Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty also referred to as labia reduction, is a surgical procedure that focuses on removing excess tissue in either the labia majora or the labia minora. Labiaplasty patients tend to be women who typically wish to reduce the size of their labia for functional reasons. Labiaplasty is also used as a cosmetic procedure. This procedure can introduce many positive changes for patients, including:

• Elimination of twisting and tugging of the labia while biking and exercising
• Reduction of discomfort during intimacy
• Elimination of itching and irritation due to the presence of excess tissue
• Creation of balance and symmetry
• Sculpting of a smaller and slimmer vaginal profile
• Ability to more comfortably wear tight and revealing clothing

Dr. Marc Everett wants you to feel comfortable in your own body. Labiaplasty is a versatile procedure that can be used to address both the inner and outer labia. Whether you are unhappy because of discomfort or physical appearance due to excess labial tissue, consider a labiaplasty procedure to increase your quality of life and your self-confidence.

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Procedure

Major vs. Minor Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty can address either the labia majora or the labia minora, depending on the patient’s needs. Patients with excessive tissue located in the inner lips of the vagina are candidates for inner labiaplasty, otherwise known as labia minoraplasty. For women with excessive tissue in the outer hair-bearing lips of the vagina, outer labiaplasty, also called labia majoraplasty, will address their issues.

Labia Minoraplasty Procedure

Labia minoraplasty is completed under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. Two different methods exist for performing the procedure: the wedge method and the trim method. Dr. Marc Everett discusses the main advantages and disadvantages of both options with their patients before the procedure, ensuring the goals of the operation align with their desired results.

With the trim method, the outer edges of the labia minora are cut away, creating a smaller, more aesthetically pleasing vaginal profile. The newly exposed edges of the labia minora are then sutured shut using dissolvable stitches. The trim method can remove discolored and hyperpigmented tissue that often develops on the outer edges of the labia. The incisions leave behind minimal scarring along the edges of the labia that is typically not noticeable. The trim method allows for the greatest amount of excess tissue removal.

During the wedge method, a V-shaped piece of tissue is excised from the middle section of each labium. The edges of the labia are then sutured together, allowing patients to maintain the existing edges of the labia for a more natural appearance. The wedge method does not allow for the removal of as much tissue as the trim method and does not address darkened tissue. While the wedge method benefits from not producing any noticeable scarring, not every patient is a candidate for the procedure.

Labia minoraplasty surgery typically lasts one hour.

Labia Majoraplasty Procedure

Labia majoraplasty is also completed under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. The procedure may begin with light liposuction to remove excess fat located in the outer lips of the vagina to reduce the vaginal profile.

Once the patient has been numbed, and excess fat has been removed if necessary, two small crescents of tissue are removed from the inner portion of each outer labium. All incisions are made in the natural crease of the inner and outer labia, meaning no scarring is evident following labia majoraplasty.

After the appropriate amount of tissue has been removed from the labia majora, the labia are sutured shut. The procedure lasts one to two hours.

Recovery & Results

Labiaplasty is a relatively minor procedure that does not produce an overly painful or lengthy recovery period. Patients should plan for two to four days of downtime and up to one week off from work following surgery.

Common side effects include swelling, soreness, bruising, and itchiness. Ice packs may be used intermittently to provide comfort and to help minimize swelling. Pain medication will also be prescribed to mitigate discomfort immediately following surgery. Most swelling and bruising will fade in the first few weeks of recovery, although swelling can take up to six months to completely subside. Sleeping with hips elevated will aid in recovery and swelling management.

Patients will need to refrain from exercise, strenuous activities, intercourse, and using tampons for about one month. Results are evident in four to six weeks as the side effects continue to diminish. Final results develop in four to six months with the elimination of any lingering swelling.

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