If you are considering labiaplasty …….

Labiaplasty, (labioplasty), is also known as labia reduction, vaginal lip reduction, or labia rejuvenation can be utilized to enhance the appearance of your vagina, reduce genital discomfort due to enlarged vaginal lips and increase sexual satisfaction. During the procedure the labia contours are reshaped and excess skin is eliminated. This surgery may improve the appearance of enlarged, protruding, hypertrophic or asymmetrical (uneven) labia.

The best candidates for labiaplasty

Women who have enlarged or misshapen vaginal lips are the best candidates for labiaplasty because they often experience physical pain during exercise or intercourse, while wearing tight clothes or even while sitting down for an extended period of time. Vaginal lip enlargement can be caused by a number of factors, including childbirth, weight gain or aging.

In addition, women who suffer from enlarged labia minora and/or labia majora may experience emotional distress, embarrassment and become extremely self-conscious over the aesthetics of their vagina.

Women seek labiaplasty (labia reduction surgery) for many reasons. Women may elect labiaplasty when large or uneven labia minora are causing problems with:

Size or pigmentation (dark color)or length

Pain/pulling/discomfort/irritation with intercourse / exercise /clothing

Wearing certain clothes/lingerie/bikinis

Hygiene issues

Consultation Visit and Planning for Labiaplasty

In your initial plastic surgery consultation, it’s important to discuss your expectations frankly with your surgeon.  Every patient–and every physician, as well–has a different view of what is a desirable size and shape for the labia.

During our initial consultation, your doctor will take a complete medical history and examine the areas of concern. Your doctor will evaluate the labia to assess the degree and type of enlargement and check for asymmetry. We will confer with you to determine what changes you would like. Then, we will design the labiaplasty procedure that will give you the result that you are looking for.

The procedure will be described in detail, explaining its risks and limitations and making sure you understand the results. He or she should also explain the anesthesia to be used, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved.

Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results. Equally important, we treat each of our patients with discretion and dignity and strive to provide a relaxed atmosphere that encourages an open and honest dialogue.

Your surgeon may require you to have had a GYN visit in the last year or so before surgery. You’ll also get specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain medications.

If you smoke, plan to quit at least two weeks before your surgery and not to resume for at least two weeks after your surgery.

While you’re making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days.

The surgery and recovery time for labiaplasty vary greatly from one patient to another. We will inform you of preoperative preparations and postoperative recuperation in great detail prior to your surgery. Like any invasive procedure, labiaplasty is associated with some complications; however, these are rare.

 The labiaplasty procedure

There are a variety of labiaplasty techniques. They are slightly different ways of performing the surgery depending on the exact anatomy of the labia. The surgical technique should create the  tailored, natural look that you desire.  During surgery, incisions are made on both sides of the labia and excessive tissue is removed, to make the labia smaller and more symmetric. The goal is to preserve the natural contour, pigmentation, and sensation of the labia minor by preserving the underlying neurovascular supply to the labia. This goal is achieved using a de-epithelialization technique involving the removal of tissue on the inner and outer sides of the labia minora. The procedure preserves the free edge of the labia minora while also helping to keep the nerve endings intact as well as the erectile function of the labia.

Any loss of sensitivity is rare when using these techniques.

Typically, the procedure lasts about an hour or more and is usually performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are placed in a way to minimize and conceal scarring. The scars are usually nearly undetectable after healing.  

Sutures will be placed where the incisions were made and these sutures should dissolve within a few weeks and do not need to be removed.

While many women have asymmetric ( uneven) labia minora, in order to get the best symmetry, it is usually a good idea to perform labiaplasty on both sides in most cases. This allows both sides to go through the same healing process and gives them a more symmetric appearance. Obviously, less tissue would be removed from the smaller side.

After your labia reduction surgery

After labiaplasty, patients are able to return back to work within a few days (usually 4-6 days). Patients have some swelling and minimal or no bruising, can shower in a few days, have no stitches to remove and can have intercourse after 6 weeks. Excessive movement such as jogging  or bicycle riding can also slow the healing process and should be avoided for 6 weeks. We will closely follow your progress to ensure that you are ready to resume normal activities.

In most cases the labia reduction is virtually undectable after complete healing with patients in follow-up being extremely pleased with the results.

Your new look

Your labia will be more symmetric and will be less protuberant. This should make you more comfortable in tight clothing and while exercising and should give you more confidence during sexual intercourse.

The next step

Your next step is to request a private, confidential consultation to discuss labiaplasty. We will answer all your questions and address any concerns. Request a complimentary cosmetic surgery consultation today.

If your expectations are realistic, chances
are you’ll be satisfied with your labiaplasty.

call 316-652-9333 for a consult about labia reduction in Wichita, Kansas.