Do I need a labiaplasty? (Photo)

Question

I am self conscious at times of the appearance of my labia. So I’m wondering if a labiaplasty is necessary or would greatly improve my life and outweigh the risks associated.

Gary J. Alter, MD · Answer

If desired, your labia minora and clitoral hood can be reduced to improve the appearance. A labiaplasty with a clitoral hood reduction can reduce your hood size. However, it must be performed by a surgeon with experience. One of the two most common labiaplasty techniques is the central wedge technique, which I invented in 1995 and published in the plastic surgery textbooks. It is also known as the "V" or wedge technique. Gynecologists and most plastic surgeons perform a labiaplasty very differently. They essentially trim the labia minora (inner vaginal lips) and leave a long suture line instead of the normal labial edge. Their technique is the same whether a scalpel or a laser is used. In contrast, the central wedge removes triangles of tissue and bring the normal edges together. Thus, the normal labial edges, normal color, and normal anatomy are preserved, but the darkest labial tissue is usually removed. There is rarely a sign that the woman has had surgery.

Since you have extra tissue on your clitoral hood, it can be reduced at the same time. Your clitoral hood is long and protuberant. It can be decreased somewhat by reducing the sides. I pioneered a clitoropexy with clitoral hood reduction in which the clitoris is pushed closer to the pubic bone and the width, thickness, length, and protuberance of the clitoral hood can be decreased. With this procedure, I lift up the clitoral hood skin, move the clitoris closer to the pubic bone, thin the tissues under the clitoral hood skin, and then remove a large amount of excess skin. This results in a dramatic decrease in the length, thickness, and protuberance of the clitoral hood, so that the hood is now within the labia majora when the woman stands. I have performed this procedure over 400 times with outstanding results.   I have not published this technique, so no one does it like me.​

No matter the technique, an inexperienced or unskilled surgeon can lead to a high rate of complications, chronic scar discomfort, labial deformities, and further surgery.​​ Approximately 40% of the female genital surgeries that I perform are reconstructions of other women's botched labiaplasties and hood reductions.

Gary J. Alter, M.D.

Beverly Hills, CA - Manhattan, NYC

Mark N. Scheinberg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questionThe answer is that there is no normal when it comes to labia so whether or not you need a labiaplasty totally depends on your self consciousness. Many women feel much better about themselves after labiaplasty and only you can judge whether it would improve your life. One thing to note from your photos is that much of what you are concerned about is prepuce( there two pair of labia: a lower pair that inserts into the clitoris and a second pair called prepuce which forms the hood and can insert into and often overwhelm the lower pair). You would need to find a surgeon who understands the anatomy and how to reduce the prepuce along with the labia. Do your homework. You can get more info from the video below

Adam J. Oppenheimer, MD, FACS · Answer

There is almost zero risk to labiaplasty surgery. Nerve pain or damage is zero in my practice and scarring is almost invisible. The key is finding an expert surgeon with great before and after photos, videos and reviews. If long labia is bothersome, a labiaplasty and hood reduction is liberating for many women.

Michelle Jones Singer, MD · Answer

The decision to have a labiaplasty is a personal decision. There is no normal appearance of labia. They vary from woman to woman. Reasons for having a labiaplasty are pain, pulling or discomfort with intercourse or exercise. Irritation with sitting or walking. Unhappiness with the appearance of the labia due to pigmentation, length or different sizes. Sometime the appearance inhibits women from sexual activity because of being self-conscious or embarrassed due to extra tissue. If you decide to have a labiaplasty, consult an experienced cosmetic gynecologist or urogynecologist and discuss your desired results of the labiaplasty.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Labiaplasty is an optional procedure that you can choose to undergo if you believe it would improve your appearance, and possibly comfort, by reducing enlarged or prominent labia minora. This is something you would have to decide for yourself, however. You can discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon and determine whether this procedure is right for you.

Jennifer Adams, MD · Answer

Hello there,
Thank you for your question.While your anatomy seems well within normal limits, some women choose to change the shape of their labia/clitoral hood. I think you would be a great candidate for a labiaplasty - I do think that you should also consider a clitoral hood reduction at the same time in order to avoid a 'top heavy' appearance.
Hope that helps!
Sincerely,Jennifer Adams MD, FRCSC

Falguni Patel, MD, FACOG · Answer

So is labiaplasty ever necessary ….and the answer is no.  It is not necessary for labia minora to be reduced as the size seen in the picture is of a normal variant.  However, will surgery improve your self confidence and make you feel better…most likely yes!   Based on your pictures, a qualified surgeon (cosmetic gynecological surgeon or select plastic surgeon), can reduce the labia minora and the clitoral hood to give a more stream lined look if that is what you desire with minimal risk.  If done by untrained surgeon, the desired aesthetics can be affected as well as increase the risk of nerve injury.    Most patients I see in my office for surgery consults are very similar to you.  Ultimately, you know how your quality of life is affected by the labia minora.  I wish you best of luck!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph.  Though your labia fall well within "normal," your appearance is common for those women desiring an improved aesthetic, reduced discomfort, and increased self-esteem with a labiaplasty.  See a labiaplasty specialist in consultation for an in-person evaluation.

Burcak Tok, MD · Answer

hello, most of the genital aesthetic operations are done to improve our self-confidence and body image like other aesthetic operations. So if you don't like yourself that way, you can easily have the look you want. The labiaplasty procedure is not an operation with great risks. Healing is achieved within a week. However, what you should know is that such a labia does not prevent you from having a normal sexual intercourse. Get well soon ☺️

Oscar A. Aguirre, MD, FPMRS · Answer

Hello Lindsay,
The satisfaction rate following a labiaplasty is very high as it greatly improves patient's confidence with intimacy. You are a great candidate!
Based on the photos you shared I would recommend a clitiral hood reduction at the time of your labiaplasty to achieve the most natural and  attractive look.
The key, though, is finding the right surgeon. Go to the link below to see hundreds of B/A photos with this combination of procedures. You will likely find some examples that are quite similar to you. From that link you may schedule a consultation at which time we can discuss in-depth your anatomy, expectations, and concerns. Women from all over the world travel to my Center for their Intimate Makeover under local anesthesia.
Best of luck,