A labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that decreases the size of the skin flaps on either side of the vaginal opening, known as the labia minora. Some women opt for a labiaplasty because they dislike the appearance or size of their labia.

There are many reasons why women have enlarged labia – e.g., childbirth, aging, sexual activity, and genetics. Many women who suffer from enlarged labia experience difficulty with exercise, hygiene, urinary tract infections, sex, and other physical activity. These reasons might be why women choose to undergo a labiaplasty.

Having an enlarged labia can cause feelings of self-consciousness when wearing clothing such as yoga pants, workout pants, and swimsuits and when becoming romantically involved with partners. These reasons are what females consider when choosing to undergo a labiaplasty.

There is no standard shape or size for genitalia, but you may be a good candidate for a labiaplasty if you:

• Are 18 years or older

• Have physical discomfort while sitting, exercising, or having sex

• Are self-conscious due to the size or appearance of your labia

• Have labial tears due to childbirth

• Have realistic expectations about final results

Step One – Anesthesia 

A Labiaplasty is typically performed as an outpatient treatment with IV sedation or general anesthesia.

Step two – The Incision

There are two types of techniques when it comes to a labiaplasty procedure. The best method to figure out which surgical procedure would be best for you is to explain your goals with your plastic surgeon and work together to choose the option that best meets your needs.

Depending on your natural anatomy and overall goals, labiaplasty may include a reduction of the outer (majora) labia, inner (minor) labia, or both.

The Trim Technique: The trim method is the most commonly used surgical method to perform a labiaplasty. An incision is made to remove the outside edge of the inner labia, bringing the inner and outer labia to the same level.

One of the main benefits of this labiaplasty method is that it trims away the darkest part of the labia, which for many women is one of the reasons they choose to undergo a labiaplasty.

The Wedge Technique: The wedge technique is a newer alternative to the trim labiaplasty. With this method, your surgeon removes a V-shaped wedge from both sides of the labia and then stitches the remaining edges together.

Step Three – Closing the Incisions

Your surgeon will close your incisions using resorbable stitches so that removal is not required.

Step Four – See the Results

You will see post-operative swelling and bleeding for the first couple of days after surgery, and it can take up to 6 weeks to see the final result.

The majority of labiaplasty treatments take an hour or two to complete. The operation will take about an hour if you are only having your inner or outer lips changed. Your treatment will take a couple of hours if you are having both of your lips altered.

The labiaplasty recovery period, like any other surgical surgery, requires rest, and your doctor will likely advise you to avoid physical activity, intimacy, and even walking for the first two days.

Day 1: Immediately after surgery, there will be swelling and bleeding.

Day 2-3: Bleeding will subside, and you will be instructed to apply the icing technique to stop further swelling.

Day 4-7: You can begin to start walking around, and your vagina will begin to look normal again. Stitches may be removed on the 7th day (if applicable)

Week 2: Icing is not as necessary, but you should still avoid more intricate exercising and intimacy.

Week 3: You should be able to sit more comfortably and move around with a lot less sensitivity or tenderness, and you can get back to a more active workout routine.

Week 4-6: You should be able to go back to your usual everyday activities and see the full results of your procedure.

Usually, six weeks after surgery, you will be able to see the full result of your labiaplasty surgery.

As with any major surgery, labiaplasty carries some risks such as:

– Bleeding

– Infection

– Reduced sensitivity of the genitals

– Asymmetry

– Temporary numbness

The price of a labiaplasty will vary from patient to patient as the complexity of the procedure is different for everyone. However, the average cost of a labiaplasty procedure in Canada is between $4,000-$6,000.

1012/1075 people who have undergone a labiaplasty have rated the procedure “Worth It” (94%).

– Source: Realself.com