Labiaplasty: Body Contouring for the Genital Region

Labiaplasty, also referred to as a labia reduction, is a surgical procedure that I perform. It reduces and reshapes excess flaps of skin on either side of the vagina.

Labiaplasty is body contouring for the genital region.

Women seek out labiaplasty, or contouring of the labia, for many reasons. Some experience a bulge that’s visible in figure- hugging clothing such as bathing suits, leggings, or workout clothes. Others are uncomfortable while bicycling or feel self-conscious in intimate situations. Some women are born with excess labial tissue but most commonly the labia stretches and becomes redundant after childbirth. The labia minora—which starts off barely visible—is usually affected the most and protrudes outside the labia majora with age.

Labiaplasty: Common & Acceptable

Women are now realizing they don’t have to live with the discomfort, pain, or embarrassment of excess labial tissue. This may be why, last year in 2015, almost 9,0000 women had the procedure done—a 72 percent increase from 2013, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Labiaplasty is a very straightforward procedure that can dramatically reshape the vulvar area in women with little to no side effects.

What Happens During a Labiaplasty?

During a labiaplasty (which typically takes one to two hours), the excess tissue of the labia minora is trimmed and removed from the labia minora (which is the smaller “inner lips” of skin surrounding the vagina). Occasionally the labia majora is also reduced but most often it is the labia minora that needs correction.

During a labiaplasty, which is performed under sedation and local anesthesia, I first carefully mark the tissue to be removed. Then I trim the excess labial tissue, being sure to cut in areas where the scar can be hidden in a natural fold. The skin is then closed using dissolvable stitches. Patients can typically go home about an hour after the surgery is completed.

Light to moderate-intensity exercise can typically resume in a week, and sex can usually resume 3 to 6 weeks after the surgery.

Patient Satisfaction

My patients who opt for this surgery are incredibly pleased with the results. This mirrors national satisfaction rates; one survey found that there’s an overall satisfaction rate of 97% for women undergoing labiaplasty. This simple procedure results in a noticeable difference—and can dramatically change how a women feels about herself.

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