Do I have procedure options to shorten my labia? (photos)

If your labia are protruding and they bother you because they rub uncomfortably against clothing, then they are responsible for a problem that will not go away unless they are made shorter. So it doesn't really matter how they compare to the size of other women's labia. They are a problem for you, not them. And the treatment for you, not them, if you choose to do something, is to make them shorter. The only way to do that reliably is with a labiaplasty. And the only way to have that done reliably, safely, and aesthetically, is to seek out a labiaplasty expert. Start with a virtual consult when you're ready.

Thank you for your questionThere are several techniques to reduce the size if your labia. The three most common are the trim, central wedge and natural edge. The wedge can leave a horizontal scar and create defects from blood supply issues. The trim can give nice appearances but, you have beautiful natural edges so you are an excellent candidate for the natural edge technique ( In this technique, the upper natural edge is preserved, the excess below is removed and that upper edge becomes the entire petite natural looking labia.) The prepuce should also be addressed for optimum results. The video below will give a lot of info regarding these procedures. Do your homework, pick your surgeon carefully looking at reviews and before and after photos.

Hello and thank you for your question.
Based on the pictures that 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. It will also make wearing tight clothes more comfortable.
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

HI Isabella,.

First of all, there is nothing abnormal about you at all. Your labia is a bit long, but it is not abnormal.
Some people may have small breast or big ears, but they are not abnormal. They have a body part that they do not like, just as you do not like your labia.
You certainly could have a reduction labiaplasty , if you want. There are 2 types of labiaplasty: either a trim technique or a wedge procedure. I would suggest that you visit with either a plastic surgeon or urogynecologist in your area who does many of these procedures to get a physical exam and a detailed discussion of what procedure is best for you.
These procedures can be done in an office setting and patients typically go home shortly after the procedure is finished. Best of all, there is very little scarring , if the procedure is done correctly.
Again, visit with a few docs in your area to discuss your concerns and goals.

Best Wishes,

Dr. Christine Rodgers

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

Thank your for your question and photos. An examination in person would obviously be required to properly evaluate you and make specific treatment recommendations, however what you describe and what your photos suggest is a common finding in many women of labia minora hypertrophy correctible with a labiaplasty. Please consult with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon or gynecologist well versed with this type of surgery. Best of luck to you.

hello, women's vulva and vagina can be in many different shapes. If it does not cause any damage such as functional compression or infection, it does not necessarily require an operation. In addition, visually reducing the small lips beer can make you happy. With an easy process, it can be done in a painful way. get well soon

Hello Isabella,
Your labia are witin the range of normal as are most women's seeking labia reduction. If you are bothered by their length due to discomfort or aesthetics then it is appropriate to have a cosmetic labiaplasty. The goal is to have small, youthful and natural looking labia which will eliminate your discomfort with clothing and enhance your confidence.
Go to the link below to see hundreds of before and after photos where you will find many examples that are similar to you. From that link you can schedule a virtual consultation 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 performed under local anesthesia.
Best of luck,

There are 2 major techniques for the labiaplasty procedure. The labia can absolutely be shortened using the wedge technique to give a natural appearance to the labia. Please do your research and find a surgeon who has done this procedure and one you feel comfortable with. Good luck!

If the appearance of your labia bothers you, you can have labiaplasty surgery. If it doesn't bother you, you don't need to have surgery. We cannot say that labiums have an ideal appearance. If you are complaining, it can be done.