According to the American Board of Plastic Surgery’s annual Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, over 10,000 women underwent labiaplasty surgery in 2022 to feel more “intimately” confident. Although this number is nowhere near what plastic surgeons see each year for other procedures like breast augmentation, liposuction, and tummy tuck, the demand for labiaplasty continues to increase. Part of this rise in popularity may be due to women talking more openly about the procedure and becoming better educated about what it entails. Regardless of why she may pursue labiaplasty surgery, every woman deserves to feel confident about the appearance of every part of her body.
Going Back to the Basics of Female Anatomy
Vagina VS Vulva
What most people refer to as the “vagina” is actually the “vulva.” The vulva refers to a woman’s genitals located on the outside of her body. It includes the labia, clitoris, the opening of the urethra, the vaginal opening, and the mons pubis, which is the fleshy mound that cushions the pubic bone.
Labia
The labia refers to the external folds of skin that surround the structures of the vulva. The labia majora are the larger lips that cover the inner structures of the vulva. The labia minora are the smaller lips located inside the labia majora; they begin at the clitoris, where they form the clitoral hood, and extend downward alongside the opening of the vagina.
The appearance of the labia minora can vary significantly from woman to woman. They quite literally come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They may be thin or plump, dramatically asymmetrical, deep burgundy or pale pink, smooth or wrinkled, short or long, and visible or hidden. What’s essential to acknowledge is that there is no “normal” when it comes to the appearance of a woman’s vulva. However, there are several reasons why a woman may seek labiaplasty surgery to correct or enhance the appearance of this intimate area.
What is Labiaplasty Surgery?
Plastic surgery that alters the appearance of the labia minora and/or labia majora by removing excess skin is called labiaplasty. The goal of this surgery is to eliminate structural problems that may cause a woman pain or discomfort while simultaneously creating a more aesthetically pleasing vulva. During a labiaplasty, your surgeon will use surgical scissors or a scalpel to trim and remove excess skin and close incisions with dissolvable sutures. The procedure is relatively straightforward and can be performed within one hour most commonly under local anesthesia, but sedation or general anesthesia may also be considered. Labiaplasty is commonly performed with Mommy Makeover surgery to address the unique changes a woman may experience in her vulva after childbirth.
All labiaplasty procedures are performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christine Stewart in our fully accredited in-house surgery center at Edina Plastic Surgery.
Common Reasons a Woman May Pursue Labiaplasty Surgery
The reasons a woman may desire labiaplasty are profoundly personal and as unique as the women who pursue the procedure! For some, it is purely physical in nature, and they seek to alleviate discomfort from an elongated or enlarged labia. For others, the desire stems from a need to feel more comfortable and confident about the appearance of the labia.
Physical Improvements with Labiaplasty
Large or elongated labia can cause significant physical irritation for a woman when wearing certain clothing, like leggings, or performing specific activities, like riding a bike. They can also lead to pain, inflammation, and challenges with hygiene. Vaginal intercourse can also be uncomfortable due to the labia minora being elongated to the point where it enters the vagina with penetration and must be manually removed. Removing excess skin can alleviate any discomfort a woman may experience from enlarged or elongated labia.
Psychological Improvements with Labiaplasty
Labia that are severely asymmetrical, enlarged, or protruding may cause great distress to a woman and hinder her self-esteem. She may feel inhibited in the bedroom and embarrassed to wear specific clothing, like a swimsuit. Rejuvenating the appearance of the labia can dramatically improve a woman’s overall body confidence!
3 Ways Labiaplasty Can Be Customized
Each woman’s labiaplasty procedure will be as unique as she is! During your initial consultation with Dr. Stewart, you will discuss your concerns and create a surgical plan to reach your functional and aesthetic goals. Three labiaplasty techniques are most commonly used to customize your experience:
Trim
In the trim technique, an incision is made along the entire length of the labia minora, and a strip of excess skin is removed. Trim labiaplasty can effectively reduce size, improve symmetry, and remove pigmentation that some women feel is undesirable. This technique tends to work best for women with redundant labia minora that extend along the entire length of the labia minora.
Wedge
In the wedge technique, a triangular or wedge-shaped tissue section is removed from the largest part of the labia minora. The two smaller sides are then stitched together. Wedge labiaplasty leaves the outer edge of the labia minora intact, preserving its natural shape and color. This technique works best for women with a localized area of redundancy.
Clitoral Hood Reduction
Some women also have excess clitoral hood tissue, usually lateral clitoral hood tissue. For these women, there is a procedure called a clitoral hood reduction, which is most commonly performed in conjunction with a labiaplasty. The excess tissue of the clitoral hood is trimmed, making it more proportionate while leaving enough tissue to protect the clitoris properly.
Can Labiaplasty be Combined with Other Procedures?
As any mother who has had a vaginal delivery knows, childbearing can change the appearance of the labia and several other parts of a woman’s body, for that matter. As a result, labiaplasty is frequently performed with Mommy Makeover surgery. A Mommy Makeover combines multiple procedures that address the specific concerns women often have after childbirth and breastfeeding, like deflated, sagging breasts and loose excess skin on the abdomen. A labiaplasty can safely and easily be performed with a breast lift, tummy tuck, and really most any other surgery a woman may pursue at Edina Plastic Surgery.
The benefits of labiaplasty go far beyond aesthetic improvements. This procedure can significantly improve a woman’s quality of life by alleviating discomfort and enhancing self-confidence. If you have been considering labiaplasty, please schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Christine Stewart to discuss your concerns and goals by calling (612) 688-3168, texting (952) 925-1765, or CLICKING HERE.
