31 y/o female - Would I benefit from both a labiaplasty and clitoral hood reduction? (photos)

Thank you for your questionThere are two pair of inner labia: A lower pair that inserts into the clitoris and an upper pair called prepuce, that forms the hood (the skin directly above the clitoris) that can insert into and even overwhelm the lower pair. In your photo there is asymmetric excessive prepuce on both sides especially on the right side. For optimum aesthetic results, this excess tissue needs to be removed so as to free up the lower pair for reduction. We look to get a "bridge of the nose " appearance on this upper section. There are several ways published for reduction of the lower pair which give different appearances and each surgeon has their own preferences. What is important is what you prefer. Most of my patients request the natural edge technique. You need to do your homework and make sure your surgeon is well accomplished first in how to reduce the prepuce and second on how to reduce the lower pair. You need to look at their reviews and their before and after photos.See the video below to become more informed

The decision to have a labia reduction is based on one word... "bother!" Even though you are a healthy, happy, intelligent and attractive woman just as you are, you have the right to change it. Your anatomy is such, you would look elegant in either a linear or wedge reduction labiaplasty.
YES! You would be an ideal candidate for clitoral hood reduction. Clitoral hood reduction is the removal of excess tissue that lies on either side of the clitoris. It does not involve the removal of tissue directly overlying the clitoris. This tissue that lies on either side of the clitoris is actually called the prepuce of the clitoris. This tissue can be very robust and may frustrate women with the external appearance of their vulva. In most cases, reduction of the clitoral hood is performed at the same time as a labiaplasty by an experienced cosmetic gynecologist. In other circumstances, this tissue may not be a bother or even a consideration to be contemplated by a woman until they have undergone a labiaplasty (removal of excess skin of the inner lips/ labia minora) with a surgeon who is not skilled at handling the tissues adjacent to the clitoris leading to a very unbalanced and top-heavy look in appearance. Clitoral hood reduction creates a balance between the upper and lower aspects of the labia by preventing the labia minora to protrude beyond the labia majora and creating a more “tucked in” appearance of the vulva. This top-heavy appearance usually occurs with patients who are not well educated about clitoral hood reduction or they just want the excess labial tissue removed so bad, patients settle for a surgeon who may not be well versed in clitoral hood reduction.

Best of Luck! Dr Michael A Reed MD aka @thecosmeticgyn

HI,
From your pictures it does seem as if you need both a labiaplasty as well as a clitoral hood reduction. Please visit my web site to obtain more information and see how to set up a virtual consultation.

Regards,
Daniel A. Medalie, MD

Great question. You appear to have long labia minor and excess clitoral hood tissue and based on your issues, a labia minora and hood reduction could help, however, the one issue related to the changing size during your cycle will probably not change. Although you state that the size has not changed much since puberty, I do tell my patients that pregnancy hormones can promote labia enlargement, therefore when and if you do the procedure, you may want to discuss your desire to have more children. I would strongly recommend that you have an in-depth in person discussion with a surgeon with a lot of experience so you can best understand the risks, the benefits and the techniques that can be offered to you. Good Luck!

In reviewing your photos, it does look like you would benefit from a labiaplasty and clitoral hood reduction, both lateral reduction and shortening. This may improve sexual satisfaction but this can not be guaranteed. Further exam would be needed to go into the options in more detail, but I recommend you take the next step with an in person consult with a board certified doctor that performs these procedures.

You would be a candidate for labiaplasty surgery and I would recommend lateral clitoral hood reduction as part of the procedure to give you the best result. My preference is the wedge technique as I feel it gives superior results over the trim technique and also hides the scars nicely as opposed to having a suture line right at the edge of the labia. While labiaplasty surgery cannot guarantee improved sexual function, it will make you less self conscious and more comfortable with yourself. Some patients have reported improved pleasure after this surgery but not everyone will experience this.

Technically you don’t “need” either but if the look or feel bothers you, go for it. You could see drastic changes by having the excess skin removed from both areas. Some women have heightened pleasure once the excess skin is out of the way of the clitoris. If you would like be seen for a consultation here at Smith Plastic Surgery, feel free to reach out to my office. 702-838-2455

Hello, both labiaplasty and clitoral aesthetics should be done in the same session. Otherwise, a micropenis image may occur in the clitoral area. This is often an unwanted image. Without exposing the clitoris too much, it is sufficient to remove only the extra skin folds on it.
Remember that Beauty always comes from within you
Thank you
Dr. Mehmet Bekir SENGenital Aesthetic Expert

Some women have increased and improved sexual response after labiaplasty, but that is less predictable. In terms of appearance, a labiaplasty and hood reduction would bring balance to the top and middle portions of the vulva. Some women also complain of chafing, pulling and irritation with intercourse, which can make Intercourse painful. dyspareunia is the medical term for that. Regardless, a labiaplasty and hood Reduction would reate a “neater” appearance to the vulva and reduce the redundant, tissues, darker edges, and overall contours.

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.

You may also be a candidate for clitoral hood reduction. During this procedure, excess folds of the clitoral hood can be removed to create a more balanced appearance of female genitalia.

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 Karanetz
Fellowship-Trained
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

I would recommend a labiaplasty only without addressing the clitoral hood due to potential problems related to clitoral hood reduction.