Labiaplasty is a cosmetic procedure to reduce elongated or irregular labia minora.
Candidates for Labiaplasty
The procedure can accomplish one or more of the following goals:
- Improve symmetry of the labia minora
- Reduce enlargement of the labia minora
- Improve personal hygiene
- Enhance patient self-confidence
Women seek labiaplasty for a variety of reasons, some for personal hygiene and some for cosmetic reasons, such as protruding labia. If you are bothered by this condition, labiaplasty may be the right solution for you.
Surgery
Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure with an operating time of roughly 1 to 2 hours. Under IV sedation, the excess tissue of the labia is reduced and sutured.
After Labiaplasty
You will be sent home with special instructions for post-operative care. Any discomfort you experience can be managed with pain medications prescribed by the doctor.
Sex and rigorous physical activity will need to be postponed for about 4 weeks. Expect some swelling and discomfort, which should resolve within about two weeks. The sutures used during labiaplasty are dissolvable, so you will not need to return for removal of stitches.
Before choosing to undergo labiaplasty, you should be well informed about the risks and benefits involved and you should make the decision based on your personal values and goals.