Labiaplasty - Vaginal Rejuvenation

Labiaplasty or Labioplasty is a plastic surgery procedure of the female external genitalia folds - the Labia Minora and/or the Labia Majora. Labiaplasty reduces the size and reshapes the inner lips of the outside of the vagina or the Labia Minora, or the outer lips, called Labia Majora.

Who is a candidate for Labiaplasty?

Many women are born with too large, irregular, or asymmetrical Labia Minora. Others develop stretching and elongation of the labia as a result of childbirth or with aging. This presents not only an aesthetic predicament but more importantly a functional hindrance. Women with large and irregular labia are often embarrassed during sexual interactions, and feel uncomfortable with wearing bathing suits, tight clothes, or jogging shorts. Others experience pain or irritation during intercourse or feel that they cannot reach optimal sexual pleasure because of the hindrance of their bulky Labia Minora.

Meanwhile, there are some women that develop very full and large Labia Majora (outer lips) as a result of weight gain. This becomes a noticeable nuisance when wearing tight pants, shorts, or bathing suits. It also traps moisture and causes skin irritation, rash, or even promotes yeast infection.

View before and after labiaplasty photos.

Does Labiaplasty interfere with having natural childbirth?

No, Labiaplasty does not hinder natural childbirth, but in fact makes it easier.

What types of Labiaplasty techniques are available?

Traditionally, most gynecologists or plastic surgeons utilize the direct excision and reduction method of Labiaplasty. With this method a long strip of the Labia Minora is excised, leaving a surgical incision at the edge of the Labia. Alternatively, other labiaplasty surgeons use a wedge excision technique which removes a V-shaped area of Labia Minora, eliminating the excess and avoiding the incision along the labial edge. Continue reading about labioplasty techniques.

Reduction of the Labia Majora involves liposculpture and liposuction to reduce the unsightly protuberance of the Labia Majora. At times it is combined with the reduction and tightening of the Mons Pubis, otherwise called Monsplasty.

Anesthesia and Surgery for Labiaplasty

Labioplasty is performed under local anesthesia with some sedation in order to reduce anxiety. This procedure is rather short, and can take about 30 minutes. At times Labiaplasty is performed in conjunction with Vaginoplasty (Vaginal Rejuvenation), tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation, or other cosmetic procedures.

Recovery after Labiaplasty - Vaginal Tightening

Most patients experience mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising after Labioplasty which lasts two to seven days. During this time, women can experience some spotting, and/or urinary hesitance. They should wear pads, and apply Neosporin ointment to the surgical sites for comfort. They can take a shower or wash within six hours of surgery. Although you can return to sedate activities and work within two days, you should refrain from jogging, biking, horseback riding, running, heavy lifting, and sexual intercourse for about 4-6 weeks. Continue reading about recovery after labiaplasty.

Potential Risks and Complications

Labiaplasty is considered a minor surgical procedure, and thus is relatively safe. The most common potential complications are bleeding, minor infection, incision breakdown, scarring, and/or irritation and pain.

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