Every woman’s labia are unique, and there is no single “correct” way for vaginal lips to look. However, many women feel that their labia do not have the shape, size, or appearance they desire for their bodies. This is especially common after childbirth, which can cause previously smaller labia to enlarge, change color, or become noticeably asymmetrical.
What is Labiaplasty?
As a surgical procedure, labiaplasty involves meticulously removing small amounts of tissue from the labia to reshape and resize them. The two main options are the “wedge” and “trim” techniques. The trim technique removes a more significant amount of the labia minora while further minimizing the risk of complications. Trim labiaplasty is also ideal for excising darker pigmented tissue, and it tends to heal very well.
The wedge technique involves removing a V-shaped section of tissue from both labia to reduce volume and then suturing the edges together. This method has some advantages, especially in terms of its relationship to the clitoral bulb, but it does leave darker pigmented tissue, which some women want removed.
Labiaplasty may also involve removing fat cells below the surface, using liposuction to decrease their volume as desired.
The procedure can take an hour or two on average, and you can choose either local or general anesthesia. The majority of these surgeries occur under local anesthesia. No overnight stay is required so patients can return home after their surgery.