LABIAPLASTY
Improve Your Confidence in Your Appearance with Vaginal Rejuvenation Surgery in St. Louis
FAQs

If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable or self-conscious about the appearance or size of your labia, you’re not alone—and there are options that can help. With growing interest in vaginal rejuvenation, more patients are exploring treatments designed to address both aesthetic and functional concerns. Vaginal rejuvenation is a broad term that includes various corrective procedures, one of which is labiaplasty. If the size or shape of your labia is affecting your self- esteem or daily comfort, labia reduction surgery or labiaplasty at West County Plastic Surgeons in St. Louis may offer an effective solution. This procedure can help restore a more balanced appearance while enhancing overall comfort and boosting confidence in your body.
For more information about labia reduction surgery or labiaplasty in St. Louis, contact West County Plastic Surgeons to request a consultation. Call 314-996-8800 or submit a contact form online for more details.
What is a Labiaplasty?
Labia reduction surgery or labiaplasty is a type of vaginal rejuvenation treatment or female genital cosmetic surgery that reduces the size of the vulva for patients, either for cosmetic reasons or to provide relief for physical discomfort. This surgery reduces or reshapes the labia minora, the inner folds of skin surrounding the vaginal opening. The size is decreased so that they line up with the labia majora (outer part of the female genitalia). This procedure is often performed for cosmetic reasons, to improve the appearance of the genital area, or for functional reasons, such as discomfort during physical activity, sexual intercourse, or when wearing tight clothing.
The next question you may have is, “How does labiaplasty work?” Labiaplasty typically involves trimming excess tissue and reshaping the labia for a more symmetrical, smaller or desired look. We can explain everything you need to know about having a labiaplasty at West County Plastic Surgeons with the most advanced technology and surgical techniques available to patients for 2025, 2026, and beyond. Different surgical techniques may be used to achieve this, depending on the needs and unique anatomy of the patient.
What Are Some Reasons to Consider Labiaplasty?
What is the reason for labiaplasty? Is getting labiaplasty surgery worth it? Why is labiaplasty performed? These are among the many questions that patients who are considering vaginal rejuvenation surgery ask us. Labiaplasty is not as well-known or discussed as some other plastic surgery procedures and is often surrounded by misconceptions. Our team can address all of your concerns.
Labiaplasty has numerous functional and cosmetic benefits. Excess tissue in the vaginal area can get twisted or pinched, resulting in discomfort or irritation—or increase the risk of urinary tract infections. It can also be challenging to wear certain types of clothes—such as yoga pants, workout pants, and swimsuits—if you have enlarged labia. Our team will work with you to determine what your goals are for labiaplasty surgery.
There are many reasons why people decide to have this surgery, including anything from improving functionality to altering the labia’s appearance. Labiaplasty offers several significant benefits, both physically and emotionally. One of the primary advantages is improved comfort and sexual wellness. By removing excess skin from the labia, the procedure can reduce irritation or discomfort that may occur during exercise, sexual activity, or while wearing tight clothing.
Another key benefit is the restoration of a more youthful aesthetic. Over time, factors such as aging or childbirth can alter the appearance of the labia, and labiaplasty helps to rejuvenate the area, making it look more like it did before these changes occurred.
The procedure also helps reduce asymmetry. If one side of the labia is noticeably longer or shaped differently than the other, labiaplasty can reshape the tissue to create a more balanced, symmetrical appearance.
Finally, many individuals experience a boost in confidence following the surgery. Feeling more comfortable with the look and feel of your genitalia can have a positive impact on your self- esteem and overall quality of life.
You may be wondering, “What qualifies you for a labiaplasty?” “Is labiaplasty right for me?” or “Who is a good candidate for labiaplasty surgery?” Not every woman will be a good candidate. Labiaplasty may be a suitable option if you're experiencing cosmetic or functional issues related to elongated or sagging labial skin. The ideal candidate is someone in good overall health, a non- smoker, and someone who may struggle with daily activities or feel self-conscious or insecure about the appearance or size of their labia.
You might also want to know, “What is the average age for labiaplasty?” The majority of people who have this surgery are between the ages of eighteen and fifty, but you might want to wait until you have finished having children to have a labiaplasty, as pregnancy and childbirth could cause the labia to stretch again and undo the results. It is safe to have a baby after a labiaplasty, but childbirth could stretch the labial tissues and change their appearance. For this reason, we recommend that patients wait to have the surgery until they are done having children.
Before we explore the labiaplasty procedure, you may be wondering what causes enlarged labia and whether it’s normal to have this condition. Excess labial skin might not only be aesthetically displeasing to some, but can also interfere with function and cause physical discomfort when you wear specific types of clothing or engage in certain physical activities.
There really is no such thing as a “normal standard” when it comes to the shape and size of the labia. Every person’s vaginal lips are different to some degree—but some women may feel like the outward appearance of the skin of their inner labia causes them to feel self-conscious. The following factors can cause the labia to become enlarged or change shape.
- Aging:
As a person ages, the skin loses elasticity and firmness, which can cause the labia to stretch or change shape over time. - Menopause and Hormonal Changes:
Decreased estrogen levels during menopause or other hormonal shifts can lead to thinning, drying, and changes in the appearance and size of the labia. - Childbirth:
Vaginal delivery can stretch or tear the labial tissues, leading to enlargement or asymmetry of the labia. - Weight Fluctuations:
Significant weight gain or loss can affect the fatty tissue in the genital area, causing changes in the size and shape of the labia. - Sexual Activity:
Although not a primary cause, frequent or vigorous sexual activity may contribute to minor stretching or irritation of the labial tissue over time. - Genetics:
Some individuals are born with naturally enlarged or asymmetrical labia due to inherited anatomical traits.
For some patients, the natural aging process causes their labia to elongate, become asymmetrical, or appear misshapen. For others, irregularities are congenital and appear during puberty. Regardless of the cause, irregular labia may be either cosmetically undesirable or functionally disruptive, interfering with hygiene or causing discomfort during sexual intercourse or when wearing certain clothing.
To find out more about labiaplasty in St. Louis, contact West County Plastic Surgeons to request an appointment. Call 314-996-8800 or submit a contact form online for more details.
Our Approach to Labia Reduction Surgery (Labiaplasty) at St. Louis’ West County Plastic Surgeons
Why choose West County Plastic Surgeons for a labiaplasty? Here’s what you should know about our approach to this surgery.
At West County Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Terry Myckatyn, Dr. Marissa Tenenbaum, and Dr. Trina Ebersole understand the extremely sensitive nature of this issue—as well as the amount of courage required to seek help. We understand that there are a variety of complicated mental, medical, and emotional factors involved in every labiaplasty surgery. As a result, the staff makes every effort to help patients feel comfortable during their consultation, surgery, and subsequent office visits.
Drs. Myckatyn, Tenenbaum, and Ebersole treat patients with the utmost care, and they have the surgical skill and experience to customize every procedure to achieve satisfying, lasting results. They can reduce the size of one or both sets of labia, adjust their shape, improve symmetry, or even repair them following injury, illness, or childbirth. Hundreds of women have trusted West County Plastic Surgeons to perform this delicate procedure, and most of them regret only that they had not elected to have the surgery sooner. The procedure is most commonly performed in the private office with the patient under local anesthesia.


Dr. Terry Myckatyn and
Dr. Marissa Tenenbaum:
Trusted. Experienced. Committed.
Ready to find out about labiaplasty in St. Louis? Contact West County Plastic Surgeons to request a consultation. Call us at 314-996-8800 or submit a form to request an appointment.
What to Expect at Every Stage of Your Labiaplasty
An Overview of Labia Reduction Surgery
Anesthesia: Labiaplasty can be performed with the patient under local anesthesia or general anesthesia.
Length of procedure: 45 to 60 minutes.
After you have decided that labiaplasty surgery is the best choice for you, there are other parts of the process to consider, such as planning and recovery.
Estimated recovery time: Most patients can return to work within one week, but should avoid vigorous activities for at least 2 weeks and refrain from vaginal intercourse for 4 to 6 weeks. Visible bruising and swelling should begin to resolve within 2 weeks.
Side effects: Common side effects include bruising, swelling, and a few spitting sutures.
The factors that you consider before a labiaplasty can often be more complex and nuanced in comparison to other types of surgeries. Patients will need to be fully aware of the potential results and risks involved, so it’s important to begin with an in-person meeting.
Are you unsure of what to expect at a labiaplasty consultation? At your initial consultation for a labiaplasty, we will conduct a thorough exam and help you decide whether this surgery is the most suitable option for you. This also provides the perfect opportunity to discuss any ways in which your labia structure is negatively impacting your quality of life, what you hope to achieve from the surgery, and ask us any questions you have. We will ask about what you hope to accomplish from the surgery and tailor our plan for your labia reduction surgery accordingly.
After you have decided that labiaplasty surgery is the best choice for you, there are other parts of the process to consider, such as planning and recovery.
“What do I need to know before labiaplasty?” is a frequent question heard at West County Plastic Surgeons, as is “How do I prepare for labiaplasty surgery?”
Patients will have to avoid taking blood thinning medications for two weeks prior to the surgery. You will also need to avoid smoking for four weeks before and after labiaplasty. Prior to the surgery, it’s also recommended that you eat healthy, drink lots of water, and get enough sleep. Establishing healthy habits before the surgery can also help you to recover at a faster pace.
In preparation for this surgery, you will need to arrange with friends and family to get help around the house while you’re recovering, and stock up on food, prescriptions, and any other items you will need.
Curious about what happens during the actual labia reduction procedure? During the reduction surgery, excess tissue is removed via carefully placed incisions to contour and improve symmetry of the labia minora or, less commonly, the labia majora. The incisions are then stitched closed. Following surgery, the labia are typically smaller in appearance, more comfortable, and more symmetrical. Fat transfer or fat grafting can be used in the labia majora to simulate a more youthful appearance as well.
Your next question might be, “How long does it take to recover after a labiaplasty?” Labiaplasty shortens the labia, and people have often called it a life-changing surgery. You’re likely to experience swelling that may persist for three to six months, but once the swelling goes down and you’ve fully healed, you will be able to see the full results. You will also experience some soreness when you’re recovering.
Importantly, your body will need time to rest and heal after labiaplasty.
To learn how to prepare for the procedure and what to expect afterwards click here to download our patient instructions.
You probably have lots of concerns, such as, “How do you clean yourself after labiaplasty?” or “What do you wear after labiaplasty?” The genital region is very sensitive and generally requires special care following a surgical procedure.
When you’re in recovery after labiaplasty surgery, it’s best to wear loose clothing; take salt or sitz baths to reduce soreness; avoid exercise, riding bikes, running, or other strenuous activities; and not use tampons or have vaginal intercourse for four to six weeks. If you get back to normal life too quickly, the activity can cause too much pressure to be exerted on the wound and delay your healing process. Tight clothes or undergarments can cause too much friction against the wound.
There will be no need to adjust your lifestyle and activities after you have fully recovered from labiaplasty.
Most patients notice results from this procedure right away, although the results will continue to evolve in the following weeks to months. Once all of the swelling has resolved, you’ll see your final results.
Keep in mind that while the changes are visible and long-lasting, the appearance of the area can be affected by natural aging, as well as future pregnancies and childbirth. Once the excess tissue has been removed, it does not grow back, so you can potentially enjoy your new appearance for a lifetime.
Before-and-after photos: Due to the sensitive nature of this procedure, we do not display online photos of the results.
Labiaplasty is often combined with other cosmetic procedures to enhance overall results and achieve a more comprehensive transformation. These include procedures for the breasts and body, which can also experience changes due to aging, pregnancy, and childbirth.
Breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) is a popular cosmetic procedure for individuals who desire fuller breasts or a more rounded shape in the upper portion of the breast. Whether the goal is to enhance natural proportions or restore volume lost due to aging, weight loss, or pregnancy, breast augmentation can help patients achieve their desired silhouette.
A breast lift (mastopexy) is ideal for those experiencing sagging or a downward shift in breast position, often caused by pregnancy, aging, or significant weight changes. This procedure raises and reshapes the breasts, restoring a perkier, more youthful, and feminine appearance without necessarily increasing breast size.
The tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is often considered by patients looking to improve the contour and firmness of the abdomen. While some may debate between a tummy tuck and liposuction, the right choice depends on individual goals and anatomy. Abdominoplasty is typically best for those with loose or excess skin, weakened abdominal muscles, or significant changes following weight loss or pregnancy. It is also a key component of a "mommy makeover" for women seeking to reclaim their pre-pregnancy shape.
There are also options for enhancing other areas of the body, such as an arm lift, total body lift, or lower body lift. Combining several of these procedures to address pregnancy - and birth-related changes is commonly referred to as a Mommy Makeover.
Would you like to find out more about labiaplasty in St. Louis? Contact West County Plastic Surgeons to request a consultation. Call us at (314) 996-8800 or submit a form to request an appointment.