Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty
What is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure done to either reduce or enlarge the size of the labia — the folds of skin surrounding the vaginal opening. Many people choose this surgery to ease physical discomfort, for cosmetic reasons, or as part of a reconstructive process. It’s important to remember that labia come in all different sizes and shapes, and there’s no “perfect” or “normal” look.
The labia consist of two parts:
The labia majora — the outer, larger folds that usually grow pubic hair after puberty and help protect the internal genital area.
The labia minora — the inner, thinner folds that shield the opening of the vagina and urethra (the tube that carries urine out).
Why do people get Labiaplasty?
There are many reasons someone might consider labiaplasty, including:
Medical or Physical Reasons:
To reduce the size of the labia minora if they extend beyond the labia majora, which can cause discomfort or irritation, especially during physical activity, exercise, or sex.
To improve hygiene, as excess tissue can make cleaning harder and might increase the risk of infections.
Cosmetic and Emotional Reasons:
To correct uneven labia, where one side is longer or shaped differently than the other.
To help boost confidence or comfort during intimate moments, especially if the appearance of the labia causes self-consciousness.
Reconstructive Purposes:
Labiaplasty may also be done as part of gender-affirming surgery or after injury.
How is Labiaplasty Performed?
Before surgery, you’ll meet with your surgeon to discuss your reasons, expectations, and the potential risks. They may also check your mental health, including any signs of anxiety or depression.
You’ll likely have some pre-surgical tests done, and your medical team will walk you through how to prepare, including when to stop eating, drinking, or taking certain medications.
On the day of the surgery, the medical team will prep you, including shaving the area if necessary, and start anesthesia (either local or general, depending on the procedure).
Types of Labiaplasty Techniques:
Reduction Procedures
Trim Method: Excess tissue from the outer edge of the labia minora is removed, making them even with or shorter than the labia majora.
Wedge Method: A triangular section of tissue is taken from the center of the labia minora, preserving the natural edge for a more authentic look.
Enlargement Procedure
If the labia majora need to be enhanced, the surgeon can inject fat (usually taken from another part of the body) or use dermal fillers like hyaluronic acid.
Reconstructive Surgery
Sometimes labiaplasty is used to reconstruct labia, especially in gender-affirming surgeries.
Most of the time, the procedure lasts under two hours and is done as an outpatient surgery. The incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches.
Common Risks and Side Effects
Like all surgeries, labiaplasty has risks, though serious complications are rare. Possible issues include:
Infection
Bleeding
Scarring
Pain during sex or loss of sensitivity
Uneven or unsatisfactory results
Recovery Timeline
Expect some swelling, soreness, and light bleeding for a few days.
Pain is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter medication and cold compresses.
Wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid rubbing or irritating the healing area.
Avoid strenuous exercise, sex, cycling, running, and swimming for 4–6 weeks.
Healing and Final Results
Swelling usually starts to go down after a couple of weeks, but it can take up to 4–6 months for full healing and for the final results to show.