No single plastic surgery can do it all, which is why combination procedures are popular. One common combination is performing monsplasty and labiaplasty together. Although separate and distinct surgeries, both focus on removing excess skin and fat around the female genital region. Patients often choose to combine the two for a more complete and harmonious result, particularly after childbirth, aging, or weight loss have impacted the body. This guide will explain more about these two procedures and how they work together.
Both a monsplasty and labiaplasty can help you feel more comfortable during intimacy and in certain clothing (especially items that fit a bit tighter). But this is where the similarities end. Each procedure has its own unique focus and goal. Some patients need only one of these surgeries, but combining them often provides a more balanced, natural-looking result. This chart provides a brief overview of each procedure’s aim.
| Labiaplasty | Monsplasty |
|---|---|
| Reduces the size of and/or reshapes the labia majora or labia minora | Lifts and reduces excess skin/fat in the mons pubis (the mound above the genitals) |
| Improves comfort during activity, intimacy, and when wearing tight clothing | Improves comfort during activity, intimacy, and when wearing tight clothing |
| Focused on inner/outer labial aesthetics and function | Focused on pubic contour and abdominal-genital transition |
Not everyone needs or wants to combine a monsplasty and labiaplasty. There is certainly nothing wrong with getting only one surgery or the other. You may be a good candidate for combining the two, however, if you:
Understandably, patients want to understand the basics of how their surgery will be performed and how long it will take. Although the complexity of your case will impact the timeline, most labiaplasty and monsplasty combination procedures are completed in two to three hours. It will feel like mere minutes to you, however, as you will be peacefully sleeping under general anesthesia during this outpatient procedure.
Your plastic surgeon will begin with your monsplasty, making a horizontal incision along the top of your pubic mound. Excess fat and sagging skin are then removed. When that is complete, the mons pubis is lifted and recontoured for a flatter and more youthful appearance.
Labiaplasty typically follows the monsplasty, although your surgeon may choose to change the order of your procedures for various reasons. During labiaplasty, excess tissue is trimmed away from the labia minora or majora. Your surgeon will reshape them to create better symmetry, proportion, and comfort. The incisions made during the procedure are then closed with very fine dissolvable sutures to ensure discreet healing.
For those who need a little help in both areas, combining monsplasty and labiaplasty provides several benefits. Your plastic surgeon will be happy to explain each in more detail if you wish or have questions, but the benefits generally include:
Thanks to the wonders of general anesthesia, the most difficult part of any surgery is usually the recovery that comes after. Unfortunately, we can’t keep you asleep until that part is over too. We do offer more detailed recovery timelines for both monsplasty and labiaplasty patients. Here, however, we provide a brief overview of what you can expect when recovering from both together.
When combining labiaplasty and monsplasty, you take on the potential risks and side effects of both procedures. You will also be under anesthesia for a longer period of time when combining surgeries, so your doctor will confirm that you’re healthy enough for this. After a combined monsplasty and labiaplasty procedure, risks are rare but may include:
Although normal and common, there are some unique side effects to expect when combining these two procedures. There will likely be an overlap in surgical swelling that makes your early results difficult to see. Have patience and know that things will improve in time as the swelling abates.
Your surgeon must carefully place and close your incisions to avoid tension where the mons pubis and labia meet. Your job is to be very careful and gentle in your movements and stop if and when you feel any tugging or pulling at your incision site. Good hygiene is also very important, as these surgeries involve parts of the body particularly prone to bacteria.
For patients seeking both aesthetic enhancement and functional relief, combining monsplasty and labiaplasty can deliver life-changing improvements in confidence, comfort, and body harmony. Whether your concerns are from childbirth, aging, or weight changes, this dual approach addresses the entire pubic region in a single, carefully tailored surgery. A free virtual consultation can help you decide if combining these procedures is right for you.
You sure can! Your surgeon can assess whether you’d benefit from just monsplasty or labiaplasty alone during your consultation. A reputable plastic surgeon will never encourage you to undergo procedures you don’t need and will happily perform either procedure independently for you if that is what you need.
No. These two procedures heal well together and follow a similar recovery timeline. Most patients also report that their discomfort after this particular combination is manageable with supportive care.
Technically, yes. Practically, no. You will have a horizontal scar slightly above your genitals because of the monsplasty. This is usually hidden easily within the pubic hair but could be visible depending on your grooming habits. The labiaplasty will also leave behind some scarring, but very fine sutures are used in this area and the scars are extremely well hidden. All of these scars will fade with time, as well.
Yes, but… Neither a monsplasty nor a labiaplasty will affect your reproductive ability or make pregnancy unsafe. We do, however, recommend waiting until you’re done having children to undergo these procedures as pregnancy can stretch and alter the results in both areas.
No! When performed properly, neither procedure should interfere with sexual function or sensitivity. Do be sure to choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, however, to prevent any possibility of nerve damage or other issues that could affect sexual function.
Not always. Mons pubis swelling tends to last a bit longer as gravity pulls blood and other fluids into the healing tissue. Labia swelling tends to resolve more quickly. The two areas may not swell to the same extent, making your results initially look uneven rather than sleek and contoured. This will resolve as the swelling does.
Yes and no. Not a helpful answer, so allow us to elaborate. You will pay more at one time if you combine the procedures as you will need to pay for both. But combining procedures allows you to pay anesthesia and other standard surgical fees one time instead of two. As a result, combining the surgeries will ultimately be less expensive than doing them separately. You and your budget will have to decide which option is best for you.
Yes, you can. But you may need to use a donut pillow or reclined position for the first week to reduce pressure on both areas. Sitting directly on your labiaplasty stitches might be uncomfortable, and lying flat on your back or stomach may pull at your monsplasty incision.
Absolutely. Many patients stage surgeries as part of a long-term rejuvenation plan. If your surgeon deems it safe to do so, you can also add these procedures to your monsplasty/labiaplasty combo. Tummy tucks are frequently combined with monsplasty.
Keeping things clean will mean gentle rinsing and air-drying the surgical sites. You will also need to wear loose clothes that allow the area to breathe. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with detailed written post-op instructions that explain everything you need to know to care for yourself properly at home.