What Is A Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is an outpatient cosmetic surgical procedure that reduces the size of the labia. The labia minora is the “inner lips” of the vulva while the labia majora is the “outer lips” of the vulva. Many women have concerns about the size, shape or outline of the labia minora, which are the inner folds that are positioned either side of the vaginal opening. An enlarged labia minora can be due to hereditary factors, stretching from childbirth or the aging process. The procedure of labia minora reduction aims to change the size of the labia minora for optimum aesthetics.

Labia minora reduction is the most common type of labiaplasty and is a surgical procedure for reducing the size of the inner labia. There are two types of factors for performing labia minora reduction – functional and aesthetic. Functional reasons include discomfort in wearing certain types of clothing, playing sports or discomfort from sexual intercourse. Labia minora reduction is also performed for purely aesthetic reasons. Although the range of normality is broad when it comes to the appearance of the labia minora, labia minora reduction is able to provide a robust treatment solution for all types of labia sizes and shapes.

Labiaplasty is a simple procedure that is usually performed in the office under local anesthesia with an oral anti-anxiety medication. However, general anesthesia is also an option if you wish to be asleep. During the procedure the excess low-hanging, more darkly pigmented, and irregularly textured labia minora tissue on one or both sides is carefully trimmed with precise surgical technique. The newly reduced tissue is meticulously closed with multiple layers of dissolvable sutures which do not need to be removed at a later appointment. The procedure takes about 1 to 2 hours and patients are able to go home several hours later for their recovery.

If you are considering labiaplasty, it’s important to find a surgeon who is highly trained and Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Reshaping the labia to a more aesthetically pleasing appearance can be a life changing procedure and should always be performed by someone with a specialty in aesthetic medicine. Only a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon has the skills required to make aesthetic adjustments that are both cosmetically pleasing and anatomically functional. However, as a female, I would definitely seek a female Board Certified Plastic Surgeon if I was considering labiaplasty surgery: she knows the anatomy personally, she can relate to my goals and concerns for having this procedure, and I don’t have to be embarrassed if I’m having my period on the day she examines me or on the day of surgery! Visit my Labiaplasty before and after gallery to see some real patient results.

Dr. Lugo is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). She is a member of the prestigious American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Dr. Lugo’s extensive training and experience enables her to provide patients with safe and aesthetic outcomes.

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