Labioplasty

Cosmetic Reduction of the Labia Minora

Excessive Labia Minora

The labia minora (small labia) are folds of mucosal tissue which can become enlarged due to pregnancy, inflammation, or genetically. Ideally, most women prefer to not see their labia minora. So, when these labia become enlarged and hang below the labia majora, they can create a cosmetic problem, both in intimate settings as well as when wearing swimming suits or tight clothing. They can sometimes also create discomfort during intercourse. For these reasons, women are seeking labiaplasty (labia reduction surgery) in greater numbers than ever.

History of Labia Reduction and Current Techniques

The first labioplasty (also called labiaplasty) operations involved amputation of the excessive labia. This led to problems cosmetically (unnatural appearance) as well as functionally: overly tight vaginal opening, irregularities, pigmentary problems, and other problems. As a result, other operations have been developed. The wedge excision became popular because it addressed the probelms of irregularities and color issues, but introduced the potential probelms of scar contracture (shortening), creating a notch along the free border of the labia minor, as well as breakdown and open wounds. Operations to address these problems have included a modification of the wedge excision, called a z-plasty. In the z-plasty wedge excision, the redundant labia to be excised is zig-zagged in such a way as to avoid unnatural tightening, notching, and wound breakdown. Dr. Loftus considers this to be the most effective way to achieve the goals of labiaplasty while minimizing the risks of this operation.

Average cost of labioplasty in the US is about $2000-4000, which includes the cost of the surgeon, operating room, and anesthesia. Fees at Loftus Plastic Surgery Center are around $2500.

Labiaplasty: During and After Surgery

Anesthesia: General or sedation.
Location of operation: Office or hospital.
Length of surgery: 30 minutes
Length of stay: Outpatient (home same day).
Discomfort: Mild to moderate. Dr Loftus uses long-lasting local anesthetic injections during the procedure so that post-operative discomfort is reduced. Anticipate 2-5 days of prescription pain medication and ice packs.
Swelling: peaks at 1-5 days and improves over 14 days.
Bruising: Is rare
Bandages: none.
Stitches: Will be absorbable.
Back to work: 3-7 days.
Sex: Wait 6 weeks to ensure complete healing.
Exercise: May be resumed in 2-4 weeks.
Final result: Will be seen after the swelling has resolved, which will be about 2 weeks to 2 months.

Risks of Labioplasty surgery

Dyspareunia due to over tightening of the vaginal opening

Asymmetry - expect it, as all labia are asymmetric

Failure to reslove the problem

Persistent opening of vagina

Dehiscence

Visible scar

Tips and Traps of Labiaplasty

• This procedure involves reduction of the labia minora. If your problem is enlarged labia majora, then you need a different procedure. It is generally not advised to combine both procedures at the same time due to swelling and recovery.

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