What is Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty, or labia reduction surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that trims and reshapes the labia minora in adult women. This surgery reduces the length of the labia minora that feels or appears to be too long. Some women experience discomfort when wearing tight undergarments or during sexual intercourse caused by excessively long labia minora. Some may also wish to have their labia minora trimmed for cosmetic reasons.

Who is a candidate for the Labiaplasty procedure?

Fully developed adult women who experience discomfort or embarrassment due to the length or appearance of their labia minora are good candidates for labiaplasty. Women should also be in overall good health. Most women opt for labiaplasty to reduce the length of one or both labia minora. While some women are born with exceptionally long labia, others may develop the condition after going through childbirth or simply as a result of the natural aging process. Women who are dissatisfied with the appearance of a full fatty mons pubis may also safely undergo liposuction to reduce the fatty appearance in that region.

Will everything look and feel normal after my Labiaplasty procedure?

Yes! Once your body is fully recovered from the surgery, you may return to a normal and active lifestyle. The scars left by labiaplasty are as fine as hair and are naturally camouflaged by creases in the skin, rendering them fully invisible. For some women, the removal of extra skin may increase sensitivity in the labia. Some women choose to include removal of the clitoral hood for additional increased sensitivity.

Labia Reconstruction Experience

When choosing a delicate procedure such as labiaplasty, consider the extensive experience and expertise of Dr. Karaca, who has performed hundreds of these procedures during his career.

Labiaplasty Recovery

Mild discomfort and swelling are normal following labiaplasty. Most of the swelling will naturally subside within the first two weeks while some swelling may last up to six weeks.

Post-operative instructions include:

• One week of rest without working
• One week of daily Epsom salt soaks
• Four weeks of total abstinence from sexual intercourse
• A gradual return to normal activities after four weeks

If you live near our Birmingham office, you may be able to return home immediately following your surgery. Out of town patients typically stay overnight in one of our recommended hotels and are free to return home the following day.

In order to sit more comfortably, consider using an inflatable donut cushion. Sitz baths are also recommended for therapeutic soaking for one week during the immediate post-op period. You may experience swelling during the first three to four days, but this will gradually resolve itself over the course of the next two or three weeks. Most patients can comfortably resume sexual activity three to four weeks after the procedure.

If you are among the many women who are unhappy with the length or shape of your labia minora, contact board-certified plastic surgeon Ahmet R. Karaca, M.D., at Birmingham Plastic Surgery. Our team is knowledgeable and compassionate while providing such delicate, specialized surgeries as labiaplasty, and other intimate corrective procedures.