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LABIAPLASTY (LABIOPLASTY)

Labiaplasty, also known as labia reduction, vaginal lip reduction or labia rejuvenation, is a procedure to decrease the size and improve the appearance of the labia minora.

Labiaplasty or Labioplasty is a procedure performed on women who dislike the large size or shape of their labia minora, which may cause embarrassment with a sexual partner or discomfort in tight pants, with sports, or during sexual intercourse.

Some women are born with enlarged labia and therefore opt to have labiaplasty, whereas others develop the enlargement with age or from childbirth.

What is labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that will reduce and/or reshape the labia minora - the skin that covers the female clitoris and vaginal opening. The purpose of labiaplasty is to better define the inner labia and to help women feel more confident about the way they look.

The clitoris is not affected by labiaplasty and there is no loss of sexual sensation, in fact, some women report an improvement in sensation and sexual function.

How is labiaplasty performed?

Labiaplasty is usually performed under a light general anaesthetic, so patients feel no pain during the procedure and are able to return home the same day. Small incisions are made to remove excess tissue and reduce or reshape the labia minora, all stitches are dissolvable and dressings are not normally needed.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is considered normal labia size?

“Normal” labia size is whatever you choose, based on your own self-esteem. If you’re happy with your existing labia, whether symmetrical, or asymmetrical, and you have no problems with the way they look, then, in your case, “normal” labia is whatever you choose, or accept. The point to remember is that with labiaplasty, you can literally pick and choose the size or shape of your labia, and elect to have they anatomically reformed, if you wish.

Is it better to have labiaplasty at an early age if there is a need, or is it better to wait until you after childbirth or you are older?

In almost every case, it’s better to have labiaplasty done when it’s needed. If large labia bother you either physically, or emotionally . . . then it simply doesn't make any sense to live with these physical or emotional pains.

Not too long ago, few patients knew of labiaplasty surgery to correct problematic areas. Today, with a heightened awareness of the problem by both young girls and parents, many are now turning to the surgical methods available to correct these problems. The reasons are that young women today are more physically active and armed with the knowledge that there is a simple, short surgery to correct the problem—thus many women are moving forward with labiaplasty while still young.
As far as any medical reason for delaying a labiaplasty, there simply isn't one. Whether or not a young woman decides to have the minimal procedure performed, or not, is up to how she feels about herself. In those cases, women and young girls who have an actual physical problem with their labia—such as large, or asymmetric labia—having labiaplasty performed early can result in an anatomical correction that results in greater patient self-esteem as they mature.

Will my sexual partner see or feel any changes resulting from my labiaplasty?

Feeling a change after a labiaplasty largely depends on the degree of labia abnormality to begin with. Simply said, if there is enough labia tissue present before a labiaplasty is performed that interferes with sexual activity, then usually the sexual partner will feel a difference after labiaplasty, because the excess tissue won’t interfere with any sexual act as it might have before.
As well, it will be very apparent to your sexual partner that the external structure of the labia will have been altered visually—namely, they’ll be smaller and better aligned. Your sexual partner will clearly notice this change for the better.

Could labiaplasty cause insensitivity?

There is no physiological association for sensory pleasure with the labia—that function is served by the clitoris. The only sensation elicited from labia is pain upon tearing or stretching. Labiaplasty can’t cause a loss of sensitivity when done correctly.

What can I expect during recovery?

You will return home the day of treatment and can expect to experience some discomfort in the first few days following surgery. We provide prescriptions for painkillers and antibiotics to minimise pain and prevent infection.
You will be able to resume normal light activities by the next day, however, we recommend you take seven to ten days off work and avoid intercourse until at least 30 to 45 days after treatment.