Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is the reduction of the labia majora (outer lips of the vulva) or labia minora (inner lips of the vulva). The process involves reduction of elongated labia or the modification of asymmetrical labia.

Women get labiaplasty for different reasons:

The number one reason for a labiaplasty is the desire to reduce pain or discomfort experienced while wearing tight clothing (such as jeans or yoga pants) or playing sports (especially bike riding or horseback riding) or engaging in other physical activities.

The second most common reason for labiaplasty is shame or embarrassment about the way their genitals look and the desire to change their appearance. It can make a huge difference in a woman’s life to feel better about the way her body looks.

Other times, women want to increase sexual function– a reduction of the labia or clitoral hood can provide greater exposure of the clitoris, allowing for increased stimulation.

Occasionally, a woman’s labia are damaged during childbirth, and the procedure is restorative.

It can be done under complete anesthesia or light anesthesia.

Most patients will requires pain medications after surgery. Patients ice the area and rest for 3 days to help with swelling. After that they may return back to a sedentary job.

Usually by 3 weeks the area is healed well enough where patients can safely resume all activities including swimming/biking/dancing/intercourse.