Labiaplasty

Plastic surgery of the labia minora and/or the labia majora is called a labiaplasty. Patients have varying reasons for requesting the removal of excess tissue of the labia, including concerns related to symmetry, size, childbirth, discomfort and others.

If the labia become enlarged or elongated, some women can experience a great deal of discomfort when wearing certain clothing or performing certain activities. Some also experience occasional hygiene issues. Other women are simply not pleased by the aesthetics of their vulva. Labiaplasty is a fairly simple surgery that can permanently correct these issues.

The goals of the labiaplasty procedure are to eliminate functional problems that cause pain and discomfort, while at the same time creating labia that are aesthetically appealing. The surgery has also been shown to have psychological benefits for many patients who were previously self-conscious about the appearance of their vulva.

UNDERSTANDING THE ANATOMY

Many people say “vagina” when what they really mean is “vulva.” The vulva is the part of a woman’s genitals on the outside of her body, which includes the labia, clitoris, opening of the urethra, vaginal opening and mons pubis (the fleshy mound above the vulva that ​​cushions the pubic bone). No two vulvas look exactly alike, but they’re made up of these same basic parts.

The labia are the external folds or “lips” 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.

Labia minora come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They may be plump or thin, even or asymmetrical, deep burgundy or pale pink, wrinkled or smooth, short or long, visible or hidden. Every configuration is uniquely beautiful, but even though there is no “normal” when it comes to the appearance of a woman’s vulva, there are many reasons why one may want to consider labiaplasty.

PERSONALIZING YOUR LABIAPLASTY PROCEDURE

Labiaplasty typically addresses the labia minora. It is less common to treat the labia majora, but this is also an option for a suitable candidate. Some women have excess skin of the labia majora or loss of the natural fat in the labia majora. Your plastic surgeon will partner with you to determine which surgical approach best suits your needs. 

These are three of the most commonly used labiaplasty techniques to address the labia minora:

Trim

In the trim technique, an incision is made along the full 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 extends along the entire length of the labia minora.

Wedge

In the wedge technique, a triangular or wedge-shaped section of tissue 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 tends to work 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 properly protect the clitoris.

INCORPORATING LABIAPLASTY INTO A MOMMY MAKEOVER

There is much to celebrate about motherhood, but moms know that pregnancy and childbirth can also come with unexpected changes. Mommy Makeover surgery refers broadly to a set of procedures that address some of the undesirable physical effects of these life milestones. Labiaplasty is a natural fit for a Mommy Makeover, given that some women are left with elongated, loose or hanging inner labia tissue after vaginal deliveries.

Every Mommy Makeover is personalized to the woman having it. The most common procedures included are some form of breast surgery to restore volume and/or lift and a tummy tuck or liposuction to reshape the abdomen. Please see our Mommy Makeover page or visit our blog to learn more about this transformative procedure.

DECIDING IF LABIAPLASTY IS RIGHT FOR YOU

The reasons to undergo labiaplasty are as varied and diverse as the women who have the procedure. Some women are interested in labiaplasty for physical reasons, some for emotional or psychological reasons, and some for a combination of factors.

The aesthetic benefits of labiaplasty can alleviate distress caused by self-consciousness about the appearance of your labia minora or labia majora. Labia that are oversized, protruding or irregularly shaped may make you feel embarrassed wearing tight swimwear or engaging in intimacy with a partner. Alternatively, you may be looking for rejuvenation if your labia have developed a “deflated” appearance due to aging or weight loss. 

Women also choose labiaplasty to improve their health and comfort. Large labia can cause physical irritation when wearing certain types of clothing, such as form-fitting fitness leggings, or when engaging in activities like riding a horse or bicycle. Large labia can also lead to pain, inflammation or decreased sensation during sex or make it difficult to maintain optimal hygiene.

Surgeries and recoveries are more successful for patients who are as healthy and strong as possible. Good candidates for labiaplasty are in good general health, have realistic expectations and do not smoke. The vulva can change with future hormonal challenges such as a change in birth control, future pregnancy or menopause.

Please note that labiaplasty surgery is not for patients with gynecological diseases.