What is a labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty (labioplasty, labia reduction) is a surgical procedure that aims to reshape the inner labia and sometimes the outer labia, which form the folds of skin around the vulva. The surgery corrects problems related to the size and symmetry of the labia and offers a solution for women who feel discomfort or whose sexual well-being is affected due to atrophied, enlarged or asymmetrical labia. In addition to the cosmetic aspects, labiaplasty can also relieve physical complaints such as itching and annoying rubbing during activities such as sports or sexual intercourse. Because it is a small procedure with a big impact, it can quickly improve both comfort and self-confidence.
What are the benefits of labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty offers a number of positive changes for women’s well-being, such as:
- Improved sexual well-being and intimacy
- Better fitting and more comfortable clothing
- Increased self-confidence
- Reduced discomfort during physical activities
- Relief from pain and irritation
- Aesthetic reshaping and/or reduction of the labia
- Treatment of asymmetry or malformed labia
The operation
Labiaplasty is typically performed using one of two different techniques: the trimming method and the wedge method.
Trim vs wedge methods
The trimming method involves removing excess tissue with a long incision along the edge of the labia minora. In contrast, the wedge technique involves making shorter incisions across the width of the labia, in which a V-shaped wedge of tissue is excised before the remaining tissue is sutured together. Both techniques can resolve issues related to labial length, symmetry and overall appearance, resulting in the desired aesthetic results and improving comfort.
Autologous fat grafting
A complementary procedure is fat graftingto rejuvenate the outer labia to give them more volume and fullness. This helps to improve the appearance of the skin, minimize sagging and achieve better harmony with the inner labia.
Treatment process
The procedure, which usually lasts an hour, can be performed under general or local anesthesia. After the procedure, the wound is closed with resorbable sutures.
Recovery and result
After labiaplasty, most patients take about a week off work, although this can vary depending on job demands. During recovery, swelling and discomfort must be relieved by cooling the treated area (EXCEPT afterfat grafting). While tampon use and sexual intercourse can usually be resumed after four to six weeks, wedge reductions sometimes requires a longer recovery period. Although significant swelling usually resolves within the first few weeks, minimal residual swelling may persist for up to six months. It’s important to listen to your body and give yourself enough time to heal, wearing loose clothing and using a soft cushion to sit on initially. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about labiaplasty, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am here to support and accompany you on your path to more self-confidence and well-being !