Labiaplasty, or vaginal plastic surgery, is a delicate procedure to alter the vulvovaginal complex, which is made up of the labia majora, labia minora and the vagina. Overly large labia may be due to childbirth, natural aging or genetics. This often causes women to feel self-conscious and even avoid sex, and it can lead to physical discomfort.
The Procedure
This procedure may be performed in many ways, and the exact technique will depend on the anatomy of the labia. In most cases, the labia minora will be addressed. Large or protruding labia may be painful or uncomfortable while wearing tight clothing or having sex. It can also make women feel embarrassed or self-conscious in intimate situations. During surgery, the excess tissue will be reduced by carefully sculpting away the edges, which will then be sutured. This procedure effectively reduces the size of the labia and also removes the thick, darker labia margin to reveal pinker and more delicate tissue.
Patients who have concerns about the size of the labia majora, or outer vaginal lips, may also have them addressed through this procedure. Dr. Shapiro may surgically reduce the size of the labia for improved balance or augment or enlarge wrinkled labia majora. Labia reduction surgery is performed by Dr. Shapiro, a Scottsdale plastic surgeon, on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia or twilight sleep. Surgery typically takes 60 to 90 minutes.
