Labiaplasty is a procedure that alters the size and presentation of the labia minora (inner folds) and/or labia majora (outer lips). While there is no ideal or standard for how labia should look, labiaplasty can help to create uniformity or restore shape and volume. The procedure is commonly done to address changes caused by labor and delivery, aging, injury, dramatic weight loss, genetics, or shifting hormonal levels. In addition to providing aesthetic benefits that improve confidence, labiaplasty can be used to address discomfort caused by elongated or uneven labia.
THE LABIAPLASTY PROCEDURE
While there was a time when labiaplasty meant traditional surgery, patients today can choose between surgical and scalpel-free laser labiaplasty procedures to achieve their desired results.
Surgical Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty surgery can vary based on whether a patient’s goal is labia reduction or enlargement. When shortening the labia minora, a surgeon will trim excess tissue from the edge of the labia or remove a wedge-shaped piece of tissue. For enlargement procedures, small amounts of fat are taken from another part of the body during a liposuction procedure in order to be injected into the labia for shaping and plumping. Generally, the fat is taken from the thigh, abdomen, or other area with available reserves. For some procedures, a common filler material called hyaluronic acid (HA) is injected in place of fat. Depending on whether a patient is addressing overall volume loss or seeking to balance unevenly sized labia, injections may either be done on one or both sides of the vaginal lips.
Depending on the specifics of the procedure, either local anesthesia or general anesthesia will be used. Recovery time for labiaplasty surgery is typically six to eight weeks. It can take up to six months for swelling to reduce to the point that patients can see full results.
Laser Labiaplasty
Laser labiaplasty is a gentler procedure that utilizes laser technology to reduce or reshape the labial minora and/or labia majora. Today’s lasers are capable of trimming, realigning, and reshaping labia without the need for a scalpel. Like traditional labia surgery, laser labiaplasty requires either local or general anesthesia. Next, laser heat is used to precisely cut and remove labia tissue. Depending on the type of laser used and the specifics of the procedure, recovery generally takes two to four weeks.
Related: When Do You Need Vaginal Rejuvenation?
SIGNS YOU NEED LABIAPLASTY
Labiaplasty can dramatically improve confidence levels and quality of life for patients. While some seek labiaplasty for aesthetic reasons, these procedures can also offer benefits for hygiene, sexual health, and more.
Labia Appearance
When the inner labia extend lower than the outer labia, they are often visible under clothing. Labiaplasty is commonly used to address oversized or larger-than-normal inner vaginal lips that are visible through certain types of paints, skirts, and dresses. While it’s normal for labia to be visible to some degree when wearing sheer or tight-fitting clothing, oversized or protruding labia are often visible even when wearing thick jeans or adding multiple layers for concealment.
Discomfort Wearing Certain Clothes
Large or protruding labia can make wearing many different types of clothing a challenge. For example, fitted items like leggings and bicycle shorts may cause tugging and chaffing. In addition, most types of underwear can cause pain and discomfort.
Discomfort During Physical Activities (Sex or Exercise)
Excess labia tissue can get twisted, tugged, pulled, and pinched during any kind of physical activity. When labia are enlarged or protruding, this can make certain types of exercise feel awkward or painful. For example, participating in cycling classes or riding a bicycle can cause tension and irritation because the labia will come into contact with the seat. Running, jogging, and other forms of exercise can also cause rubbing and chaffing. It’s even possible to experience painful chafing and irritation simply when walking. Many women feel self-conscious when they need to make constant adjustments while working out.
Large or uneven labia can also make sexual activity painful or unpleasant. Excess tissue often causes soreness and chafing during intercourse. In addition, excess labia tissue can make maintaining good hygiene more difficult. This can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other bacterial infections that can make sex feel painful and impact sexual health.
Are you interested in learning more about labiaplasty procedures? Dr. Michael Tahery is a leading Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN) and Urogynecologist serving the Los Angeles and Glendale areas. With more than two decades of experience in gynecology, urogynecology, and cosmetic care, Dr. Tahery offers the latest in surgical and laser labiaplasty procedures. Contact Dr. Tahery to book a consultation today.