Labial Reduction (Labiaplasty)
The female body comes in all shapes and sizes, and the same is true of women’s intimate anatomy. The vulva consists of the outer labia majora and the inner labia minora. Labiaplasty (also known as labia reduction, nymphoplasty or labioplasty) is a cosmetic surgical procedure that reduces the excess tissue and skin of the labia minora and labia majora. The procedure can include treatment of the skin surrounding the clitoris (clitoral hood reduction).
Women seek a labiaplasty procedure for many different reasons. Most women seek surgery to improve the aesthetic appearance of the vaginal lips (vaginal rejuvenation or asymmetry correction) and reduce the size of the labia. Excessive protrusion of the labia can reduce self-esteem or lead to physical discomfort in swimwear and underwear, hygiene difficulties, pain when wearing tight clothing or during physical activities such as cycling, horseback riding or even prolonged sitting. Plastic surgery can also be recommended by gynecologists for painful sexual activity and can help with chafing and dryness.
Details
Labiaplasty is generally performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with or without sedation. Once reduction is complete, dissolving sutures are used to close the incision. Pain and swelling in the genital area are normal for the first few weeks post-operatively. Recovery time is fairly short, however, and patient satisfaction is high. Sexual intercourse, wearing tampons and strenuous physical activity should be avoided for at least four to six weeks.
