Labiaplasty

Many women suffer from labial hypertrophy, and are often embarrassed and self-conscious about the condition. While some women are born with larger than average genitalia, others experience changes due to childbirth and aging, as hormones and time can enlarge the labia.

In most cases, women begin to notice labial hypertrophy when wearing a bathing suit or other tight-fitting clothing. This can be uncomfortable during certain activities, such as exercise, in addition to the cosmetic concerns that labial hypertrophy can cause.

Many women choose not to pursue treatment for labial hypertrophy, but if you are uncomfortable with the appearance and size of the area, there is a surgical procedure that can reduce the size of the labia, recontouring the area and improving the appearance. This procedure is known as labiaplasty. A labiaplasty procedure involves the removal of excess tissue and careful shaping of the labia minora (inner protruding tissues of the genitalia) to restore a comfortable and attractive shape and size.

In addition to labial hypertrophy, women may also develop a deflated, or shrunken labia majora (the outer part of the female genitalia), which can be treated using a variety of techniques, most of which are minimally invasive. Rejuvenation of the labia can increase everyday comfort, enhance sexual intercourse, and improve self-esteem and confidence. 

Not sure if a labiaplasty is right for you? A consultation at Emory Aesthetic Center will be the first step in determining whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure. Our skilled plastic surgeons will discuss your goals with you and walk you through the benefits, risks, and specifics of the labiaplasty procedure. Your candidacy will also be evaluated at this time. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, get to know our surgeons, and determine if the labiaplasty is right for you.

Not everyone is a good candidate for labiaplasty, and assessing your candidacy is an important part of the surgical planning process. To be eligible for labiaplasty, candidates should be in generally good health, and have excess bulk in the genital area that affects comfort or self-esteem. Patients need to be realistic about the results of the procedure, and should discuss with a plastic surgeon the type of results that can be expected.

The first step in labiaplasty surgery is anesthesia for both patient safety and comfort. There are different options for anesthesia, and the type that will be used depends on each patient's needs and the complexity of the procedure.

Once anesthesia has been administered, delicate instruments will be used to remove wedge-shaped pieces of tissue to minimize the trauma and scarring to the area. The labia will be carefully reshaped, and in some cases the labia majora will be addressed as well, if desired for shape. This can also be performed as a standalone procedure.