What is it?
Labiaplasty, also known as labial reduction, is a surgical procedure aimed at reshaping the labia minora—the inner folds of the vulva. The goal of this procedure is to reduce the size of elongated or asymmetrical labia minora to a shape that's more comfortable or aesthetically pleasing to the patient.
When is it indicated?
Women may choose to undergo a labiaplasty for a variety of reasons. Enlarged labia minora can cause discomfort during physical activities such as exercise, sexual intercourse or while wearing tight clothing. Some women may feel self-conscious about the appearance of their labia, particularly if they are asymmetrical or more prominent than the labia majora. Labiaplasty can also be performed to correct deformities or damage resulting from childbirth, aging, or trauma.
How is the procedure performed?
Labiaplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia but can also be done with sedation or under general anesthesia. There are several techniques, but the two most common are the trim technique and the wedge technique.
The trim technique involves removing excess tissue along the edge of the labia minora. The advantage of this technique is that it completely removes the hyperpigmented edge, which some women may prefer.
The wedge Technique: A wedge of tissue is removed from the central portion of the labia, and then the remaining edges are sutured together. This technique preserves the natural edge of the labia.
Can it be combined with other surgeries?
Labiaplasty can be combined with other procedures as part of a comprehensive aesthetic or reconstructive plan. It's often performed alongside other vaginal rejuvenation procedures, such as clitoral hood reduction or monsplasty (reduction and lifting of the mons pubis).