Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is a procedure that focuses on enhancing the shape of the labia, the folds of skin surrounding the clitoris and vaginal opening. A patient may choose to undergo labiaplasty for comfort or cosmetic reasons, or both.

Double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg and his team of fellow surgeons, including Jason M. Weissler, MD; Stephanie A. Cooper, MD, and Jacqueline Ross, M.D. have years of experience with this procedure and are considered top providers of labiaplasty. They use their advanced anatomical knowledge to help patients achieve their desired improvements in this delicate area of the body.

If you are considering labiaplasty, then schedule a consultation with one of the providers at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. We have locations in Southampton, Smithtown, Woodbury, Scarsdale, New York City, Princeton, and Boca Raton. It is essential to seek the advice of a qualified surgeon for a delicate procedure like labiaplasty, and our practice offers comprehensive consultations to help you make an informed decision about this procedure. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about the benefits of labiaplasty. If you have any questions, please call (844) 568-6717 to get the information you need.

About Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is a surgical technique used to alter the shape of the labia minora, the inner external folds of skin surrounding the vulva in female genitalia (as opposed to the labia majora, or the outer external folds). This procedure is performed to resolve patient concerns about the aesthetics and comfort of their intimate areas during physical activities and intercourse. ⁽¹⁾ It can also be utilized to correct complications stemming from childbirth or aging.

During the procedure, a highly skilled surgeon will reshape or reduce the size of the labia to achieve a more symmetrical and cosmetically pleasing appearance. This alteration can lessen the discomfort of enlarged or elongated labia that may result in chafing, irritation, or pain during sex or other physical activities.

Labiaplasty is increasingly recognized in the field of cosmetic surgery as an effective method for enhancing both comfort and aesthetics. ⁽¹⁾ Many women seek labiaplasty because they feel self-conscious about the size or shape of their vaginal lips, especially if it affects their daily life or intimacy. Factors influencing a woman’s decision to undergo labiaplasty may include genetic predispositions, hormonal changes, or the effects of aging.

Benefits

Labiaplasty offers many benefits that significantly improve the lives of patients. At Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, our patients regularly experience:

Candidates

You may be a good candidate for labiaplasty if you suffer from physical or emotional distress due to large, stretched, and/or asymmetrical labia. Such conditions often cause patients to have difficulty engaging in certain activities and exercises, such as bike riding or yoga. Candidates for labiaplasty frequently experience self-consciousness and/or pain during intimate moments as well.

Labiaplasty candidates should also be in good general health, maintain realistic expectations, and be willing to collaborate with their doctor to plan their ideal treatment.

Personal Consultation

The best way to find out if labiaplasty can resolve your concerns is to reach out to our office to schedule a consultation with one of our caring and knowledgeable surgeons. During your consultation, your individual needs and treatment goals can be evaluated to determine if you can benefit from this procedure. We understand that discussing your labiaplasty goals may be uncomfortable, so we treat all patients with personalized care and respect.

Preparation

Labiaplasty carries the typical risks of complications associated with all surgeries. To greatly reduce these risks, be sure to follow your surgeon’s pre-operative instructions, which will be written to match your unique medical status and history.

In the days leading up to your procedure, you will be asked to avoid certain medications or supplements that can increase the chance of bleeding, such as alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and omega-3 supplements. You must also stop smoking (or using any form of nicotine) for several weeks before and after surgery.

Procedure

On the day of surgery, you will receive either general anesthesia or a local anesthetic to numb the area. There are two surgical methods your surgeon may use: the trim procedure or the wedge procedure. During a trim labiaplasty, your surgeon will make small incisions to remove excess tissue or reshape your labia. Some patients will see an improvement in the labia coloring with this method, as the darker edges of the labia are often removed. ⁽²⁾

A wedge labiaplasty is a slightly more intricate procedure but offers impactful results. During this procedure, a triangular wedge is marked on the skin and then removed. Once removed, these two new edges are sutured together. The wedge labiaplasty technique preserves the natural contours of the labia edge. ⁽²⁾

The technique used by your surgeon will vary based on your exact anatomic needs and appearance goals. After your procedure, you will receive careful attention from our staff to help accelerate your recovery. Your Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology provider may prescribe pain medications and antibiotics to help you resume normal activities as soon as possible.

Recovery

Immediately following the procedure, you may experience slight swelling, bruising, or discomfort. The prescriptions you receive from your surgeon should help reduce these symptoms. You may also be instructed to wear a supportive garment to minimize swelling and provide additional comfort. In the first few days after your labiaplasty, you should avoid strenuous activities and exercise.

You will also need to abstain from sexual activity until after it has been cleared by your surgeon. To reduce the risk of infection, keep the area clean and dry. As the swelling begins to subside, you may notice that your labia are still somewhat tender. This sensitivity is normal and should improve over time. Your surgeon will monitor the healing process by meeting with you for follow-up appointments.

Results

As with any surgical procedure, it is best to follow the post-operative instructions from your surgeon to achieve an optimal outcome. Depending on their specific motivations for the surgery, our labiaplasty patients can expect to experience cosmetic and/or functional improvements. Though the aging process may eventually affect the appearance of the labia, this procedure provides long-lasting results. Labiaplasty procedures carry high patient satisfaction rates, and our patients are consistently happy with their results.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

In addition to labiaplasty, our practice also offers other effective vaginal rejuvenation treatments. Patients may become dissatisfied with their vaginal appearance due to hormonal changes, childbirth, medications, and other factors. For patients who are looking for a non-surgical alternative to labiaplasty, our vaginal rejuvenation treatments with EmpowerRF™ by Inmode can improve vaginal tightness, reduce bladder leakage, increase lubrication, and create a more youthful-looking appearance by using radiofrequency heat technology that increase collagen production. Your surgeon will discuss all vaginal rejuvenation options with you during your personal consultation, so you can make an informed decision about your procedure.

Cost of Labiaplasty in New York

The cost of labiaplasty often varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the complexity of the case. During your consultation, your surgeon will provide you with a cost estimate that is accurate for your specific situation.

Our practice is proud to offer multiple financing options for our patients’ consideration. If you have any questions while you begin to plan your labiaplasty, please feel free to give our New York office a call at (844) 568-6717 to speak with one of our expert staff members today.

FAQ

References

1. Willis RN, Wong CS, Pai A, Patel BC. Labiaplasty Minora Reduction. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448086/
2. Gowda AU, Chopra N, Khalifeh M. Indications, Techniques and Complications of Labiaplasty. Eplasty. 2015;15:ic46. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4544281/