What can be done about my protruding labia? (Photo)

Labia minora come in all shapes and sizes. Just like noses, ears, and anything else. However, long labia can get dragged by clothing, sex, and activities and get even longer and bothersome. The number of men that you wish to please is irrelevant because their opinions are irrelevant. The decision to reduce the size should be yours alone. I don't recommend labiaplasty unless you want shorter labia. And you shouldn't request labiaplasty unless you're doing it for yourself because the results are permanent. Your next step should be a consultation with an expert to discuss your expectations.

Thank you for your question Labia come in all sizes and shapes and there is no standard for normal.To understand what can be done you need to be aware that there are actually two paid of inner labia-a lower pair that inserts into the clitoris and an upper pair that forms the hood called prepuce that can enter into and even overwhelm the lower pair. This is what I see in your photo. Yes both of these can be reduced by an experienced and well trained surgeon. Be careful and do your homework .
The video noted below on what you should know about labiaplasty can be very helpful
Also to note: the size of your labia has nothing to do with vaginal looseness

Hello and thank you for your question.
Based on the photo you provided, you appear to have enlarged and elongated inner lips (labia minora). I would recommend a Labiaplasty procedure in order to reduce the length and the width of your labia minora which will help achieve the look you desire.
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified plastic surgeon specializing in Labiaplasty to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Hello,Thank you for your question. I would like to firstly say that any surgical procedure, particularly a cosmetic one, should be for yourself and yourself only.... please disregard what anyone has said regarding your anatomy. They are not worth your time!Should you decide to undergo a cosmetic procedure for your labia, I would recommend at least a labiaplasty as well as a clitoral hood reduction to decrease the size of the lateral prepuce. A labiaplasty alone would not give you the aesthetic appearance you are likely looking for.Hope that helps!, and take care.Sincerely,Jennifer Adams, MD, FRCSC

It’s natural for the labia minora to be saggy and bulky, as there is a wide variation of what is considered “normal” when it comes to the female genitalia. Some women find that things change after having children, or with age. However, the labia minora doesn’t stretch out by having lots of sex. Protruding labia minora can be reduced in shape and size with labiaplasty. This surgical procedure will remove excess tissue to make the labia minora less prominent.

The labia minora doesn’t affect the “tightness” of the vaginal canal, therefore labiaplasty would not improve this issue. If you are concerned about that, vaginoplasty is a more suitable procedure. You can also try kegel exercises.

Hi ashley,

You could have a labiaplasty to shorten the labia minora and the clitoral hood. This will give you a smaller and less protruding labia in the area. If done properly, there should be minimal scarring and in the greater majority of cases, there should not be a reduction in sexual pleasure.
If you or your partners feel, however, that the vaginal vault is too loose, a labiaplasty will not address this problem. I would suggest that you visit with a urogynecologist who specializes in tightening of the vaginal vault to help with this problem.
If your major concern is the length and appearance of the labia minora, either a plastic surgeon or
urogynecologist can help with this issue.

Hope this helps a bit.

Good luck!

Dr. Christine Rodgers

Hi Ashley.
You question of how does this happen is a great one that I have heard so many times. The primary reason for excess labia minora skin is purely genetic. It is something your body was programmed to do at birth. Factors that can contribute to the already increased size include hormones (like puberty, birth control pills and pregnancy), the frequency of rubbing (my horseback riders and cyclists and runners have a good deal of friction), and trauma (childbirth or other direct injury to the area). Unless your partner is a stable longer term person whom you truly value their opinion, I would be leery of taking their comments to heart. If you want a reduction in their size, labiaplasty with a clitoral hood reduction can help you achieve that goal.Best wishes~Dr. Poucher

Hello Ashley,
You have very long, thick and hanging labia with a large, droopy hood. You would benefit greatly from labiaplasty and hood reduction which would oimprove your confidence but not your looseness. If you haven't had any vaginal deliveries then there are great non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation treatments that would enhance your sexual pleasure. If you're very loose then a vaginoplasty may be necessary.
The key in determining what is best for you though, is finding the right surgeon and for this you may need to travel.
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 virtual consult via phone or zoom, 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,

I reviewed your photos. Your labia minora and clitoral hood are enlarged. A labiaplasty with a clitoral hood reduction can reduce your 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 labioplasty 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. This often causes asymmetry, scallops, and a wide suture line. 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. If you have extra tissue on your clitoral hood, it can be reduced at the same time. Your clitoral hood is thick, wide, 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 drastically decreased. I have done it over 350 times with excellent 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. About 40% of my labia cases are reconstructions of other surgeons' labiaplasties.



Gary J. Alter, M.D.
Beverly Hills, CA - Manhattan, NY

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.