Labiaplasty, (also spelled labioplasty), is a procedure for women which has been gaining in popularity recently. It is a reshaping of the labia minora, the tissue around the vaginal opening and clitoris. Just as each woman has an individual face and body, so each one has individual labia.

Some women feel discomfort daily from overly large labia. Others feel embarrassed about wearing tight clothing, and still others would like to increase sexual sensation by removing some of the labia tissue.

What Does a Labiaplasty do?

Our cosmetic surgeons will discuss the procedure with you and listen to your concerns and goals. Each labiaplasty is unique to that woman. Your procedure will be performed so as to address your particular needs, but in general, a labiaplasty can:

• Redefine the urethral opening
• Reduce the labial tissue around the vagina
• Correct asymmetrical labia

Some women combine a labiaplasty with a Clitoral Unhooding (reduction of the tissue that covers the clitoris, also called a Hoodectomy). The clitoris has a far greater density of nerve endings than surrounding tissue, and clitoral unhooding is a very delicate operation. You can discuss this with your cosmetic surgeon.

Some Labiaplasty Myths

• Use of a vibrator will cause large labia – False. Females are born with labia of a certain size, large or small.
• Labiaplasty will destroy sexual sensation – False. The labia are not involved in sexual stimulation. They feel pain when stretched too much, or when torn, but do not feel sexual sensation.
• Any gynecologist can reshape a woman’s labia. False, and a dangerous idea. Labiaplasty skill is not taught in medical school. It is a specialty area.
• The best labiaplasties leave no scarring – No, any time the skin is incised, there will be a scar. However, there are techniques which reduce the scar visibility.

To learn more about how our cosmetic surgeons can tighten or rejuvenate the labia for you, please call or email our office. We will schedule a personal consultation, where you can ask all your questions and describe your goals. Our plastic surgeons put a high value on patient education, and will always want you to understand clearly whatever procedure you are having, and what other options there might be. We hope to meet with you soon.

 

Elkhart Office

RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514
FAX: 574-293-1511

Chesterton Office

Duneland Health & Wellness Institute
810 Michael Drive, Suite K
Chesterton, IN 46304
Fax: 219.926.3534

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