Labial Reduction: 7 Common Benefits of Labiaplasty
Enlarged labia minora can be a source of physical and emotional discomfort. This issue may be hereditary, or may develop after childbirth, or may occur due to the natural aging process.
A labiaplasty is a low-risk cosmetic surgery that addresses this by trimming the labial tissue.
About Labiaplasty
Large or uneven inner labia may be genetic, or caused by pregnancy and childbirth, weight gain, aging or hormonal changes. Hanging or sagging labia can interfere with self-confidence, sexual pleasure, and physical comfort in tight clothing or while exercising.
Labiaplasty is a simple surgical procedure that reshapes the vaginal tissue, most often focusing on the inner labia. Sometimes, the surgery addresses the outer labial tissue (labia majora) or the clitoral hood.
How Is Labiaplasty Performed?
Labiaplasty is performed in one of several ways; two common techniques are the trim or wedge procedures. Both methods may be performed under local or general anesthesia. General anesthesia is typically recommended when labiaplasty is done in combination with another procedure, such as a mommy makeover.
A trim procedure removes excess skin of the labia minora to prevent hanging or sagging past the labia majora. Dissolvable sutures are used to close the edges of the labia minora. This surgery results in a small, nearly invisible scar along the edge of the vaginal lips.
A wedge procedure removes a segment of labia minora tissue. Remaining tissue is then stitched back together, with the resulting scar away from the labial edge.
Labiaplasty involves little pain or discomfort. Most patients return to their regular daily activities within 1-2 weeks. Sexual intercourse should be avoided for 3 weeks to allow for complete healing.
Labiaplasty Results
Women choose labiaplasty to reduce physical discomfort, eliminate anxiety and boost self-confidence. The procedure corrects dark or unevenly hanging labia and prevents the inner labia from hanging past the labia majora. Vaginal rejuvenation may also include recontouring the labia majora with trimming or fat injections or injectables like Restylane and Juvederm.
Common Benefits of Labiaplasty
Reduced Discomfort
Discomfort from excessively large or uneven labia can be physical or psychological. Labiaplasty eliminates chafing, tugging and twisting, but also reduces embarrassment and self-consciousness, making daily activities more enjoyable on several levels.
Improved Sexual Pleasure
Labiaplasty can reduce instances of the vaginal lips getting caught, stretched or otherwise interfering with sexual intercourse. Pleasure may also be made more accessible by reducing excess skin around the clitoral hood.
Greater Comfort While Exercising
Large or uneven labia can interfere with running, cycling and other physical activities. Exposed tissue can get chaffed, pinched, pulled and twisted. Labiaplasty makes exercise more comfortable, which can lead to improvements in health and happiness.
Improved Clothing Fit
Embarrassment or physical discomfort can make wearing swimsuits, yoga pants and other tight-fitting bottoms stressful. Labiaplasty can reduce chafing and uncomfortable pressure that occurs when wearing tight clothing.
Improved Hygiene
Excess tissue can make hygiene more cumbersome than it needs to be.
More Youthful Appearance
Hormonal changes may cause the labia to sag, even before the rest of the body shows the signs of aging. Labiaplasty is an excellent rejuvenating procedure that creates a youthful appearance.
Improved Confidence
Self-consciousness regarding the labia can interfere with personal relationships, create intimacy anxiety or cause embarrassment when wearing tight clothing. Labiaplasty can improve confidence in the public and private sphere by reducing worry and strengthening confidence.
A united group of skin care specialists from Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, Austin's leader in Dermatology and Plastic Surgery. Articles posted under WD staff are authored through combined contributions from our entire team, including Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists, Aestheticians, Physician Assistants, Aesthetic Nurses, and Patient Coordinators.