Labiaplasty

INTRODUCTION

  • Labial skin excess can result from childbirth or the ageing process. The labia minora becomes floppy and protrudes significantly beyond the labia majora. This can result in discomfort and rash. It can be a source of embarrassment while wearing tight-fitting clothing.
  • Labiaplasty is a surgical technique to fashion and remove excessive labial tissue. The procedure is usually done for aesthetic or functional purposes.
  • A grading system for labia minora hypertrophy has been proposed by David and West (2008):
    • None: The labia minora are concealed within or extend to the free edge of labia majora.
    • Mild/Moderate: The labia minora extend 1-3 cm beyond the free edge of the labia majora.
    • Severe: The labia minora extend >3 cm beyond the free edge of the labia majora.Labiaplasty (Labia rejuvenation or vaginal lip reduction) is a surgical technique to fashion and remove excessive labial tissue.
  • According to a 2014 survey report by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, there was a 49% increase in labiaplasty procedures done from 2013, making this one of the fastest growing cosmetic procedures”
Techniques of Labiaplasty
Trim techniqueWedge techniqueZ-Plasty techniqueDeepithelialization technique
Diagram
Labiaplasty - Trim method Labiaplasty – Trim
Labiaplasty - Wedge Excision Method Labiaplasty – Wedge Excision
Labiaplasty - Z Plasty Method Labiaplasty – Z Plasty
Labiaplasty - De-epithelialization method Labiaplasty – De-epithelialization
AdvantagesSimplest, often preferred technique.Maintain the natural mucosa and skin edge. Minimal scarring.Variation of wedge technique. Maintain the natural mucosa and skin edge. Minimal scarring.Nerve and lymphatic preservation
DisadvantagesNerve end interruptionPotential damage to nerves along the edge of the removed wedge. Suitable for only minimal labial excess.Suitable for only minimal labial excess.Limited amount of tissue removed and risk of Recurrent labia hypertrophy

 

 

Associated Procedure
Clitoral UnhoodingLabia Majora ReductionG-spot AugmentationMonsplasty
Reduction of the tissue around clitoris to improved appearance and sensitivityResection of excessive labia majora tissue to provide a more harmonious resultInjection of fat grafting and fillers to the G Spot to enhance sensationWedge excision of mons to reduce volume. Can be done with labiaplasty or abdominoplasty.

SUITABLE CANDIDATES

  • A patient affected by rash and discomfort due to excessive labial tissue.
  • A patient who requests enhancement of genital appearance

 

CONCURRENT PROCEDURES

 

DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE

  • Pre-operative markings to determine the amount of excessive labial minora tissue.
  • Administration of sedation and local anaesthesia.
  • Excision along free edge of labial minora to remove excessive labial tissue.
  • Wound closure with absorbable sutures (no removal of sutures needed).
  • Surgical duration : 1-2 hours.
  • Home on the same day.

 

 

ANAESTHESIA

  • General anaesthesia
  • Combination of local and intravenous sedation

 

POST OPERATIVE CARE

  • Medication : Oral and topical antibiotics, analgesics (pain relief), anti-swelling medication
  • Sanitary padding for 2-3 days for residual discharge.
  • Avoid activities that will exert pressure to the groin for 2-4 weeks.
  • May resume sexual activity after 2 weeks.
  • Follow up 2-4 weeks later.

 

RISK AND CAUTION

  • Infection
  • Swelling
  • Bleeding
  • Bruising
  • Asymmetry
  • Reduced sensitivity

 

After the consultation, our plastic surgeon will advise regarding the best technique for labiaplasty. He would also recommend if laser vaginal rejuvenation (tightening) or G-spot augmentation should be included since these are top choices for other patients.