Labiaplasty (Labia reduction)

What is Labiaplasty?

A Labiaplasty, commonly referred to as Labia reduction, is an aesthetic surgery for the female genitalia, which involves reduction of the labia. Wikipedia describes the average length of the labia minora (inner labia) of females between the ages of 18 – 50 to be 61 mm. However, longer lengths were recorded up to 100 mm. Patients request the surgery because their labia either hangs, or appears to be too long. Some patients complain of discomfort when wearing tight undergarments.

How popular is the surgery?

I have performed over 100 labiaplasty procedures. To help the general public learn more about this procedure I have appeared on WBAL TV in Baltimore, as well as published articles. My article,”Something to talk about“, which discusses who is a candidate for the procedure, appeared in PlasticSurgeryProductsOnline.com, which is a magazine distributed to other Plastic Surgeons.

What problems does Labiaplasty address?

My labia shows thru my clothes -a Maryland patient
Most patients have the labiaplasty to reduce the length of the labia because they either experience discomfort or pain or are simply unsatisfied with the way their labia looks. Some women have always been this way (congenital), whereas others develop the problem after childbirth or as they age. Those with full fatty mons (vaginal lips) can safely undergo liposuction of that area.

Candidates usually have these signs or symptoms

  • Long, or 'hanging' vaginal lips
  • Labial discomfort, pain, or irritation, particularly during certain activities or while wearing certain clothes
  • Embarrassment during intimacy

How is a Labiaplasty performed?

This procedure should be performed by a board certified plastic surgeon at either an accredited outpatient surgery center or a hospital. Although Labiaplasty is an elective cosmetic procedure, my experience with vaginal reconstruction while teaching in the Yale Plastic Surgery Department gives me unique qualifications for performing this procedure. During my plastic surgery residency I published a chapter on "Vulvar Reconstruction with SEPA flaps" in Obstetrics & Gynecology, the scientific publication for gynecologists. There are two basic surgical techniques used in Labiaplasty surgery, the trim method and the wedge method.

Trim method

Trim and wedge labiaplasty methods diagram.The trim method, also sometimes referred to as the strip method, is the most commonly used method for reducing the length of the labia. It basically takes excess labial skin away along the length (edge) of the labia minora. I prefer this method as it is less likely to cause complications and produces the best results for patients looking to remove the darker, longer edges of the labia.

Wedge method

The wedge method removes a wedge-shaped portion of the unwanted labium to reduce the bulk of the labia minora. I never use this method for labiaplasty as it is unwarranted given patients' goals.

What type of anesthesia is used?

The credentials of your surgeon, anesthesiologist, and the surgery center are all important. I perform this procedure under IV sedation with a board certified anesthesiologist. My Surgical Facility is AAAASF accredited and Medicare Certified. I do not recommend doing the procedure while you are awake. Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure that typically takes 1 to 2 hours. During the procedure you will be in a light twilight sleep. After the procedure, you will wake up as soon as the IV is removed from your wrist. You should have little or no nausea following the procedure and patients typically go home within one hour after the procedure is finished.

What are the preoperative requirements?

No smoking sign.During your consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon it is important to discuss and understand the surgical plan and any outcome concerns you have. Your surgeon should also provide a copy of the ASPS informed consent form so you can read it carefully in advance of your surgery. This document will list all the possible risks and complications. Preparations for the Labiaplasty involve the following:
  • Quit smoking 2 weeks prior to surgery.
  • Read the Informed Consent document which lists the possible risks and complications for the surgery. Make a list of questions.
  • Stop taking multivitamins, herbals, and aspirin two weeks prior to surgery.
  • Within 30 days of your surgery date, get a medical clearance for surgery with a Physical examination (H&P) and CBC (anemia detection).
  • Schedule a pre-op office appointment with the surgeon to review the surgical plan and sign the informed consent forms.
  • Get all of your prescriptions filled out before your surgery date.
  • Do not drink anything (NPO) after midnight the night before surgery.
Your procedure should be performed by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in an accredited surgery center. The most highly recognized accreditation agencies are Medicare, AAAASF, and JCAHO. Be sure that your facility is accredited by at least one of these organizations! In many cases, a facility will have accreditation from Medicare, and either AAAASF or JCAHO. Our surgery center is accredited by both Medicare and the AAAASF.

What is Labiaplasty Post-Op recovery like?

After Labiaplasty surgery there will be some discomfort and swelling. You can expect 80% of the swelling to subside by the end of the first week. The remaining swelling should be gone by 6 weeks.

Post-Operative recovery instructions

  • First week: Off of work
  • First week: Daily epson salt soaks
  • First 3 weeks: No sexual intercourse
  • At 4 weeks: Return to normal activities
In order to make sitting more comfortable, you will be given an inflatable donut cushion. Our office will also provide you with a sitz bath for therapeutic soaking in the immediate post operative period. You will have swelling in the first 3 - 4 days, and it will gradually disappear over the next couple of weeks. Most patients can resume sexual relations in 3 weeks. If you live near Baltimore, you can go home right after the surgery. Out-of-town patients normally stay overnight in one of our recommended hotels and can drive home the next day. If you are traveling home by airplane, we recommend a two night stay so that you can more comfortably move around on the trip home.

Will everything look and feel normal after my procedure?

Yes. The scars are very fine and hidden within natural skin creases. It is very difficult to spot them even up close. Sensation is often improved since there are no flaps of extra skin in the way.

What are the risks and possible complications?

As with any surgery, there are risks and possible complications associated with Labiaplasty. The most common complications include:
  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Change in sensation
  • Ongoing pain
These risks and potential complications will be discussed at your initial consultation and the pre-operative appointment. Patients are always asked to bring a list of questions to the pre-op appointment.

How much does Labiaplasty cost?

Labiaplasty Procedure 2024 Price (exp 5/1/24)
Labiaplasty with IV sedation $3,800
Total average cost for the Labiaplasty procedure includes the surgeon's fee, operating room fee, board certified Anesthesiologist's fee, and all office follow up visits.

Pink money box.Can I finance my Labiaplasty?

Yes, we work with a number of finance companies so that you can have a low, affordable, monthly payment. Please call the office at 410-494-8100 or see our financing section for more information.

Dr. Ricardo L. Rodriguez's signatureModified on |
Board Certified Plastic Surgery, ASPS Member

NOTICE

Patients depicted in our before and after galleries have provided their written consent to display their photos online. Every patient is unique, and surgical results may vary. Please contact us if you have any questions.