Labiaplasty is the procedure that corrects the labia minora or majora and tightens the vagina when necessary. These minor procedures belong to cosmetic gynecology and are performed in collaboration with an experienced gynecological surgeon, for even better results.
At a glance
Labiaplasty is the procedure that corrects the labia minora or majora and tightens the vagina when necessary. These minor procedures belong to cosmetic gynecology and are performed in collaboration with an experienced gynecological surgeon, for even better results.
Severity
Medium
Type of Anaesthetic
Local / General
Clinic Stay
Same Day Discharge
Stitch removal
-
Recovery
3 - 4 weeks
Labiaplasty cost
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Labiaplasty is one of the most innovative body procedures in the field of plastic surgery. The shape and size of the external female genital organs show enormous variability, depending on racial, hereditary, hormonal, and other factors. There is also a completely different perception around the world of what is considered aesthetically acceptable or normal. In fact, since 2006 there has been an exhibition called “The Great Wall of Vulva” by British artist Jamie McCartney, which essentially includes casts of the vulva from 400 women.
This exhibition showcases three-dimensional shapes, aiming to highlight the anatomical diversity of this area. We could say that this artwork also demonstrates the importance of labiaplasty.
How does female anatomy affect labiaplasty?
We observe that the basic anatomical structures are the same in all women; however, what varies significantly are the proportions—mainly the skin of the inner labia in relation to the outer labia, the skin covering the clitoris, as well as the thickness of the outer labia. None of these variations are pathological, and they are all considered normal. However, in some women, the disproportion may be very pronounced and create aesthetic, psychological, or even functional concerns. Cosmetic surgery provides solutions to such issues with body procedures such as labiaplasty.
Hypertrophy of the inner labia of the vagina
The most common disproportion we see is hypertrophy of the inner labia in relation to the outer labia. The labia minora are anatomically expected to protrude in relation to the labia majora in most women, however, in some women they protrude excessively, resulting in complaints of various problems.
The most common concern that leads to a vulvoplasty is aesthetic. This occurs as the inner labia can be strongly outlined with a swimsuit or tight clothing and we often hear the term “camel toe” in reference to how the inner labia are outlined with underwear. Hypertrophy of the inner labia can also create dyspareunia, that is, pain and irritation during sexual intercourse. Finally, some women report that they have a constant feeling of moisture and that it is difficult to maintain hygiene in the area.
Hypertrophy of the clitoris and skin
Another case that can be treated with a vulvoplasty is clitoral hypertrophy. In some women, this issue can extend to both the clitoral area and the skin that covers it (clitoral hood). Sometimes it can also have the appearance of a miniature penis. Functionally, we do not see any problem here and the issue is mainly aesthetic. Vulvoplasty through innovative techniques can very easily solve this issue and be the means for a beautiful and natural result.
Atrophy of the outer lips
Another condition that can be treated with vulvoplasty is labia atrophy. With age or due to construction, we observe atrophy of the outer (major) labia in some women. This, combined with hypertrophy of the inner labia, can also lead to disproportion and require intervention in both the outer and inner labia. In other cases, especially when there is excess weight, there may be a strong enlargement of the outer labia or the pubis to the point that the entrance to the vagina may be completely covered.
Finally, in the context of vulvoplasty, we will also refer to problems related to the entrance to the vagina and the vagina in general. Issues such as urinary incontinence or vaginal prolapse are clearly the domain of other specialties such as gynecologists and urologists, however, laxity in the perineum and vagina can be treated within the framework of vulvoplasty and is always considered together.
Show your confidence.
Labiaplasty surgery offers functional and aesthetic restoration, with absolute respect for your body.
Techniques in labiaplasty
As mentioned above, the most common problem we surgically address with vulvoplasty is hypertrophy of the inner labia of the vagina. During the clinical examination, we need to determine whether the problem extends higher towards the clitoris or only concerns the labia minora and whether the labia majora are normal. Since the correction only concerns the labia minora, vulvoplasty is always performed based on the preferences of each woman, after explaining the specifics of each technique. There are two classic techniques:
Wedge resection labiaplasty
In wedge resection labiaplasty, a wedge-shaped portion of the excess tissue is removed from the lower and middle third of the inner labia. The advantage of this technique is that it offers high precision and can correct any asymmetries very effectively. Additionally, the scar becomes completely unnoticeable after a few weeks, and the result is very natural, as a part of the inner labia remains and does not disappear entirely.
Longitudinal labiaplasty
In cases of more pronounced hypertrophy of the inner labia, and when women desire an even cleaner appearance where the inner labia are minimally visible, we can proceed with a longitudinal excision. In this type of labiaplasty, the entire inner labium is removed from the bottom up to the clitoris, leaving a 1–1.5 cm remnant. This procedure is more extensive and is selected only in specific cases. The scar fades almost completely, but not as effectively as with the wedge excision.
In the clitoral area, it is also sometimes necessary to remove the excess skin that is a continuation of the inner labia and ends at the clitoral hood. There is no standardized procedure for this area and the technique is always customized based on each patient’s needs. The most common method is the V-Y reduction technique, which not only removes excess skin but can also lift the underlying tissue. Naturally, choosing labiaplasty does not affect the sensation or function of the clitoris, as the nerve supply comes from much deeper structures where no intervention is performed.
Labiaplasty with fat transfer or fat injection
In cases where the outer labia are very deflated, a labiaplasty with fat transfer can be performed using fat harvested from other areas of the body. This can sometimes be combined with labiaplasty for an even greater aesthetic improvement. When the outer labia are overly full, liposuction or surgical removal of the excess tissue may be performed. The mons pubis can also be aesthetically improved with liposuction when there is excess fat accumulation.
In cases of mild vaginal laxity, a slight improvement can be achieved with fat injection inside the vagina, helping to tighten the entire vaginal canal. In cases of more severe vaginal laxity, a perineoplasty is performed — a direct surgical tightening and restoration of the perineum and vagina.
Recovery after labiaplasty
The plastic surgeon usually performs these procedures under local anesthesia in the clinic. Pain is generally mild and can be managed with oral painkillers. During the first few days, there may be a slight discharge of fluids or a small amount of blood, which is completely normal. The most critical phase of recovery is the first 24 hours, during which rest is required to avoid the risk of bleeding or hematoma formation.
Sexual intercourse should be avoided for 3–4 weeks after labiaplasty, until healing is complete. The scars disappear completely and are positioned in such a way that they do not cause any aesthetic or functional issues.
Results of labiaplasty
After labiaplasty, the aesthetic appearance of the vulva improves significantly, and in some cases, sexual intercourse becomes more comfortable due to reduced mechanical irritation. Labiaplasty in no way affects libido or the ability to achieve orgasm.
The greatest improvement is often observed in the psychological impact of the procedure. For many women, it is a taboo subject, and many were unaware that there is a solution to their problem. Unfortunately, this is partly due to the attitude of many gynecologists, who discourage women from undergoing labiaplasty.
Nevertheless, the results are impressive and contribute greatly to boosting self-confidence and emotional well-being.
"I had consulted my gynecologist, as I was considering having a labiaplasty. He recommended the Papaioannou clinic to me, for a safe and certain result. Indeed, from the first moment, I understood that I was in good hands!"
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Dr. Prodromos Papaioannou
He completed his plastic surgery specialization in Germany, at the Pirmasens Hospital, the Asklepios Wandsbek Hospitals in Hamburg, the University Hospital in Magdeburg and the Braunschweig Clinic. He worked as a specialist-deputy director at the Braunschweig Clinic (specializing in breast reconstruction after cancer and cosmetic surgery). He also participated in scientific research and completed his doctoral thesis (Dr. Med.) at the Magdeburg Clinic.