Like facial features and skin color, the physical appearance of the vagina varies from one person to the next. Contrary to popular belief, there’s no “standard” or “normal” aesthetics. However, some women have distinct differences they might want to address.

Labial hypertrophy is a common condition that refers to the size of the labia or vaginal lips. It’s a term that describes noticeable vaginal asymmetry. While the labia aren’t perfectly symmetrical in most women, hypertrophy is when one or both lips are more prominent than usual. This form of hypertrophy is usually not a serious issue. 

Symptoms of Labial Hypertrophy

Vaginal aesthetics are a nuanced topic, and symptoms can vary from one woman to the next. That said, most hypertrophy issues are apparent with a brief visual inspection. As a result, it’s often a source of self-consciousness for many women.

Hypertrophy is possible on both the labia minor and the labia majora. However, it’s most likely to change the appearance of the labia minora or inner lips. The tissue becomes noticeably enlarged or thickened. In some cases, the tissue can protrude and create a visible bulge through clothing.

Beyond the cosmetic side of things, hypertrophy can cause severe irritation or discomfort. Tenderness is worse with an enlarged labia minora, as the inner lips are more sensitive than the protective outer lips.

The excess tissue can rub on clothing, leading to sensitivity due to prolonged friction. Meanwhile, the enlarged lips can cause uncomfortable pressure on the genitals during physical exercise or sexual activity.

With extra skin and folds to contend with, some women even suffer from hygiene problems. Hypertrophy often leads to frequent bacterial and yeast infections.

RELATED: Answers To Your Questions About Labiaplasty

Causes of Labial Hypertrophy

There are many potential causes for hypertrophied labia. The reason why these physical changes occur is unknown. Like the transformation of breast size and shape, it’s the body’s way of evolving with age and shifts in hormone production.

Many women experience hypertrophy as they get older. The tissue may elongate as estrogen production dips as they approach menopause. The same goes for those going through puberty. Several biological changes occur with hormonal fluctuations, and the growth of the vaginal tissue is one of them.

Pregnancy can cause hypertrophy, too. More blood flow to the vagina sometimes results in enlargement and overall heaviness.

If it’s not a product of biological changes from within, hypertrophy could be down to genetics. It’s not uncommon for women to have enlarged tissue from birth. In those cases, hypertrophy is usually evident long before puberty.

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Labial Hypertrophy Treatment

It’s important to remember that labial aesthetics are entirely subjective. There are no “standards” to compare to or special tests to perform. No official measurements to diagnose a hypertrophied labia exists. Every woman’s vagina is different, and some degree of asymmetry is standard.

Excess tissue is typically not harmful to your overall health or well-being.

That said, there are several options for those who want treatment for discomfort or cosmetic reasons. Doctors will diagnose hypertrophy with nothing more than a physical examination. Again, matters of aesthetics are up to personal preference. While hypertrophy might not be a medical issue, whether or not it’s something worth addressing is between you and your doctor.

The most common way to treat hypertrophy is with labiaplasty. During a labiaplasty, surgeons work to remove excess tissue and achieve the desired look.

There are a couple of different types of labiaplasty procedures. The first is the trim technique. Surgeons utilize a linear cut to reduce the size of the labia while also removing any hyperpigmentation along its edge. The final result is petite tissue with a more youthful shape and color.

The second option is the wedge technique. To remove tissue, surgeons make a triangular keyhole-shaped cut in the center of the labia. The unique incision leaves two cut edges that tighten and shrink the tissue when sutured together. The wedge technique offers a smooth transition to the clitoral hood without altering the natural contours of the labia.

Both labiaplasty procedures can address hypertrophy. The proper course of action depends entirely on the characteristics of the tissue and your needs.

RELATED: Will Labiaplasty Affect Sensation? Urogynecologist’s Advice

As a urogynecologist with more than two decades of experience helping women in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, Dr. Michael Tahery is very familiar with labial hypertrophy and the available treatments. To learn more and go over your options, give Dr. Tahery’s office a call and schedule a consultation.

The post What is Labial Hypertrophy? appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

What is labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is the surgical alteration in the appearance of the labia minora or the smaller and thinner lips of the vagina. This can be done with sharp excision, laser, cautery, radiofrequency devices.

Why do the labia grow?

There are many reasons why labia grow. Some women are born with larger or uneven labia, and some grow during puberty as the hormonal environment as the body changes. labia can change during and after pregnancy with increased blood flow to the genitalia as well as hormonal changes. Vaginal delivery can cause tears in the labia and sometimes poor healing can change the appearance of the labia. Age can also result in some sagginess and extension of the labia. Even recurrent rubbing of the labia by clothing can cause overgrowth. Darkening color of the labia can also occur with these changes. 

Can sex result in labia growth?

No. 

RELATED: Does Sex Cause Elongated Labia?

What is normal labia?

Labia minora, like our other body parts, can be large or small, even or uneven, short or long, and light or dark color. As long as they are acceptable to the person’s body and not causing any issues then they are normal. 

Why is labiaplasty done?

In the majority of cases, labiaplasty is done to alter the shape of the labia as per patient’s desires or correct significant discrepancies in size and shape between the two lips. It is also done to remove the darkened portions of the labia or to repair a delivery scar. Then there are cases where the overgrowth of the labia minora is uncomfortable, causes recurrent vaginal and vulvar infections, causes pain during intercourse, or gets irritated with tight clothing. Labiaplasty is also performed when the enlarged labia make wearing a bathing suit and lingerie visually unappealing to the person. 

RELATED: What is Labial Hypertrophy?

What can I expect during the consultation with Dr. Tahery?

Our many years of experience have shown that one size does not fit all. During the consultation, a detailed evaluation of the vulva is performed and patient concerns are fully discussed. Size, color, symmetry, and tissue quality are evaluated. Once the patient’s concerns are fully understood and the scope of the patient’s desires are clear then treatment options are discussed in detail.  Surgical and medical recommendations are made by Dr. Tahery and patient input is requested at every level for an optimal treatment plan. Risks, benefits, and medications are discussed. The next step is to schedule the procedure and create the results the patient is looking for. 

How is the labiaplasty performed?

Many techniques and sometimes a combination of techniques are used to achieve the best aesthetic and functional results for the labia and the best results are achieved in the hands of an expert. Dr. Tahery has performed labiaplasty surgeries for over 20 years and has developed many techniques for creating the best results. 

Prior to the operation the area of the operation is marked and reviewed with the patient. This procedure is usually performed with local anesthetic but sometimes general anesthesia can be used as well. Once the perfect anesthesia is achieved meticulous technique is used to redesign the labia to the patient’s expectations. Very fine suturing with self-absorbing sutures are used to leave the least trace of surgery to close the edges of the labia. 

At the end of the operation, discharge instructions are reviewed and the patient is discharged home.

RELATED: Trim Labiaplasty Vs Wedge Labiaplasty

Where does Dr. Tahery perform labiaplasty operations?

Labiaplasty procedures are performed in our Glendale and Los Angeles locations. Our surgical centers are equipped, certified, and designed for cosmetic vaginal procedures. They are also easily accessible by patients from nearby areas such as Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Brentwood, Hollywood, Pasadena, North Hollywood, and Studio City.

How long is the recovery from a labiaplasty?

Most women can return to their usual activities within a few days. Restrictions are avoiding any activity that could potentially disrupt the suture lining. Full healing occurs in 6 weeks at which time a patient may engage in all activities. 

RELATED: Recovery After Labiaplasty

Can labiaplasty be performed with other cosmetic procedures?

The best results are sometimes achieved by also reducing the clitoral hood and a perineoplasty. Sometimes the best solution is also to perform a labia majora puffing to create symmetry. One size does not fit all. Dr. Tahery, as an expert surgeon, can design and recommend a perfect solution for your cosmetic needs. 

Why is Dr. Tahery the best surgeon to perform a labiaplasty?

Dr. Tahery as a urogynecologist, practicing cosmetic and complex vaginal reconstruction repairs for more than 20 years, is the perfect surgeon to help you achieve the best cosmetic labiaplasty results possible. 

The post Answers To Your Questions About Labiaplasty appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.