Labiaplasty (Vaginal Reduction Surgery)

Learn More About Vaginal Rejuvenation Surgery on Long Island, New York

Cosmetic surgery procedures are a very personal journey for most people. This is even more evident when talking about female genitalia.

There are a lot of women who are dealing with a large or irregular labia. This is a genetic condition, though others can develop this as they age, as well as during childbirth. To many of these women, the appearance of an enlarged labia causes them embarrassment with their sexual partners.

It can cause them discomfort while doing certain activities and can even lead to chronic labial irritation. This can have a negative impact on their self-esteem and prevent them from participating in various activities. For these women, a labiaplasty procedure is a good surgical option. This is also true for women who simply want to improve the appearance of their labia.

What is Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is a cosmetic surgery, involving the reduction or reshaping of the labia minora, the smaller inner lips of the vagina.

Labiaplasty will treat the following issues:

• Labia hypertrophy
• Enlarged labia
• Painful pinching of the labia
• Friction of the labia
• Labia irritation
• Aesthetic purposes

The labiaplasty procedure is performed to reduce the size of the inner lips (labia minora), and the outer lips (labia majora). In some cases, we perform a combination of both. We use different approaches, depending on whether we are working on the inner or outer lips.

Labia Minora

There are two common techniques used to reduce the inner lips. In the first technique, we will remove a wedge from each side. Then, we close the wedge by bringing the upper portion of the labia minora down. This creates a reduced profile with natural-looking results.

Our board-certified plastic surgeons place the incision inside the labial folds. Once it has fully healed, the scar is virtually invisible. Another technique is the trim method, which involves removing the entire projected labia portion. We use the trim method for women who desire a smaller labial profile with smoother edges on the inner lips.

Labia Majora

When performing labiaplasty on the outer lips, or labia majora, we can use radiofrequency and ultrasound treatments. In some cases, we need to remove excess outer labia portions (the vulva). For this technique, the surgeon places the incisions inside the natural folds and removes the excess skin and tissue. Because we place the incisions inside the fold, they are also unnoticeable once healed.

Sometimes, we perform a clitoral hoodectomy in combination with the labiaplasty procedure. A clitoral hoodectomy (or clitoral hood reduction) removes the clitoral prepuce, which exposes the clitoris. This procedure increases sexual stimulation.

Recovery Following the Labiaplasty Procedure

Following your labiaplasty procedure, there may be some mild pain. We will prescribe the necessary pain medication. We recommend recommended that you only use it as needed. Expect some bruising and swelling for the first few weeks, but both will fade on their own.

Some women have experienced some painful urination following the procedure. You can relieve this pain by running warm water over the affected area during urination.

Most patients return to light work duties within 3 to 5 days. Our labiaplasty surgeons advise that during recovery, patients should wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing. This will prevent irritation and possible infection. Patients should also avoid using tampons, though maxi pads are acceptable for use until otherwise instructed.

It is also very important that for a period of six weeks, you refrain from any sexual intercourse. This is very important that you allow for a full recovery before you resume normal sexual activity. The full recovery time will vary from patient to patient, but generally, results take around four to six months.

Labiaplasty Candidates

We commonly perform labiaplasty procedures for women who experience physical or emotional discomfort because of the appearance of their labia. The average age of women who seek labiaplasty surgery ranges from 20 to 50 years old. Candidates should be in good physical health and have realistic expectations for their surgical outcome.

Good Candidates for Labiaplasty Include Women Who:

• Have enlarged labia (labia hypertrophy).
• Have asymmetrical inner lips.
• Want to reduce the size of excess tissue.
• Have pain or discomfort wearing certain clothes.
• Tore their labia during childbirth.
• Have painful intercourse.
• Have decreased sexual pleasure or stimulation.
• Experience hygiene issues due to an enlarged labium.

To see if you are a good candidate, schedule a consultation at our office in New York City at 212-570-2500. Alternatively, you can call our Long Island office at 516-773-4646. You can also complete an online consultation form and one of our specialists will follow up with you directly.