Labiaplasty or Labial Reduction Surgery
Enlargement of the inner vaginal lips, or labia minora is a legitimate medical condition that may
negatively affect women. The medical term for this is labial hypertrophy. Abnormal enlargement may
cause the labia to protrude beyond the larger outer kips, called labia majora. Labial hypertrophy may be
congenital in nature and therefore affect young women in adolescence, or it may develop later in women
in the postpartum period because of hormonal changes. In some cases, the labia may become very
asymmetrical. Regardless of the cause, this condition can be fixed via labiaplasty surgery.
Symptoms of Labial Hypertrophy
Labial hypertrophy can cause symptoms such as pain or discomfort with activities such as exercise,
sexual intercourse or with wearing tighter fitting clothes. Discomfort often results from excoriation or
chafing as the enlarged labia rub against tight fitting clothes, tract in or out during intercourse, or get
irritated when doing activities such as riding a bicycle. The enlarged labia can actually have an abnormal
testicular appearance and protrude out in more revealing clothing such as a swimsuit. This can distressful
to the woman and can affect her self-esteem. This is especially true in younger women who become very
self-conscious because of their appearance during their high school or college years. Insecurity or
embarrassment with sexual partners is not uncommon.
Extreme hypertrophy of >15cm in a 15 year old
Labiaplasty Procedure
Labiaplasty (also called labial contouring or reshaping, cosmetic labiaplasty, labia minora reduction) is a
procedure that is completed in an outpatient setting that may be completed under local anesthesia and
mild sedation.. The labiaplasty procedure reduces uneven or enlarged labia minora without significant
scars. Care is taken to contour, reshape and reduce the size of the labia, without creating a significant scar,
to leave the labia with their natural pigmentation and a more physiologic appearance. In most cases after
healing, the labiaplasty is undetectable as the suture is fine and fast-absorbing.
1 week postoperative
4 weeks postoperative – healed well
Patients may travel in from out of town to have the labiaplasty procedure completed to stay in the local
area for one or two days after surgery prior to traveling home.
Most patients can expect some bruising and mild swelling related discomfort following labiaplasty
surgery. Ice packs and sitz baths are utilized after surgery to help minimize swelling and discomfort, and
mild analgesics are also used. If swelling or bruising occurs, it usually is resolved after a week or two.
The final optimal results can usually be appreciated several months after cosmetic labiaplasty. Most
patients can return to work or school within a day or two after labial reduction surgery; however,
strenuous activity or tight clothing is discouraged and patients must refrain from sexual intercourse for 6
weeks after surgery.
The labiaplasty surgery can also be completed in conjunction or at the same time as other procedures if
necessary, such as urinary incontinence procedures, reconstructive or prolapse procedures or even vaginal
hysterectomy.
Why a Reconstructive Pelvic Surgeon is Important for your Labiaplasty
Dr. Croak is a fellowship trained Urogynecologist and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgeon. This means that he
trained for several years in advanced reconstructive surgical techniques after residency to become a
specialist in this field. His practice primarily deals with to restoring normal function and anatomy of the
pelvic floor and vagina. He is an expert in his field and often treats patients with the most severe forms of
pelvic floor dysfunction, including patients who have had multiple suboptimal operations.
Risks of Labiaplasty
As with any surgery, there is the potential for complications with labiaplasty. Classic risks, as with most
surgery, include bleeding, infection and scarring. Patients are given antibiotics prior to and after the
labiaplasty surgery, which results in a very low risk of infection. Bleeding is also a rare risk in labiaplasty;
and can occur post-operatively if strenuous activity or intercourse is begun to early. Problems with
healing, such as incision separation, under or over correction, scarring and/or pain following the surgery,
are rare but can happen. However, they can occur as with any vaginal surgery and may require further
surgery or revision. The risk of any of these problems is < 1% and is also decreased when an experienced
surgeon is performing the procedure.
Success Rates of Labiaplasty
Dr. Croak has excellent success and patient satisfaction regarding labiaplasty. Most women resolve their
symptoms and are also pleased with their appearance after labial reduction surgery.