Labiaplasty

Benefits of Labiaplasty

Women report improved comfort and greater satisfaction with the appearance of the labia majora and labia minora after labiaplasty. The procedure reduces irritation and restores confidence in intimate situations. Patients find clothing fits more comfortably and may experience increased sexual pleasure without the discomfort of excess tissue being tugged or twisted during intercourse. There is a health dimension as well: reduced pain and irritation lead to better vaginal health and hygiene, and surplus labial tissue can put some women with oversized labia minora at risk for urinary tract infections and other concerns.

How Does Labiaplasty Work?

Dr. John Moore and Dr. Konrad Sarosiek perform labiaplasty to decrease the length of the labia minora, and may also alter the labia majora and the tissue around the clitoral hood. The procedure uses local anesthesia with sedation, or general anesthesia, so you are asleep. There are several surgical approaches, and the technique recommended depends on your anatomy and what you want to change. Absorbable sutures close the surgical site.

Trim Technique

The most common method, which involves trimming the excess tissue from the labia. Patients who have the trim technique often recover faster than those who have the wedge method.

Wedge Technique

A pie or wedge-shaped section of labial tissue is removed rather than trimming the edge, which preserves the natural border and form of the labia.

Clitoral Hood Reduction

Some labiaplasty techniques also reduce extra folds of tissue around the clitoral hood, which can be addressed at the same time when it contributes to your symptoms.

Correcting Asymmetry

Labiaplasty addresses asymmetry where one side is longer than the other, or reduces the length of both sides. Tugging and twisting of excess tissue in clothing or a swimsuit is eliminated.

Recovery + What to Expect

Patients typically need about one week off work while pain and swelling decrease. Elevating the pelvic region helps reduce swelling, and an ice pack placed between an elastic garment and your underwear is recommended. Recovery after the trim technique is often quicker than after the wedge technique.

Risks + Considerations

Labiaplasty is surgery and carries the usual risks of infection, bleeding, and reaction to anesthesia. Swelling is significant in the first week and takes several weeks to fully resolve, so the final appearance is not apparent right away. Changes in sensation, asymmetry, delayed healing, and scarring are possible, and over-resection is a concern that makes technique and surgeon experience important. You must be at least 18 years old and in good health, with no conditions that complicate healing such as immune system disorders or diabetes. Smokers need to quit before surgery and remain off tobacco through recovery. Your surgeon will discuss the risks specific to your anatomy and chosen technique at consultation.