Labiaplasty

Definition: VLabiaplasty (sometimes spelled labioplasty and sometimes referred to as labia minor reduction or labial reduction) is plastic surgery of the labia majora and/or the labia minora, which are the external folds of skin surrounding the structures of the vulva. The procedure involves reducing elongated labium. When labia are created where there were none, it is usually part of a vaginoplasty. Labiaplasty reduces the size of one or both sets of labia. It may also be employed to repair the labia following disease or injury, or especially after childbirth.

Is it right for me?
The labia area is a sensitive issue for women. Enlarged inner or outer labia lips of the vagina may cause discomfort, embarrassment, or adversely affect sexual intimacy. Candidates may have a poorly defined labia anatomy, which can make everyday activities difficult. Close-fitting pants and bathing suits may be uncomfortable. Sporting activities may be difficult. All of these factors can be distressing. Labiaplasty can restore the contour of the labia minora or labia majora, and alleviate these distressing conditions.

Surgery: Labiaplasty is almost always an outpatient procedure performed under anesthesia. For patients with enlarged inner and outer vaginal lips, surgically reducing the enlarged labia minora or labia majora may be appropriate. During this procedure, the doctor will use Iris scissors or scalpel to sculpt the tissue on the labia. The appropriate incision location depends on many individual factors, including the configuration and texture of the labia. The doctor will then suture the incision closed with dissolvable stitches.

Risks: One of the most common, but infrequent complications is temporary numbness or infection. Other risks include excess scar tissue buildup (appearing as lumps on the treated area), a hematoma (break in blood vessel causing localized blood filled area or blood clot), puckering or creases of the skin, or sensitivity loss in the treated area. However, the treated area does not play a part in sexual sensation. Some patients may experience asymmetry between the inner and outer labia lips. There may also be variances in pigmentation, thickness, and uneven edges of the labia.

Side Effects: After surgery, patients may experience some mild discomfort and variable swelling, which usually disappear for the most part after one to two weeks.

Recovery time: Labiaplasty is not a complicated procedure, and the recovery time will be relatively short. You should be able to return to work in two to five days while restricting your activity for another two to three weeks. Instructions from your doctor will include wearing support panties to reduce swelling, as well as avoiding the use of tampons and douches. Patients can usually return to all normal activity within three weeks, but your doctor will likely recommend that you avoid intercourse for up to six weeks following the surgery.