Labiaplasty: What is it and is it for you?
It's a part of the female anatomy hidden by clothing almost 99 percent of the time. Yet, there is a growing demand for plastic surgery for the vaginal area. The demand is so great that you can readily find information online and through social media about "vaginal rejuvenation," as if your nether regions require a makeover.
"Vaginal rejuvenation" is a broad term that covers procedures meant to enhance vaginal appearance and functionality. However, the phrase has been co-opted by product manufacturers and influencers to describe surgical, nonsurgical and holistic vaginal treatments. Vaginal rejuvenation is also sometimes used to refer to cosmetic surgery procedures, including labiaplasty, clitoral hood reduction, labia majoraplasty, monsplasty and vaginoplasty. Still, some people also use it to refer to new-age or holistic procedures not performed by a medical doctor, causing some confusion about what vaginal rejuvenation is and isn't or what it can or can't do.
We are talking here about labiaplasty. Lumped into the vaginal rejuvenation category, labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of your labia minora. Those are the skin folds that surround the urethra and vagina. It's time to pull out your hand mirror, take a look at your vagina and take a deep dive into what should never be a taboo topic – your vaginal health.
What is labiaplasty?
If you need to pull out an anatomy book or do a quick Google search as you read this piece, that's okay. Do it. Studies out of the United Kingdom suggest that most women, not just people – but women – do not understand vaginal anatomy and cannot correctly label the parts of their own body. Nearly half of women cannot correctly label the vagina, and more than half do not know what the urethra is. Hint: It's the hollow tube that runs from the bladder to the vestibule, an area between the labia minora in front of the virginal opening that allows urine to leave the body.
With so much confusion surrounding the female body, it is natural to need an anatomy lesson before jumping into whether a labiaplasty is a surgical option for you.
"Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure designed to reshape or reduce the size of the labia minor, the inner folds of skin surrounding the vulva," said Lara Devgan, MD. "Think of it as tailoring. Just as someone might have clothes altered for a better fit, labiaplasty can provide a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing alignment with a woman's personal goals for her body."
This is not a one-size-fits-all procedure, so it's important to remember that every patient is unique.
"In my practice, the inner lips are the most common area to be treated," said Katerina Gallus, MD, FACS. "This usually entails a reduction in the labia minora and clitoral hood. Everyone's anatomy is different, so this procedure is tailored to the patient's goals and anatomy."
Should you consider labiaplasty?
Another point of confusion when discussing vaginal surgical procedures is why a person would want or need labiaplasty in the first place? A patient can opt for a labiaplasty for aesthetic reasons, but many women choose the procedure because excess tissue or skin can lead to chafing, causing pain and discomfort.
"Women may seek labiaplasty for a variety of reasons, ranging from aesthetic preferences to functional concerns, such as discomfort during physical activities like cycling or pain with certain types of clothing," said Dr. Devgan.
Aesthetic concerns may be a driving force behind women seeking labiaplasty, but there is real value in its ability to address pain and discomfort.
"The most common reason patients seek labiaplasty is because the extra tissue interferes with their daily life," said Dr. Gallus. "The labia can get caught in clothing, make wearing leggings, bikinis and other tighter-fitting clothing difficult, create irritation or be bothersome during sex."
Dr. Devgan noted that exploring labiaplasty is a deeply personal choice. She said some patients feel discomfort or irritation, while others want to enhance the appearance of their labia for reasons tied to confidence or intimacy.
"A thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will help determine if this is the right path for you," said Dr. Devgan. "We look at your physical concerns, your goals and your overall health. A good analogy is thinking of how we decide whether a pair of shoes fit. If they're causing blisters or don't feel quite right, we seek out something more comfortable. Your body deserves the same attention."
Childbirth is one of the leading causes for women seeking these procedures, as they want help to restore their "pre-baby" bodies, but both surgeons note that a growing number of women opt for labiaplasty and vaginal procedures without having children.
"While many women do seek vaginal procedures after pregnancy, to address changes caused by childbirth, labiaplasty and other vaginal rejuvenation procedures are not limited to this group," said Dr. Devgan. "Women of all ages and backgrounds come in with different concerns, whether they've had children or not."
For some women, they've had concerns that have existed even before adulthood and have no relation to childbearing.
"About 50 percent of my patients haven't had children," said Dr. Gallus. "They are motivated to remove the excess that has been present since puberty."
Preparing for labiaplasty
Does the thought of surgery "down there" make you feel slightly nervous? Hang in there.
"The procedure takes approximately an hour, is done under a local anesthetic, and patients can go home immediately," said Dr. Gallus. "About half of my patients do the procedure under just local anesthetic and drive themselves home. The other half choose to take an oral sedative to alleviate any anxiety about having the procedure awake."
Although the procedure is relatively quick, the recovery process takes time.
"Recovery from labiaplasty typically takes about one to two weeks for the initial healing phase," said Dr. Devgan. "During this time, patients may experience some swelling, bruising or mild discomfort, much like you might after a long workout. Full recovery can take up to six weeks, during which activities like exercise and intercourse should be avoided."
She also noted that recovery is like healing after a minor injury. You start feeling better day by day, and by the end of six weeks, most patients return to normal routines without any lingering issues. However, it is a process, and slow and steady progress should be the goal.
No two vaginas are the same, and neither are the outcomes of a labiaplasty.
"The results of labiaplasty are highly individualized, but most women experience relief from physical discomfort and find the appearance of the labia more aligned with their personal aesthetic preferences," said Dr. Devgan.
What else can you do for your vagina?
Labiaplasty isn't the only procedure designed to treat vaginal issues.
"Beyond labiaplasty, there are several other procedures that can address both aesthetic and functional vaginal concerns," said Dr. Devgan. "For instance, vaginal tightening, also known as vaginoplasty, can help restore the structure and tone of the vaginal canal, often sought by women after childbirth."
Other procedures focus on the outer tissue of the vagina, while there are also some nonsurgical options that are available for these areas.
"Some patients have excess labia major, which can be addressed by either excision of the extra tissue or fat grafting," said Dr. Gallus. "This area can also be treated with noninvasive modalities like radiofrequency microneedling and laser to tighten the exterior skin. Those with vaginal dryness, mild incontinence and laxity can benefit from fractionated CO2 laser to the vaginal canal."
Dr. Devgan said to think about vaginal care in the same terms as skin care. You have different skincare routines for different skin types. There are several options to address specific concerns women have about their vaginal health and appearance.
It is time to move past embarrassment and taboo and start discussing vaginal health and appearance. The best place to start is with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is an ASPS member and can discuss your options compassionately and without judgment.
To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.
