Labiaplasty

A labiaplasty, also called a vaginal labia reduction, is a procedure that centers on the removal of excess labial tissue and clitoral hood reduction. Women seek out this procedure for functional or cosmetic reasons or a combination of both. The inner and outer labia can be reshaped and made to be symmetrical by removing skin and in some cases rejuvenating the outer vaginal folds by adding volume. Not only can it reduce friction and self-consciousness during intimacy, but patients can also enjoy everyday activities like biking and other forms of exercise without discomfort.

Clitoral hood reduction can reduce the amount of skin that can conceal the clitoris and make it difficult to access and can make it more available for an enhanced experience during intimacy. After labiaplasty has healed, you can feel more comfortable during intercourse and exercise and more confident with the appearance of your labia both in and out of clothes.

If the benefits of labiaplasty sound right for you, consider speaking about your concerns with Dr. Marc Everett. As a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and published researcher, Dr. Everett is a member of several plastic surgery organizations and has multiple areas of expertise, including labiaplasty. Dr. Everett can customize your labiaplasty to address both the inner and outer labia, as well as the clitoral hood within the same procedure. Whether you are unhappy because of discomfort or physical appearance due to excess labial tissue, the labiaplasty procedure can correct these issues to increase your quality of life and sense of body image.

To get started with a consultation at The Everett Clinic, call (212) 774-7715, inquire with Dr. Everett’s contact form, or visit his office in Manhattan or Queens.

About the Labia Minora and Labia Majora

A labiaplasty can rejuvenate either the labia majora or the labia minora, depending on the woman’s needs and desires. Those who want to reduce or reshape the inner labia are candidates for a standard labiaplasty, sometimes called a labia minoraplasty. Women who want to eliminate the puffy or deflated, enlarged appearance of the labia majora– the hair-bearing outer lips- may want to consider a labia majoraplasty. Some women have excess skin that creates a hood over the clitoris making it inaccessible without retracting or removing that skin.

There are several reasons this intimate part of the body changes and becomes a source for loss of self-confidence from changes in appearance over time. For one, hormonal changes related to pregnancy can cause the inner labia skin to darken and stretch which can be further exacerbated after childbirth. During this transformative time in a woman’s life, the labia can develop an asymmetrical shape as well. Some women’s inner and outer labia simply grow larger than usual after puberty, causing a lifetime of discomfort.

Loose labia can negatively interfere with sexual activity since this sensitive area may be easily pulled or tugged and cause pain. Clitoral hooding can conceal the clitoris, blocking the ability to enjoy stimulation. Once such women enter perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause) or menopause, this labial issue can become even more of a problem due to decreasing estrogen levels and less vaginal lubrication.

Even though longer labia are natural, some research suggests that certain variations in labial structure can place women at an increased risk of experiencing vaginitis, vaginal yeast and urinary tract infections (UTIs). ⁽¹⁾ This is because the excess tissue can keep bacteria enclosed and more moisture can accumulate; the labia can also change pH levels and disrupt the balance of acidity in the vagina.

Benefits of Labiaplasty

This procedure can introduce many positive changes for patients, including:

As a procedure that increased in popularity by 217% over the span of just 5 years, patients are also attracted to the various surgical benefits. ⁽²⁾ All of these factors contribute to an easier, speedier recovery:

Labiaplasty Candidates

Patients who are fully developed and in good overall health can safely undergo labiaplasty. Dr. Everett reviews prospective patients’ medical history, medications, and blood tests to get a comprehensive view of their health. He prefers non-smoking candidates since they have better blood circulation, but he will consider performing the procedure for those who can quit temporarily to help prevent healing complications.

Personal Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Everett will ask you what you would like to change about your inner or outer labial and perform a physical examination. He will outline the details of his procedural approach, ensuring that you understand everything involved with creating the incredible, permanent results he can help you attain. He will make sure that you have realistic expectations and help you form a more precise idea of what your final results will look like. He will also discuss your recovery and how you should best take care of the area as it heals. Dr. Everett’s vast experience, discretion, and professionalism with this type of intimate procedure will facilitate a sense of comfort and trust.

If you have any questions or if you feel ready to take the next step, call Dr. Everett’s office in Manhattan or Queens at (212) 774-7715 or fill out his contact form. A member of The Everett Clinic staff will get back to you as soon as possible.

Procedure Steps

Labia Minoraplasty and Clitoral Hood Reduction Procedure

Dr. Everett will either perform the operation under local anesthesia or by request, a board-certified anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia to begin the procedure. He will then use one of two techniques: the wedge method or the trim method. During your consultation, he will highlight the advantages and disadvantages of both procedure methods, ensuring that your goals align.

For the trim method, Dr. Everett will alter the outer edges of the labia minora, removing tissue and creating a smaller vaginal profile. He will close the edges of the labia with dissolvable sutures. This option removes hyperpigmented edges that do not match with the rest of the labia. This incision technique only leaves behind minimal scarring that blends in well and is not typically noticeable. It is also most suitable for excising a larger amount of tissue, creating more significant changes.

With the wedge method, Dr. Everett will remove a v-shaped piece of inner labial tissue from the middle section of each side. This way, he can reform the edges of each lip with dissolvable sutures to create a more natural appearance. The wedge technique does not address hyperpigmented tissue and cannot allow for as much tissue removal as the trim technique. Though wedge incisions do not produce any noticeable scarring, it is only indicated for certain candidates. Both types of labia minoraplasty procedures only take about an hour.

The clitoral hood can be reduced regardless of which labiaplasty technique is utilized to achieve your desired results.

Labia Majoraplasty Procedure

A labia majoraplasty procedure also can be performed under either local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Dr. Everett may begin the procedure with a small volume of liposuction followed by the removal of two crescent-shaped sections of skin and sometimes fat from the innermost portion of the labia majora. He will make sure to place the incisions within the natural crease of the labia minora and majora, eliminating any evident scarring. Just like labia minoraplasty, he will apply dissolvable sutures. Some patients may actually need volume added to their labia majora even despite the removal of skin in order to eliminate a deflated, hanging appearance. The entire procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours to complete.

Recovery and Results

Labiaplasty is a minor procedure that does not require extensive downtime. You should plan to take 2 to 4 days off from work. Side effects to expect include soreness, bruising, swelling, and itchiness, but all discomfort will be manageable and tolerable. Dr. Everett recommends using ice packs and approved medications such as benzocaine spray and oral pain medications to minimize discomfort following surgery. You should avoid all strenuous activities, using tampons, and sexual activity for at least one month. Within 4 to 6 weeks, you will get to enjoy a glimpse of the final results, and all lingering swelling will diminish in 4 to 6 months.

Cost of Labiaplasty in Manhattan

The cost of your labiaplasty will depend on the applied techniques, whether or not you undergo general anesthesia, your follow-up appointments at The Everett Clinic, and any prescription medications. Dr. Everett will be sure to provide you with a total cost estimate at the time of your consultation. If you are interested in learning more about the various other types of cosmetic procedures Dr. Everett performs, visit his blog.

To get in touch with his staff for the intimate rejuvenation of a lifetime, call his Manhattan or Queens office at (212) 774-7715 or fill out his online form, and a staff member will speak with you shortly and guide you through the entire process.

FAQ

References

1. Jonathan, Braschi E, Gulminelli PL, Comiter CV. Labioplasty for Hypertrophic Labia Minora Contributing to Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections. Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery. 2013;19(2):121-123. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/spv.0b013e31827de473
2. Willis, Rhett N., et al. “Labiaplasty Minora Reduction.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 2023, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28846226/.
3. Escandón JM, Daniela Duarte Bateman, Bustos VP, et al. Maximizing Safety and Optimizing Outcomes of Labiaplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2022;150(4):776e788e. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000009552