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Many women suffer from enlarged labia minora (the inner genital lips), which may be a genetic condition, or a condition that develops over time, or after childbirth. The effects of large, thick or irregular labia can vary among women. Some may be bothered by the appearance of large, uneven or thick labia, which can sometimes extend beyond the labia majora. Other women may experience labial irritation while conducting normal activities, or may find it difficult to keep the labial area clean. Still others may experience pain during sexual intercourse, sports or other vigorous activities.
While some women find it embarrassing to discuss labia conditions with their doctor or gynecologist, there is a procedure available to help. Labiaplasty reduces large labia or reshapes uneven labia, improving their appearance and reducing associated discomfort.
Also known as labial reduction, labiaplasty is a relatively minor surgical procedure that trims large or uneven labia minora for cosmetic, hygienic, pain relief and/or functional reasons. Labiaplasty can be performed alone or together with other procedures such as vaginoplasty and liposuction for more extensive vaginal rejuvenation.
It is important for patients to maintain realistic expectations for this procedure and be in good overall health before undergoing surgery. Labial reduction does not enhance sexual pleasure and is not the only option for vaginal rejuvenation.
If you believe labiaplasty may be a good solution for you, call us for an initial consultation. Dr. Chaudhari is committed to providing a safe, comfortable environment for all patients, and he will be happy to discuss all aspects of labiaplasty to determine whether or not the procedure is right for you.
Labiaplasty is generally performed just after the patient has had her period. Anesthesia or IV sedation will be given along with medications to block nerve signals and minimize bleeding, then during the procedure, excess labial tissue is trimmed using a scalpel or surgical scissors. Recent advances in surgical techniques allow surgeons to recreate the edges of the labia with a natural-looking color and shape. Finally, the surgeon closes the wounds with absorbable stitches and applies an antibiotic cream and sanitary pad.
During the procedure, the labia majora, located outside of the body, may also be reduced in size using similar surgical techniques or liposuction. A surgical plan, specific to each patient, will be developed during the pre-surgical consultation.
Labiaplasty offers solutions to large labia in several ways. By trimming large labia, labiaplasty can:
Most patients have an easy recovery after labiaplasty, experiencing only mild swelling and little to no discomfort. Patients typically return to work in two to four days and resume sexual activity in six weeks. Post-operative care involves carefully washing the area and using antibiotic creams to prevent infection. The body naturally absorbs the stitches used during surgery over time, so no follow-up procedure is needed to take them out.
The results of a labial reduction are visible right after surgery, and will continue to improve as any swelling and bruising subside. The results are usually long-lasting, provided that patients do not gain a significant amount of weight or become pregnant after surgery.
Complications with labiaplasty are rare, but as with any surgery, there are certain risks. These can include bleeding, infection, poor healing, labial asymmetry, labia that are smaller or larger than desired, and the need for a second surgery.
Labiaplasty is a delicate procedure. One way to ensure that your surgery is as safe as possible and achieves your goals is to choose a qualified, experienced surgeon who has performed many successful labia procedures. It is also important for patients to follow their surgeon’s instructions before and after surgery to ensure full, healthy healing.
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