Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty addresses the size and shape of the labia, or the folds of skin that frame the opening of the vagina. There is naturally a significant amount of variation in the appearance of the labia from woman to woman, and normal asymmetries often occur. Many women seek this procedure because they have a natural excess of skin that may either cause discomfort when wearing tight-fitting clothing or make sex and intimacy difficult. Thus, a labiaplasty procedure may remove excess skin from both sides of the labia to reduce overall size, or from only one side to correct an asymmetry. As plastic surgery becomes more mainstream and socially acceptable, procedures such as labiaplasty (labia beautification and reduction) are gaining popularity. Women who have large or asymmetric labia or wish to change other aesthetic issues related to their genitalia may benefit from this procedure. In many cases, women are simply born with a large labia. In other cases, they may develop an enlarged labia as a result of childbirth or aging. Labiaplasty involves the surgical reduction of large or asymmetrical labia for aesthetic or medical reasons.

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE?

Ideal candidates are women who are unhappy with the appearance of their labia or who feel it protrudes too far causing a source of embarrassment with a sexual partner. Many women desire vaginal beautification in order to please their sexual partner and improve their own self-esteem. There are medical reasons for labiaplasty as well. In some cases, large labia may be a source of pain and discomfort. An excessively large or thick labia minora can cause chronic irritation when tight pants are worn or cause physical discomfort when engaging in sports or other physical activities. Good candidates for this procedure are adult women in good overall health. They need to be realistic about the effects of this surgery and do not feel pressured into labiaplasty by their partner.