occasionally labia majora (the outer vaginal lips) and is often part of a vaginal rejuvenation. If you are considering labiaplasty surgery, the following information can provide a basic understanding of the procedure and its applications. It will not provide a complete knowledge base because many of the most important factors in surgery depend on the individual patient and the surgeon. Be sure to ask your doctor about anything you don’t understand.

Who is a Candidate?

The average length of the labia minor (inner labia) of females between the ages of 18-50 is 61 mm. However, some women suffer from unnaturally elongated or enlarged labia. Excessive labial length can cause stress and discomfort while wearing specific clothing or during physical activity such as sports or sex. In these situations, a labiaplasty can help to recover lost contour and restore a natural look.

Labiaplasty Procedure

Your labiaplasty surgery will be performed at the J Sweat Plastic Surgery Center on an outpatient basis.  The procedure is usually done with local anesthesia in combination with IV sedation. The typical technique utilized in this cosmetic surgery procedure is the extended wedge technique. This wedge procedure takes a wedge of the inner labial tissue in a vertically oriented direction. This means the scar does not go horizontally across the labia. Instead, it lays in the crease between the outer and inner labia in a vertical orientation. Once this scar heals, it is difficult to find it.  Modifications of this technique are done depending on the patient’s specific anatomy and the shape of the labia minora/majora.

Labiaplasty Results

Post-surgery, the incisions are hidden within natural skin creases and closed with sutures that dissolve on their own. The sensation ultimately is improved since there are no flaps of excess skin in the way. Most patients report a mild and uneventful recovery. Walking for daily activities may be started on the day of surgery. You may shower 24 hours after surgery, taking care to avoid rubbing or pulling on or around incision lines.

Until the incisions are fully healed, the patient should refrain from taking baths, soaking in tubs, and using hot tubs or swimming pools. Typically, swelling and mild physical discomfort are the greatest for the first 3 days. Early swelling subsides afterward over the next 2-3 weeks. Patients are advised to avoid sexual intercourse and strenuous activity or activity that causes friction, pulling, or stretching at the labia for the first 6 weeks following surgery. This is the best way to prevent complications such as the opening of the incision or little holes along the incision line.

Individuals interested in labiaplasty can contact our office today to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sweat.