Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is a cosmetic procedure to reduce elongated or irregular labia minora. Women seek labiaplasty for a variety of reasons, some for personal hygiene and some for cosmetic reasons, such as a protruding labia. If you are bothered by this condition, labiaplasty may be the right solution for you.

FAQ About Labiaplasty

Is labiaplasty right for me?

This procedure, also known as labia reduction, labia rejuvenation, and vaginal lip reduction, is suitable for nearly all women who suffer the indignity of elongated or irregular labia minora. This condition, known as labial hypertrophy, has been linked to genetic causes as well as lifestyle factors, such as pregnancy, intercourse, and genital piercing. Labiaplasty can accomplish one or more of the following goals:

• improve symmetry of the labia minora
• reduce enlargement of the labia minora
• improve personal hygiene
• enhance patient self-confidence

Patients should be generally healthy and have reasonable expectations about surgical outcomes.

What happens during the surgery?

Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure with an operating time of roughly one to two hours. Under local anesthesia and IV sedation, the excess tissue of the labia is reduced and sutured. Dr. Feledy works to ensure that scarring will not be visible with specially targeted incisions.

What can I expect after the surgery?

After the surgery, you will return home with special instructions and prescribed medications. Abstinence from exercise and sexual intercourse for 4 weeks will be necessary for your labia to heal. Initial swelling and discomfort will be fully resolved in about 2 weeks. In most cases, the sutures are dissolvable, so you will not have to return to have them removed.

What are the risks of labiaplasty?

In nearly all cases, the natural appearance of your labia can be enhanced without affecting sensation or incurring unwanted complications. However, as with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of adverse events, which include infection, swelling, bleeding, scarring, prolonged swelling, asymmetry, and a need for revision surgery. You should discuss these risks with Dr. Feledy.

Schedule a Consultation to Learn More

If the appearance of your labia is a source of shame, embarrassment, or hygienic distress, then labiaplasty may be the solution. Call the offices of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jules Feledy in Virginia and Maryland. You can reach our Stafford office at 540-891-0040, or our Chevy Chase office at 301-654-5666.