Sexual Health and Cosmetics

Labiaplasty

Surgery to reduce or modify the labial size.

What is Labiaplasty?

Surgery to reduce or modify the labial size.

Labia Minora

A woman’s labia minora (the lips) of the vulva, which stretch on each side of the vaginal opening from the clitoral hood to the perineum, come in all shapes and sizes. There is a large span of normality in size, ranging from small strands to larger “elephant ears”. The fact that something is in the range of normality doesn’t mean that you as an individual are comfortable with the size and appearance. Just as the size of your nose or breasts may make you unhappy, the same can be true of your labia.

Large Labia

In many instances, women are born with large labia; others may develop the condition following childbirth or with age. Labiaplasty is surgery to reduce or modify the labial size. Women seek labiaplasty consultation for one of two reasons: functional or aesthetic (or a combination of the two).

Functional Reasons

Functional reasons for labiaplasty can include discomfort or irritation experienced when wearing tight pants or while engaging in sports such as cycling or other physical activities. Other functional reasons include hygiene difficulties and the labia getting in the way during sexual activity.

Aesthetic Reasons

Aesthetic reasons for labiaplasty include self-consciousness and self-esteem issues or simply a desire to achieve a better look.

Linear Resection and V-Wedge

The two most popular techniques are Linear Resection and V-Wedge. A linear resection involves the use of a straight or arced incision along the outer edge of the labia minora in order to remove excess tissue. The V-wedge resection removes a v-shaped wedge of tissue on the outer edge of the labia. The edges of the incision are then closed together and sutured to maintain a natural looking outer edge.

Robust Clitoral Hood

Many women requesting labiaplasty surgery also wish to reduce the size of a robust clitoral hood. Occasionally a patient wants hood reduction as a stand-alone procedure.