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Labiaplasty FAQ.

The wedge technique of labia minora reduction is demonstrated. On the left the patient is shown with a very redundant labia minora. The picture next to it demonstrates the markings used to plan the surgical resection of excess tissue  

This picture demonstrates the intra-operative appearance of the labia minora just before resection of redundant tissue and then immediately after. Please note that the tissue is swollen and the stitches quite visible.
The swelling resolves rapidly and the visible stitches all dissolve within 10-14 days of surgery.

In this picture, the surgery is complete and the patient is now one month out from the procedure. The black dot on the right hand picture points to the visible suture line. Note that the swelling has completely resolved and the stitches are gone. All that is visible at this point is a small pink line to mark the site of surgery. Within 3 months this line blends in to the surrounding tissue and becomes almost invisible

What is Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty (Labioplasty) or Labia Minora Reduction is a surgical procedure that reduces and/or reshapes the labia minora - the skin surrounding the vaginal opening. In most women, the labia minora are seen only when the legs are separated. However in some women, large labia minora are visible when the legs are not apart, or are barely separated, causing embarrassment, self-consciousness, and distancing in relationships. Enlarged labia may also be noticeable in tight fitting pants, and can cause discomfort during intercourse, with clothes, or with exercise. Enlarged labia are usually congenital but may be increased from hormonal changes or childbirth.  

How Does the Surgery Work?

Labia Minora reduction (Labiaplasty) is a procedure to correct enlarged Labia Minora. Various techniques are available for treating prominent labia minora. One approach utilized by many gynecologists and plastic surgeons is a simple removal of leading edge of the labia (the excess tissue that projects beyond the level of the labia majora), thereby shortening and reducing it. The edge is then repaired. This is the least complicated technique but also the least aesthetically pleasing. It does not tighten the remaining labia and leaves a
long, flat scar along the top of the labia. This scar can remain irritated and sensitive for a long time. Some practitioners advertise for "laser
labiaplasty". This use of a laser adds no benefit to the procedure and is essentially a marketing tool.

What is the "V" Wedge Technique?

There is a more sophisticated technique of labia minora reduction (labioplasty) which preserves the contour, color, and anatomy of the labia minora edge. The excess labia is excised in a "V" manner and the upper and lower edges are sutured together. Therefore, the only suture line visible on the edge is a small transverse line instead of a long longitudinal vertical suture line. This significantly decreases the discomfort and visibility of the procedure.

Please note that all of the labia reduction procedures displayed in this web site were performed using the "V" wedge resection technique. 

The pictures below demonstrates the Wedge technique of Labiaplasty

Expert Labiaplasty Surgeon