Labiaplasty in Boston

What is Labiaplasty (Labial Reduction)?

Labiaplasty is a plastic surgery procedure done to remove excess labial skin to make the labia smaller, reduce irritation of the area, and make the labia look more symmetrical. Labiaplasty is becoming a much more common plastic surgery procedure in the United States during the past 5-10 years although labiaplasty has been very common in Europe for many years.

Why do people choose to have labiaplasty?

The most common reasons for patients to seek labiaplasty are:

• The labia are irritated, chafed, and rubbed by tight fitting clothing, close fitting jeans, exercise clothing, and the vigorous athletic lifestyle of many of today’s women.
• Many women choose to have labiaplasty for strictly cosmetic reasons because they feel they have long, large, asymmetrical or unusually shaped labia.
• Clitoral hood reduction or hoodectomy is done when there is excess clitoral hood skin reducing sensitivity of the clitoris.

How is labiaplasty performed?

Because of the delicacy of labial skin, we use a laser technique to remove excess labial tissue. A special laser is used to make the actual incision and remove the tissue. The laser labiaplasty technique avoids clamping, reduces bleeding, and results in less scarring after healing. It is crucial to avoid scarring in these very sensitive tissues. The laser procedure produces very fine and well healed scars and less bruising.

Is labiaplasty painful?

Surprisingly, with the laser technique, patients do not report significant pain after these procedures. You will be given medications for control of any discomfort but most patients report little discomfort. Ice packs applied during the first 24 hours are very helpful to prevent pain, bruising and swelling.

How soon after pregnancy can labiaplasty be performed?

We recommend waiting for at least 6 months to a year after childbirth and the cessation of breastfeeding. It is also important that you be in good health and to have lost the weight you gained during pregnancy.

What is recovery like after labiaplasty?

You will be comfortable after 3-4 days. Ice packs help during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling and discomfort. We recommend bed rest the first day or two to prevent irritation of the area from clothing and walking. Bed rest also helps reduce and lessen swelling and bruising. Vigorous exercise and sexual activity must be delayed for 6 weeks after labiaplasty. Wearing loose fitting clothing is important for the first week to 10 days.

When will I see the final result of labiaplasty?

You will see improvement in the appearance of the labia immediately after the procedure. However, your final result in terms of appearance will appear after swelling has resolved, which can take 3-4 weeks.

Who should do my labiaplasty or clitoral hood resection?

I recommend a cosmetic surgeon who is experienced with working with the labial tissues and clitoral hood. This may be a board-certified plastic surgeon or gynecologist.

Labiaplasty Gallery