Labiaplasty is a plastic surgical procedure which alters the size and/or shape of a woman's labial area. This surgery can be performed to change the size or shape of the labial area to a more desirable one, and consists of removing excess tissue from the labia to achieve the desired shape or size. This procedure solves a problem which causes some women to experience stress. Besides surgery, there is little or nothing else to be done to change the size or shape of the labia.



Childbirth and aging, among other factors can all alter the appearance of a woman's labial and vaginal area. A labia which is seen as being big, or one which is asymmetrical can make a woman think about choosing to have this procedure. Overly large labia can also lead to infections and swelling from routine abrasion, as well as discomfort.

Women whose bodies are still developing should not have this procedure. This is a procedure meant for fully grown adults who are in all around good health - your doctor will want to make sure you are in good shape before undergoing a labiaplasty. Those with some medical conditions should not have the surgery. Your plastic surgeon will be able to furnish you with detailed information on exactly who can ,as well as who should not have a labiaplasty. This is a surgery not every plastic surgeon performs, so your surgeon will probably be a specialist and therefore be very knowledgeable about it.

Labiaplasty is not a terribly complex surgery, but this does depends in large part on the patients desired outcome. The length and complexity of the procedure depends a great deal on whether the outer lips (majora) or inner lips (minora) of the labia are being reduced during the procedure. The surgery normally takes about two hours and is almost always done under local instead of general anesthetic as an outpatient procedure.

In the recovery period, you can expect swelling and bruising, especially in the areas where incisions were made. These will fade in a few weeks time. Painkillers and antibiotics are commonly prescribed; if you are taking antibiotics, be sure to have yogurt regularly to maintain a good bacterial balance in your body. Your surgeon will also advise you what activities should be refrained from to make sure your healing process goes smoothly.

Many women have benefited from labiaplasty. If you think you might be interested in having this procedure, talk to a board certified plastic surgeon about it to learn more.