What is Labiaplasty?

NYC Labiaplasty is a plastic surgery procedure, commonly known as a type of vaginal rejuvenation, that is used to reduce the size of the labia minora tissue. This surgical procedure is growing in popularity with women in NYC and across the U.S. 

The labia minora, also known as the inner labia or inner lips of the vulva, come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Some women have very small vaginal lips that might be hard to see, and other women have very large vaginal lips that overflow to the outside.

The appearance of the labia minora can change naturally as women age, lose a lot of weight, or go through childbirth. Some women might even experience pain, discomfort, reduced sensitivity, or low self-confidence from certain anatomical conditions. 

At Great City Medical, gynecologists are here to help you look and feel your best. We provide personal labiaplasty consultations and perform some of the best labiaplasty procedures in NYC.

When is labiaplasty medically necessary?

Excess tissue can make it difficult for women to feel comfortable wearing form-fitting clothing, such as yoga pants or bathing suits. It can also make women feel self-conscious in the bedroom.

But, the most common reason for women to get labiaplasty is not actually for cosmetic reasons. While it can be a cosmetic surgery, most women who get labiaplasty do so because it can be medically necessary.

Excess tissue can cause severe pain, irritation, chafing, and itching during activities such as exercise, sexual intercourse, and more. Women with enlarged labia minoras may not be able to participate in physical activity such as riding a bike or jogging, which can be reasons that the surgery is medically necessary. Labiaplasty is also considered medically necessary when the labia minora tissue gets tucked or pulled into the vaginal opening during sexual intercourse.

Excess labia tissue can also cause difficulties for maintaining proper hygiene and increases a woman’s risk of urinary tract infections. Many women with this condition may suffer with infections their whole life. Increased risk of infection is another reason that labiaplasty can be medically necessary.

What does a labiaplasty consist of?

The goal of labiaplasty surgery is to reduce the size of the labia minora so that it does not hang down below the labia majora. Labiaplasty is a relatively minor, minimally invasive  outpatient procedure that is performed under general anesthesia (sedation). 

The most common type of labiaplasty is the trim procedure. With a trim labiaplasty, the extra labia tissue is trimmed off linearly around the outside edge of the labia minora. 

Another popular labiaplasty is the wedge procedure. With the wedge procedure, the surgeon will remove a v-shaped section, or a wedge, of the labia minora and then suture the tissue back together. This method helps maintain some of the natural shape and wrinkles of the labia minora.

When getting a labiaplasty, a clitoral hood reduction can be performed at the same time if you also suffer from extra tissue folds around the clitoris.  Either surgical method can help reduce the overall size of the labia minora. Both methods can also help remedy asymmetry.

Since it is a surgical procedure, patients must allow for some recovery time after labiaplasty. After surgery, you should allow 1–2 weeks for recovery time at home and avoid any strenuous physical activity for several days after your procedure. Do not use tampons or have sexual intercourse of any kind for 4–6 weeks following their surgery, or until cleared by a doctor.

Labiaplasty patients may experience some discomfort for a few days after surgery. Some swelling and bruising around the operation site is common. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to help manage any pain or swelling. Most swelling will disappear within 6 weeks of surgery. Any scars from the surgery will be nearly invisible once fully healed.

How common is labiaplasty surgery?

Labiaplasty is not the most common plastic surgery (when compared to surgeries such as rhinoplasty or breast augmentation), but its popularity is on the rise.

While many women may opt for labiaplasty as a cosmetic procedure, the most common reason women receive this surgery is for medical reasons and to improve sensation. As this surgical procedure grows in popularity, women who have perviously struggled with labial pain, discomfort, and infections are now aware that labiaplasty can be a great solution for them.

Does labiaplasty affect sensation?

Naturally, many women are concerned about reduced sensation after getting labiaplasty, but in general there is nothing to worry about. As with any surgery, there is some risk of decreased sensitivity, numbness, dryness, and permanent scarring, although these risks are relatively very minor.

Many women who opt for labiaplasty do so because they already suffer from discomfort or reduced sensation during sexual activity, so labiaplasty will actually enhance sensation for these women. The excess labia tissue, especially when paired with excess folds in the clitoral hood, can interfere with sensation in the bedroom. 

Getting labiaplasty to remove that excess labial tissue should actually increase sensation and pleasure for women. Many women report that removing the excess tissue is positively life-changing.

Book a labiaplasty consultation

Call us at Great City Medical today and book your labiaplasty consultation our gynecologists will discuss labiaplasty and help you determine if this surgical procedure is right for you! 

We want you to look and feel your best, so we will provide you with the best medical advice and treatment we can offer. 

If you do decide to book a labiaplasty procedure with us, our NYC gynecologists will walk you through it every step of the way. We care about your recovery and provide follow-up appointments after the procedure to make sure everything heals properly and you are completely satisfied.