What is a Labiaplasty?

For women concerned with the outward appearance of their genitalia or physical discomfort caused by excessive labial tissue, labiaplasty is an outpatient plastic surgery procedure designed to reduce the amount of excess tissue in the vaginal area. This can apply to the inner lips, known as the labia minora, or the outer lips, known as the labia majora. While this condition can develop following pregnancy, it can also be inherent or gene-related.

Benefits of Labiaplasty

This surgical procedure provides a number of benefits for women who would like to change the shape, size, or appearance of their labia. Benefits of labiaplasty include the following:

  • A more aesthetic, symmetrical female genitalia
  • Improved comfort during sexual activity
  • Enhanced sexual pleasure
  • Better comfort during exercise
  • Better comfort and confidence when wearing tight clothing or swimsuits
  • Improved female hygiene
  • More sexual confidence

Candidates for labiaplasty

Women who are unhappy with the appearance or feeling of asymmetrical or enlarged labia are likely good candidates for this type of vaginal rejuvenation. Many women find labiaplasty to be a life-changing procedure that increases confidence and comfort.

Ideal candidates for labiaplasty should meet the following requirements:

  • Are 18 years old or older
  • Are generally in good health
  • Do not smoke
  • Have asymmetrical labia
  • Have overly large, protruding, or prominent labia
  • Are self-conscious about their labia
  • Have sexual concerns due to the size and shape of the labia
  • Have torn or stretched labia due to vaginal childbirth
  • Have sagging, enlarged or elongated labia due to age
  • Sitting, exercise, sex, and/or tight-fitting clothing, cause twisting, pain, or discomfort

Preparing For Labiaplasty

To prepare for labiaplasty, the first step is to schedule an initial consultation at our office to discuss your goals and determine the best surgical technique for your needs. During your consultation, you’ll have a physical examination to determine the amount of excess skin in the vaginal lips, and also we'll review your medical history and expectations for this vaginal rejuvenation procedure. You may be advised to stop certain medications, avoid smoking, and arrange for post-surgical care. Following these steps ensures you’re fully prepared for a smooth and successful labiaplasty experience.

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The Labiaplasty Procedure

Because labiaplasty is restricted to a small portion of the body, it can be performed under local anesthesia, with the patient awake, It is usually performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation when combined with other, more comprehensive cosmetic procedures.

Once an anesthetic is applied, Dr. Esmailian can address any excess tissue in the labia. Both the labia majora and labia minora can be treated and reduced according to the surgical plan you and Dr. Esmailian previously decided upon. He will leave enough tissue in the labia minora to ensure the vaginal opening is closed while the patient is standing.

Labiaplasty Before & After Photos

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Recovery After Labiaplasty

A labiaplasty is not very invasive, and the recovery time is minimal. Avoid strenuous activities and sexual intercourse for one month following your labiaplasty, and sometimes sooner depending upon how much tissue was excised. Initial swelling will decrease within the first weeks following the procedure.

Dr. Esmailian’s patients are happy with the results of labiaplasty. They routinely report significant improvement in self-confidence and sexual sensation, as well as a decrease in introversion associated with their labia. Please call us to find out more about labial reduction.

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Schedule a Consultation

Dr. Esmailian is a dedicated, experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. He is known as one of the top plastic surgeons in the greater Los Angeles area, with a passion for helping patients achieve their vaginal rejuvenation goals and improve their quality of life. To schedule a consultation at our office to discuss labiaplasty and other vaginal rejuvenation procedures, please contact us today. Our skilled team will help you explore your options for reshaping the labia and improving the appearance of the vulva.

FAQs About Labiaplasty

What is the cost of labiaplasty?

How long is the procedure?

Will there be any visible scars after labiaplasty?

How long do results last?

Will this procedure affect my sensitivity?

Will there be pain?

Are there risks?

Can I combine any other procedures with labiaplasty?

What is the cost of labiaplasty?

The cost of labiaplasty varies from person to person depending on their needs and aesthetic goals. The complexity of the procedure will determine the cost of labiaplasty for each case.

How long is the procedure?

Labiaplasty typically takes between 45 minutes to an hour to complete.

Will there be any visible scars after labiaplasty?

Incisions are made in the natural folds and creases of the skin. Scars fade quickly and are hard to detect.

How long do results last?

In most cases, the results of labiaplasty procedures are so long-lasting that they are considered permanent.

Will this procedure affect my sensitivity?

The procedure is designed to increase and heighten sensitivity. You will likely feel initial numbing where the incisions are made. This will fade over time.

Will there be pain?

During your recovery, you will experience pain that can be managed with over-the-counter medication. The recovery period is short and lasts only a few days to a week.

Are there risks?

Labiaplasty has the same risks as any surgery, including bleeding, infection, scarring, ongoing pain, and others. Labiaplasty also has the risk of causing pain with sex or loss of sensitivity.

Can I combine any other procedures with labiaplasty?

You can combine other procedures with labiaplasty for a more comprehensive cosmetic surgery plan for the genital area. Commonly paired procedures include vaginoplasty, which tightens the vaginal canal, and reshaping or reducing excess tissue surrounding the clitoris with a clitoral hood to enhance the appearance of the vulva.3 Some women opt to include labiaplasty as part of a Mommy Makeover, which often involves breast augmentation and liposuction, among other body contouring procedures.

1 Cleveland Clinic. Labiaplasty. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21953-labiaplasty. Accessed September 23, 2024.
2 BMC Women’s Health. Health professionals’ and beauty therapists’ perspectives on female genital cosmetic surgery: an interview study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10647082/. Accessed September 23, 2024.
3 ASPS. What is clitoral hood reduction? https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/aesthetic-genital-plastic-surgery/clitoral-hood-reduction. Accessed September 23, 2024.

Page updated: October 09, 2024

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