Labiaplasty

Q: After the birth of my two children, my labia have remained enlarged creating discomfort and making it hard to wear certain clothing. Is there something that can be done?

A: Aesthetic surgery of the female genitalia is becoming more popular as social acceptance of these cosmetic and reconstructive procedures continues toward mainstream. The situation you describe is one of the most common complaints I hear. Usually secondary to childbirth, enlarged labia can also be genetic in origin. I actually see more younger women with this complaint than those post-childbirth. Reduction Labiaplasty is a procedure for women who have a problem with large labia minora or asymmetric labia. Labiaplasty permits the reduction of large labia to reduce their outward appearance and correct misshapenness or irregularities. In addition to the aesthetic outcome which by itself can greatly enhance self-esteem, better local hygiene, relief of chronic irritations and less interference with sexual intercourse have been seen as the main benefits. It is very common for many of my patients to say that they were unaware of this procedure, and had they known about it, they would have had it done years ago.
In general, the procedure involves the surgical removal of the excess, protuberant tissue while maintaining the natural contours of the labia without visible scarring. In some cases, the excess tissue extends above the clitoral hood which can also be reduced. The actual incision depends on the specific anatomy but uniformly heals well with no visible scars. The newest technique involves removal of an inferior wedge of tissue thereby preserving the natural edge of the labia. Other ancillary procedures can also involve contouring the labia majora or mons area, often using minimally invasive techniques such as ultrasonic liposuction. In most instances, reduction labiaplasty can be performed under local anesthesia in the office with minimal post-operative discomfort and quick return to work.
To learn more about female aesthetic genital surgery, please log onto my website at www.drhainer.com or come in for a complimentary consultation.