What is a labiaplasty? Procedure, benefits & photos 2024
Content
Labiaplasty, a surgical procedure that reduces the size of the labia minora, has been popular in recent years. In 2023, over 10,000 labiaplasties were performed in the United States alone.
Below, you’ll learn about labiaplasty's benefits and potential risks to decide if it's the right procedure for you.
What is labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that decreases the size of the labia minora (the inner lips) by removing excess skin. Women get labiaplasty for various reasons such as physical discomfort and aesthetic concerns.
Labiaplasty trends and stats
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there was a 2% increase in procedures from 2022 to 2023. It's the most commonly performed aesthetic genital surgery.
Additionally, RealSelf reports that 94% of patients deemed the surgery “worth it,” with several reviews noting their surgeon’s professionalism and a boost in confidence.
Why would someone consider labiaplasty?
Women consider labiaplasty for functional and aesthetic reasons. For some, having an enlarged labia makes physical activities and wearing tight clothing uncomfortable. This discomfort can range from mild irritation to significant pain.
On the aesthetic side, some women feel self-conscious about the appearance of their labia, which can affect their confidence in intimate situations. Changes after childbirth or aging can also motivate women to seek vaginal rejuvenation.
Types of labiaplasty procedures
Trim labiaplasty
Trim labiaplasty is the most common technique used in labial reduction surgeries. In this method, the surgeon removes excess tissue along the edge of the labia minora. The incision follows the natural border of the labia, resulting in a smoother edge.
This technique works well for patients with significant labial tissue. It allows for substantial reduction and can address issues like asymmetry. However, you may get a slightly less natural-looking edge than you’d get from the other techniques discussed below.
Wedge labiaplasty
In wedge labiaplasty, the surgeon cuts a V-shaped section from the thickest area of the inner labia. Then, they stitch the remaining edges together, preserving the labia’s natural border.
This technique maintains more of the labia's natural contour and color, so you get a more natural appearance post-surgery. This labiaplasty type works best if you want to maintain the original edge of your labia while reducing the overall size.
Clitoral hood reduction
While not strictly a labiaplasty, surgeons often perform clitoral hood reduction with labial reduction. This procedure involves removing excess tissue from the hood covering the clitoris.
Clitoral hood reduction improves the overall appearance of the vulva and can address functional issues, such as difficulty achieving stimulation due to excess hood tissue.
Main benefits of a labiaplasty
Labiaplasty offers several potential benefits, both functional and aesthetic.
Here are some advantages that motivate women to consider this procedure:
Enhanced comfort during physical activity
One of the primary benefits of labiaplasty is increased comfort during physical activities. Women with enlarged labia often experience chafing, irritation, or even pain when engaging in activities like cycling, running, or horseback riding.
Labiaplasty surgery can decrease this discomfort by reducing excess labial tissue. Many women feel more comfortable in tight workout clothes and enjoy more activities without pain. This increased comfort can lead to a more active lifestyle and improved overall well-being.
Improved aesthetic appearance
For many women, the aesthetic aspect of labiaplasty is a big motivator. Enlarged or asymmetrical labia can cause self-consciousness and affect body image. Labiaplasty can create a more symmetrical appearance of the vulva.
Increased confidence in intimate situations
The boost in self-confidence from labiaplasty often extends to intimate situations. Women who previously felt self-conscious about the appearance of their labia may find themselves feeling more relaxed and confident during sexual activity.
This increased confidence can lead to a more satisfying sex life. Many patients feel more comfortable with their partners and more willing to engage in intimate activities. It's important to note, however, that labiaplasty doesn't directly affect sexual function or sensation.
Reduced discomfort in tight clothing
Enlarged labia can cause discomfort when wearing tight-fitting clothes like skinny jeans, leggings, or swimwear. Some women experience pinching, chafing, or visible bulging in these situations.
After recovery from a labiaplasty, many can wear a wider variety of clothing comfortably, without worrying about visible contours or physical discomfort.
Correcting post-childbirth changes
Pregnancy and childbirth can dramatically change a woman's body, including the labia. Some women experience stretching or tearing of the labia during vaginal delivery, which can result in asymmetry or enlargement.
Labiaplasty addresses these changes, restoring the labia to its pre-pregnancy appearance or correcting asymmetry caused by childbirth.
Disadvantages of labiaplasty
While labiaplasty offers plenty of benefits, you should know about the potential disadvantages:
Potential for scarring
As with any surgical procedure, labiaplasty carries a risk of scarring. The extent and visibility of scarring varies depending on the surgical technique used and individual healing factors.
In most cases, scars from labiaplasty are small and well-hidden within the natural folds of the labia. However, some women may experience more noticeable scarring, which could cause discomfort or affect the aesthetic outcome. Discuss potential scarring with your surgeon and follow post-operative care instructions to minimize this risk.
Risk of infection or complications
Like other invasive procedures, labiaplasty comes with potential complications, which include infection, bleeding, hematoma (blood accumulation), and delayed wound healing.
In rare cases, more serious complications such as nerve damage or chronic pain can occur. To reduce risks, select a board-certified certified plastic surgeon and follow all before and after care instructions.
Possible changes in sensation
Another potential disadvantage of labiaplasty is the possibility of sensation changes in the labial and surrounding areas. These may include temporary numbness, hypersensitivity, and long-term changes in sexual sensation.
While most women don't experience long-term changes in sensation, it's still a possibility. These changes can affect sexual pleasure or comfort during intimate activities. Discussing this risk with your surgeon and asking about the specific technique they use can help you make an informed decision.
The labiaplasty procedure: an overview
Labiaplasty is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day. You can expect the surgery to take one to two hours, depending on the extent of the reshaping required and the technique used.
The initial consultation with your surgeon will focus on your goals and expectations. They’ll examine you and recommend the best technique for your needs. On surgery day, the surgeon will clean and mark the area for incision. The anesthesiologist will administer either local anesthesia or general anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
The surgeon will then carefully remove the excess tissue. After completing the reshaping, they'll close the incisions with dissolvable stitches. You'll be monitored after the procedure before your release to go home.
Risks and complications of labiaplasty
While labiaplasty is generally considered safe, some patients may experience complications. These can include bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, and asymmetry. In rare cases, more serious problems like chronic pain or loss of sensation can happen.
There's also a risk of overcorrection, where too much tissue is removed, potentially leading to dryness or discomfort. On the other hand, under-correction might not fully address the initial concerns, potentially necessitating a revision surgery.
Discuss potential complications with your surgeon before committing to the surgery.
Recovery after labiaplasty
During the first couple of days, expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Your surgeon will provide pain medication and care instructions to keep you as comfortable as possible. Most patients return to work within one to two weeks.
Avoid strenuous activities, sexual intercourse, and tampon use for at least four to six weeks after surgery. If you're experiencing higher levels of swelling and discomfort, wear loose, comfortable clothing and use ice packs to manage it.
Though you may see immediate results, full recovery from labiaplasty can take up to six months. Be sure to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments even if you feel better. These let your surgeon ensure you're on a smooth path to recovery.
Cost and financing options for labiaplasty
The cost of labiaplasty varies depending on factors like the surgeon's experience, the procedure’s complexity, and your geographic location. In the United States, a labiaplasty averages $4,000 - $6,000. This average doesn’t include anesthesia, operating room fees, or other related expenses, which will increase the total cost.
Since labiaplasty is often a "cosmetic" procedure, most insurance plans won't cover it. However, if the surgery is medically necessary due to pain or functional issues, your insurance company may provide coverage.
If you need cost assistance, several options exist such as:
Medical credit cards: CareCredit and similar firms provide healthcare-only credit cards.
Personal loans: Lenders and banks offer personal loans for labiaplasty and other cosmetic surgeries.
Healthcare-specific financing companies: Companies such as Prosper Healthcare Lending finance cosmetic surgery procedures.
Are there non-surgical alternatives to labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is the most effective way to address concerns relating to the size and shape of a labia.
But some non-surgical alternatives may provide relief for minor issues, such as:
Radiofrequency treatments: These can help tighten and slightly reduce labial tissue by stimulating collagen and elastin production. Since they don’t penetrate the skin, scarring isn't an issue.
Laser treatments: Certain laser therapies may help tighten labial tissue, though results are typically less dramatic than surgery.
These alternatives are generally less effective than surgical labiaplasty, especially for a lot of excess labial tissue. Always consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon or gynecologist to discuss the best options for your situation.
Ages where labiaplasty is common
The common age range of women who get a labiaplasty is between 18 and 50.
Younger women might seek labiaplasty due to aesthetic issues or discomfort during physical activities. Women in their 30s and 40s often consider the procedure after childbirth has caused changes to their labia. Older women might get labiaplasty to address changes related to aging or hormonal shifts.
Labiaplasty and vaginal tightness
Labiaplasty surgery reduces the labia’s size. While this can improve comfort and appearance, it doesn't affect the internal structure or tightness of the vagina. Patients seeking to address vaginal tightness would need to consider a different procedure, such as vaginoplasty.
Before and after photos of labiaplasty
Before labiaplasty, you might see longer or uneven inner lips. After the surgery and healing, most patients have smaller, more symmetrical labia.
Each body is unique, so your results may be different from other patients.
Common questions to ask your doctor about the labiaplasty procedure
During your initial consultation, ask your surgeon the following questions:
How many labiaplasties have you performed?
Which method do you think fits my case best, and why?
What kind of anesthesia will be used?
What are the potential risks and complications?
How long will the recovery process take?
When can I return to normal activities, including exercise and sexual intercourse?
What kind of results can I realistically expect?
Do you have before and after photos of similar cases?
What is the total cost of the procedure, including follow-up care?
What should I do if I'm not satisfied with the results?
A qualified surgeon will welcome these questions and provide clear, detailed answers to help you make an informed decision.
Choose Burbank Plastic Surgery for labiaplasty
If you’re considering labiaplasty in the Los Angeles area, Burbank Plastic Surgery offers a combination of expertise, experience, and compassionate care. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, our accredited state-of-the-art facility provides a comfortable and welcoming environment for all patients.
Dr. Caroline Min, one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to every labiaplasty procedure. With her extensive training in plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures, she’s dedicated to helping women achieve their desired results with personalized, top-notch care. Call 818-848-0590 to book your consultation.