Many women are bothered by prominent labia minora. A labiaplasty is a quick, in-office procedure, that corrects this common problem. After labiaplasty, women find it more comfortable to exercise, wear certain types of clothing and have intimate relations.
Typical Timing/Age
18+ years old
Problem
Genetics, pregnancy, hormones, edema, changes in weight, and aging all take their toll on a woman’s genitals. It is common for the labia minora to be more prominent or protuberant than the labia majora. Prominent labia minora can cause discomfort when wearing certain clothing or having sexual intercourse. Some women are also bothered by the appearance of prominent or excessive labia minora leading to self-esteem issues during intimate relations.
Procedure
The labia minora are reduced to a size that is more harmonious with the labia majora. Some patients also have deflated labia majora that can create the illusion excessively large labia minora. In these patients, fat grafting may be used at the time of labiaplasty to help achieve a better balance between the labia minora and labia majora.
Other complementary procedures include monsplasty. In a monsplasty, or pubic lift, extra skin, excess fat, or both are removed to reduce the bulge in the genital region.
Goal
To improve the appearance of the female genitalia.
Facility
This is usually performed in the office under oral, local and nitrous oxide sedation.
Preparation
Patients should not be recently postpartum. Patients should avoid using any nicotine-containing substances.
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia in the office.
Recovery
Patients go home the day of the procedure.
Positioning
There are no positioning restrictions after a labiaplasty.
Walking After Surgery
You are encouraged to walk around the house as much as possible to help reduce the risk of DVT and thromboembolism.
Showering
You may shower the day of surgery. However, you may not take baths or go swimming for 2 weeks.
Exercise
1 week for light exercise. 3 weeks for regular exercise.
Sex
Wait 6 weeks because your incisions need to be well-healed.
Work
1 week or less, depending on your type of work.
Swelling
Usually, it peaks around 3 days and gradually goes away.
Bruising
If present, it usually subsides after 2 weeks.
Risks & Complications
Dehiscence, Pigmentation mismatch, Hematoma, Infection, Poor scarring, Delayed wound healing, Notching, Asymmetry, Need for revision, Complications related to anesthesia.
Performed by: Dr. Butler, Dr. Leveque
