Labiaplasty refers to a procedure to reduce the size of the labia minora. The labia minora are the folds of skin often referred to as “lips” just outside the entry to the vagina. When a woman is bothered by the size, she may opt for this procedure. Common concerns related to enlarged labia (labial hypertrophy) include discomfort related to catching on clothing, rubbing during physical activity, and getting in the way or being pinched during intercourse. Appearance may be a factor in the decision-making. It is important for women to know that labia come in a variety of normal shapes and sizes, and appearance should not be the major motivator for surgery in this area.
The procedure is performed in our office surgical suite under local anesthesia. it is very well tolerated by our patients. the recovery time is somewhat variable, but usually normal activity can resume after 2 weeks. sutures are left in place for 7-10 days for optimal healing. Once the sutures are removed, normal activity can usually resume. The final results are not apparent for a few months after the procedure, so patience is key!