Labia Reduction Surgery (Labiaplasty)

Enhance the Appearance of the Vaginal Lips and Restore Your Confidence in St. Louis

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. If the size or shape of your labia are having a negative effect on your self-image or quality of life, a labia reduction surgery or labiaplasty at St. Louis’ West County Plastic Surgeons can be the ideal solution for restoring comfort and confidence throughout 2023 and beyond.

If you’re interested in learning more about labia reduction (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 Labia Reduction Surgery (Labiaplasty)?

What does labiaplasty involve? 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 changes the size and shape of the labia to make them smaller or address asymmetry. In a labiaplasty, the size of the labia minora (inner tissues of the female genitalia) is decreased so that they line up with the labia majora (outer part of the female genitalia) using different surgical techniques.

Why Do Some Women Choose to Have Labia Reduction Surgery (Labiaplasty)?

Why do people get a labiaplasty? If you’ve been asking yourself, “Why would someone get a labiaplasty?” here’s what you should know about some of the reasons why women choose to have labia reduction surgery in 2023.

There are many cosmetic, emotional, or functional reasons why some women decide to undergo labiaplasty surgery. 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 difficult to wear certain types of clothes if you have enlarged labia.

Labiaplasty can help you feel more comfortable. Labiaplasty can also restore a more youthful appearance after changes have developed due to pregnancy or aging, reduce asymmetry, and improve self-confidence about the appearance of your genitalia. Our team will work with you to determine what your goals are for labiaplasty surgery.

What Causes Irregular Labia?

The labia can become oversized due to such factors as aging, menopause or other hormonal changes, childbirth, weight fluctuations, sexual activity, and genetics. 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.

Why Choose Labia Reduction (Labiaplasty) at St. Louis’ West County Plastic Surgeons?

At West County Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Terry Myckatyn and Dr. Marissa Tenenbaum understand the extremely sensitive nature of this issue—as well as the amount of courage required to seek help. As a result, they and their staff make every effort to help their patients feel comfortable during their consultation, surgery, and subsequent office visits.

Drs. Myckatyn and Tenenbaum 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 under local anesthesia.

Who Is a Candidate for Labiaplasty?

Common questions patients ask include “How do I know if I need a labiaplasty?” and “Who is a good candidate for labiaplasty?”

If you have cosmetic or functional concerns about sagging or elongated labial skin, you may be considered a good candidate for labiaplasty. Ideal candidates are those who are in good health, who don’t smoke, and who have difficulty performing daily activities or feel insecure or self-conscious about the size and shape of their labia.

What Is the Procedure for Labiaplasty?

During the reduction procedure, excess tissue is surgically 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, more comfortable, and more symmetrical. Fat transfer or fat grafting can be used to the labia majora to simulate a more youthful appearance as well.

What Is the Recovery Process After Labia Reduction Surgery (Labiaplasty)?

What is labiaplasty recovery like? 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. Your body will need time to rest and heal after labiaplasty. The results will continue to evolve in the following weeks to months.

What Are the Best Aftercare Practices for Labiaplasty?

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 or other strenuous activities, and do not use tampons or have vaginal intercourse for four to six weeks.

Labia Reduction Surgery at a Glance

Anesthesia: Labiaplasty can be performed with the patient under local anesthesia or general anesthesia.

Length of procedure: 45 to 60 minutes.

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. To learn how to prepare for the procedure and what to expect afterwards, click here to download our patient instructions.

Side effects: Common side effects include bruising, swelling, and a few spitting sutures.

Before-and-after photos: Due to the sensitive nature of this procedure, we do not display online photos of the results.

Which Procedures Complement Labia Reduction (Labiaplasty) Surgery?

Labia reduction surgery is often combined with other procedures, including the following:

1. Breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty). Patients who desire larger breasts or a more rounded shape to the upper part of the breast may choose to undergo breast augmentation.
2. Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). Frequently, patients wishing to improve the contour of their abdomen debate between a tummy tuck and liposuction. Some individuals can be good candidates for either procedure, depending on their goals. An abdominoplasty is best for people with loose skin and lack of abdominal muscle tone who have undergone significant weight loss. The procedure is also ideal for women who are dissatisfied with their shape after having had children and are looking for a "mommy makeover."

If you have questions or would like to learn more about labia reduction (labiaplasty) in St. Louis, contact West County Plastic Surgery. Call (314) 996-8800 or submit a form online to request a consultation.