BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON IN RENO

Labiaplasty refers to surgical techniques used to reduce the size and match uneven labia minora (inner lips of the female external genitalia) while maintaining the normal labial edge and color. Labiaplasty may also be combined with ThermiVa, non-invasive vaginal rejuvenation to achieve optimal results.*

There are a number of reasons that more and more women are seeking labiaplasty today. Many of the women we meet express concern about the size, length, texture, color or symmetry of the labia minora. Long or oversized labia minora are not only cosmetically concerning, they may also present physical discomfort when a woman wears tight-fitting clothing such as leggings or pantyhose. Women may feel inhibited sexually or limited in the activities they enjoy or clothing they wear due to discomfort. Such consequences of large external genitalia can be eliminated with a brief procedure. Aesthetic labia minora reduction resulting in normal genital appearance significantly enhances self-esteem.

The decision to have labiaplasty surgery is personal for every woman who undergoes this procedure. There is no hard and fast rule that says you must wait until you are done having children to have the size of labia reduced and refined. What a woman needs to consider is the possibility of further physical changes occurring during pregnancy or childbirth following labiaplasty. Having labiaplasty does not seem to increase risks of labial tear during vaginal delivery, but that does not mean that external genitalia may not be injured or altered as a side effect of normal stretching.

Labia minora reduction is the most commonly performed labiaplasty procedure. This same-day surgical procedure may be performed in Dr. Dahan’s office with local anesthesia to numb the surgical site. Dr. Dahan's labiaplasty technique is essentially painless, allowing most of the patients to drive themselves home after the procedure.

The reduction surgery is completed in about an hour. In some cases, patients choose to add labiaplasty to other plastic surgery procedures being performed while under general anesthesia in an outpatient surgery center. In either situation, the complication rate for labiaplasty is very low, and the technique is tailored to each individual’s needs. The objective of labiaplasty surgery is to make the labia minora smaller and even (symmetrical) without disrupting the natural appearance of the soft tissue that remains.

Undergoing a labiaplasty procedure can provide you with a wide variety of benefits.

These benefits include the following:

• Improved comfort - Women with a large or elongated labia may feel discomfort or irritation during certain activities. These activities can include exercise, sexual intercourse, and even wearing tight clothing. Labiaplasty can help reduce the size of your labia and alleviate any discomfort.
• Improved self-esteem - It is common for women to feel insecure or have a lack of confidence due to the size of their labia. Labiaplasty can boost your self-esteem by improving the appearance of your labia to help you feel more comfortable with your genitalia and your body as a whole.
• Correction of functional issues - In some cases, women with large labia may experience issues with urinating or keeping themselves clean. This can increase your risk of infections. Labiaplasty reshapes the labia to your specifications by removing any excess tissue. This can help improve your urinary flow and overall vaginal health.
• Enhanced sexual experiences - An enlarged labia can reduce a woman’s overall satisfaction when it comes to sexual intercourse. The labia is sensitive, and larger ones may become irritated during intercourse due to friction. A labiaplasty can help improve sexual function and satisfaction for women.
• Improving congenital abnormalities - Some women might be born with certain conditions that can impact the size, shape, and symmetry of their labia. These conditions can include labial hypertrophy and vaginal agenesis. 

The need for a labiaplasty is personal and should be thoroughly discussed with a board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Philip Dahan.

In Dr. Dahan’s hands, both the edge trim and wedge excision labiaplasty techniques results in a low risk of sensation loss and discomfort following surgery. Because labiaplasty is a minor surgical procedure, there is minimal risk for infection as incisions heal extremely fast. Bleeding and scarring are also risks, but occur infrequently. Dr. Dahan is very delicate, meticulous and precise when performing labiaplasty in order to achieve the best cosmetic and functional results and to diminish the risk of asymmetry.

Healing after labiaplasty surgery is actually more comfortable than many women expect. Some swelling and discomfort is normal for a week to two weeks, but incisions tend to heal very quickly. Visible scarring rarely occurs. To promote optimal skin recovery, patients are encouraged to apply antibiotic ointment along suture lines using a sterile applicator for the first few days. Antifungal medication may be needed in patients prone to yeast infections.

Showering may resume the day after labiaplasty surgery. Suture removal is not necessary, as dissolvable sutures are used to close the incisions. Routine activities such as work are typically resumed gradually over a period of 3-7 days. Normal exercise may be resumed gradually, leaving strenuous activity out for at least 3 weeks. During the initial recovery period, patients want to wear clothing that is loose fitting and comfortable. Vaginal intercourse may be resumed 3 to 6 weeks after labiaplasty.

On the contrary, women who have undergone labiaplasty experience asignificant increase in self-esteem, confidence and sexual satisfaction. They also state that they are able to wear all types of clothing and perform most physical activities and exercise without discomfort. Patient satisfaction with labiaplasty is extremely high.

The results from a labiaplasty are usually long-lasting, but the outcome is different for every patient. Though an effective procedure, the results of a labiaplasty can still be affected by other factors, such as your lifestyle, pregnancy, and the natural aging process. It is a good idea to maintain your health, remain at a reasonable weight, and keep your genitalia clean to help preserve the results of your labiaplasty.

In most cases,, a labiaplasty procedure will not affect your future pregnancies. Giving birth does not typically affect the results of your labiaplasty. However, if you have had any type of corrective surgery for your genitalia in the past, it is important to let Dr. Dahan know during your consultation with him.

Although a labiaplasty procedure offers patients a wide variety of benefits, there are a select few who may not be a good fit for this procedure.

You may not be a good candidate for a labiaplasty if you meet the following criteria:

• You have unrealistic expectations
• You have an underlying health condition, such as diabetes or an autoimmune disorder.
• You are currently pregnant
• You are breastfeeding
• You have recently given birth
• You are at a young age or have a lack of emotional maturity
• You are planning to become pregnant in the future

Dr. Dahan will assess your medical history, current health, and future goals during your consultation with him to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure.