Female Genitalia

 

Labia reduction is an option for women who feel that their labia are too large or that they're asymmetrical (one side is significantly larger than the other). The labia are the folds of skin at the outside of the vagina, also called the "lips."? A woman's labia may change with age or after childbirth, or they may have been a problem since childhood. In such instances, a labia reduction may be the best option.

Candidates for Labia Reduction

Some women prefer to have a tighter contour to their external genitalia; others are not comfortable emotionally or physically with the size or shape of their labia. For some women, excessively large labia can interfere with sexual relations. A labia reduction is a relatively simple surgical procedure that removes the excess or imbalance of labial tissue.

Labiaplasty

A labiaplasty is a surgical revision of the labia, the skin folds or "lips"? at the opening of the vagina. Some women have labia that they feel are too large, loose, or asymmetrical, and a labiaplasty can correct these imperfections and create an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Revising the Labia Folds

There are two pairs of labia:

• the larger, outer labia (labia majora), and
• the smaller, inner labia (labia minora)

It is the smaller labia minora that can be reduced with a labiaplasty, with an excision of the excess labia. Large and/or misshapen labia minora may cause a woman embarrassment or even physical discomfort in tight clothing or a swimsuit. Some women would simply prefer to have a smoother contour for the external genitalia, with labia that are smaller and more visually appealing.

A Desire for a Change

In some women, the labia have been a problem since childhood, whereas for other women the labia may have become a problem only after childbirth or with increased age or weight gain.

Several Versions of Labiaplasty

There is more than one version of labiaplasty procedure, and a woman's unique anatomy will be a major determinant of the surgical procedure to be performed. The labiaplasty can be performed at an accredited surgical center or hospital, with general anesthesia; two hours is a typical surgery time.

A patient with a sedentary, non-physical job may be able to return to work within about five days after the labiaplasty. Sexual relations may resume in about six weeks. However, it must be kept in mind that each patient's recovery will be unique.

Benefits and Risks

After a labiaplasty, the labia are smaller, less fleshy, and symmetrical. Many women and their partners have reported their satisfaction with the labiaplasty results.

The labia contouring may leave slight scarring that can become nearly undetectable. As with any surgery, a labiaplasty presents a slight risk of infection and post-surgery complications, but the procedure is a relatively minor, safe surgery.

The Labia Reduction Procedure

In general terms, a labiaplasty is the surgical excision (removal) of labial tissue. Usually an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia, a labiaplasty takes between one and two hours, depending in part on how much tissue is to be removed. The incision(s) for the labia reduction are relatively small and will leave minimal, perhaps undetectable, scars.

Immediately after a labiaplasty, a woman may experience mild and temporary swelling or discomfort, symptoms that usually subside completely after one or two weeks. A patient may return to a non-strenuous job within five to seven days, and she may be able to resume sexual relations within about six weeks, depending on the specific circumstances of her surgery.

Vaginoplasty

Vaginoplasty, also called vaginal rejuvenation, is becoming an increasingly sought after procedure by women who want to regain vaginal strength and enhance their sexual experiences, particularly after childbirth. In many cases, women choose to have their vaginoplasty procedure combined with a labiaplasty, a surgical procedure to reduce or improve the appearance of the labia (the outer and inner lips of the vagina). 

•  Excess vaginal lining is removed

•  Vaginal muscles are tightened

•  Surrounding soft tissues are repaired and/or tightened

After vaginoplasty, a woman's vaginal opening is smaller and the muscles are more toned both of which allow for greater friction, contraction strength and control during sexual intercourse.

Full recovery from a vaginoplasty procedure typically takes 4-6 weeks, but a patient is usually able to walk around after a couple of days. Risks are generally minimal, but as with any surgical procedure may include infection, scarring, or bleeding.