What is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty, also known as labia reduction or vaginal rejuvenation, reshapes the external appearance of the genitalia for both cosmetic reasons and to treat any functional impairment. The procedure often increases hygiene and symmetry of the labia, leading to increased comfort and confidence for patients.
The Labiaplasty / Vaginal rejuvenation procedure
On surgery day, labiaplasty patients will receive a mild sedative followed by general anesthesia.
The surgeon will make an incision on the labia major or minor and cut away the excess tissue, suturing the wound afterward. The surgeon then applies an anesthetic solution over the labia. The operation typically lasts one hour, and after about an hour or two of rest, patients are permitted to go home. Patients should arrange for someone to drive them home.
There are five different ways to conduct labiaplasty surgery:
- Edge Resection: In this procedure, the doctor surgically removes excess skin from the edges of the labia minora.
- Central Wedge Resection: This method involves the cutting and removing of wedged tissue from the thickest segment of the labia minus. This technique preserves the natural wrinkles of the labia minora but has a greater margin of error than some other labiaplasty techniques.
- De-epithelialization: This technique involves cutting the surface tissue of the labia minus. The surgeon cuts around the middle and back part of the labia tissues with either a scalpel or a laser beam. This technique maintains the wrinkles and sensations of the labia but may increase the width of the labium.
- Labiaplasty with Clitoral Unhooding: In this technique, the clitoral hood gets resected. The doctor sutures the hood in a V pattern and shapes the skin to form a Y shape, uncovering the clitoral hood also tightening the labia tissues.
- Laser Labiaplasty: This technique combines de-epithelialization and the use of laser beams instead of a scalpel. The only disadvantage to this technique is that the laser may remove too much skin in the process.
Labiaplasty Recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Because we tend to keep our genitals covered in polite society, it can be hard to know if your labia are “normal.” We can assure you that they are. Labia come in many different sizes, thicknesses, colors, and textures. And they are rarely even or symmetrical.
The decision to have labiaplasty is a very personal one, but most patients choosing the procedure state one of two general reasons. The first is cosmetic issues, where women opt to have the surgery because they dislike the way their labia look or are self-conscious about them. Others do so to correct functional problems. Large labia can be more difficult to keep clean and sometimes are large enough to cause chafing, pinching, or discomfort in certain clothing and during some activities.
A Barbie labiaplasty aims to trim the inner labia (labia minora) until they are completely hidden within the outer labia (labia majora). The goal is to create a smooth, symmetrical, doll-like look. Almost any woman seeking a labiaplasty can request this particular aesthetic, but it may be unwise to do so. The inner labia help to protect this sensitive area, and some women experience chafing and irritation after opting for this (perhaps overly) aggressive procedure.
When performed properly by a qualified plastic surgeon, labiaplasty has no negative impact on sexual function. Some women enjoy intercourse more after a labiaplasty because excess tissue that may have caused discomfort before has been trimmed and removed. Labiaplasty can also alleviate the mental burden of being self-conscious during sex, allowing women to focus more on enjoying the moment.
Although rare, swelling and infection can occur after labiaplasty. Asymmetry is possible after the procedure, and sometimes too much tissue can be removed. The best way to avoid all of these potentialities is to choose an experienced plastic surgeon and carefully follow the post-op instructions they give you.
You will need to postpone both strenuous and sexual activity for about six weeks after surgery. Your plastic surgeon is the best person to advise you on this since they will know the particulars of your procedure and check your healing.
All surgeries leave behind some scarring, although it’s probably safe to assume not that many people will be up close and personal enough to see labiaplasty scars! Even during intimate moments, it is highly unlikely that anyone will see your scars. Labiaplasty scars are tiny and blend in quite well. Scars here heal quickly because of the ample blood supply to the vaginal area.
Yes. Almost all plastic surgeries can be combined with any other so long as your doctor feels that doing so is safe. It is common for women to choose a labiaplasty as part of a mommy makeover, which may also include a tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast surgeries.
In order to be a good labiaplasty candidate, you should have a desire to trim or reshape labia that cause irritation or that bother you. Note the use of the word YOU. You should never have this — or any — plastic surgery because someone else expresses dissatisfaction with your appearance. If that is the case, we recommend removing the offending individual rather than your labia.
Otherwise, you will need to be:
- In generally good health
- A nonsmoker
- Realistic in your expectations for the procedure
Before getting labiaplasty, it is important to have a consultation. This is the time when you will be assessed for surgical candidacy and can ask any questions you have about the procedure. You also need to have a thorough understanding of what the surgery can and can’t do so that you have realistic expectations. Consult your schedule, as well, and make sure you can clear adequate space to concentrate on your recovery after the procedure. Although they are rare, it’s also important to understand the risks of surgery.