22 female self-conscious about labia - is it worth going through all the pain and recovery? (photos)

Question

22 female, self-conscious about my labia. I have large lips and a big protruding clit. I don't feel any pain or discomfort but I just feel self-conscious. When I wear a bikini I feel like people are looking as I have a noticeable bulge. Should I get it reduced? Is it worth going through all the pain and recovery?

Gary J. Alter, MD · Answer

Your labia minora and clitoral hood are very 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.

Since 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

Ryan A. Stanton, MD · Answer

Allow me to answer your question as best i can based upon your photos. However, please keep in mind that an in-person, or at least a virtual, consultation with physical exam is first necessary before any legitimate analysis or final surgical recommendations can be made. Nonetheless your story and concerns are in good company with almost ever other patient that undergoes labiaplasty and/or clitoral hood reduction (aka hoodectomy). Based upon your photos, your anatomy is not only within the wide range of normal but, at the same time, very typical of someone who seriously considers having these procedures. Studies have shown that most (greater than 95%) patients experience a major boost in sexual self-confidence and/or pleasure thereafter, when surgery is performed by a reputable labiaplasty specialist.  I would strongly recommend you visit not just any plastic surgeon (or gynecologist) but one whom is a reputable labiaplasty specialist to confirm all the above. This surgery is probably the number one botched surgery by many inexperienced novice surgeons thinking the procedure is so easy they can just do it without much training or skill. Glad to be of help.

Adam J. Oppenheimer, MD, FACS · Answer

Anytime we are self-conscious of something we have two choices. One is to accept and move on, and the other of course is to make a change. In the case of plastic surgery and specifically, Labiaplasty, that change can be made safely and really with minimal pain. Most of my patients report discomfort only the first evening after Labiaplasty. The procedure can be done under local anesthetic with a very delicate touch, and the healing process is very quick. Just like when you bite your cheek or your tongue or burn the inside of your mouth, it can be painful and uncomfortable, but that pain subsides quickly. The labia and the inside of the mouth have a very similar biology which means rapid healing in both areas. Along those lines, there is really no scarring inside the mouth and similarly no scarring that is appreciable or visible with a Labiaplasty.

The full recovery takes about three weeks and after three days most ladies can go back to work and usual activities!

The full recovery takes about three weeks and after three days most ladies can go back to work and usual activities!

Ajay Mahajan, MD, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

All shapes and sizes of labia are normal. However, if you feel that you have excess labial tissue, have problems wearing clothes like swim suits where the excess tissue shows through or have associated discomfort of the excess tissue getting caught in your underwear or during intercourse, then a labiaplasty to remove the excess tissue can help. Your excess labia minora tissue can be addressed with a labiaplasty procedure under local anaesthetic as a day case procedure.

For optimal outcome, please consult a fully qualified plastic surgeon, who has specialist qualification in plastic surgery 'FRCS Plast' after having being trained adequately in the field of plastic surgery, is registered on the 'Specialist register for Plastic surgery' with the General Medical Council and has been considered competent enough to be a member of the 'BAPRAS' (British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons) and 'BAAPS' (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) at the least.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

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.
During clitoral hood reduction, excess folds of the clitoral hood can be removed to create a more balanced appearance of female genitalia. However, not everyone is a candidate for this procedure.
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

Mark N. Scheinberg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question There is actually two pair of labia.a lower pair that insert into the clitoris and an upper pair called prepuce which forms the hood and can insert and sometimes overwhelm the lower pair. This appears to be the case with your photos. When the prepuce is treated separately and the lower pair is treated appropriately, the pain level can be very low. Our patients typically give pain levels of 1-2 out of ten. Research your surgeon well and ask for references,

Peter Castillo, MD, FACOG · Answer

Thank you for your question. As others have mentioned, Labia come in different sizes and shapes and are all considered normal. However, each person has an ideal image of them selves and how she may wish to appear. The most common reason patients have a Labiaplasty procedure is because of being self-conscious of the appearance in or out of clothes. 
It is important to have a consultation to review your anatomy because it’s not only what is removed/reduced, it’s also what is left behind that becomes the new focus.
From your photos, a Clitoral hood reduction with pexy combined with a Labiaplasty will give you a balanced look. I recommend searching in this site for surgeons experienced in vaginal surgery and is able to provide more than just a Labiaplasty.
Best of luck in your search.
Peter Castillo MD FACOG FPMRS
Aesthetic and Reconstructive Vaginal Surgery
Los Gatos, CA

Falguni Patel, MD, FACOG · Answer

thanks for your question. this procedure is completely up to you just remember all labias are different sizes and shapes! if you feel like it will help with your confidence level and decide to go through with it i believe it will definitely be worth it. with newer techniques the recovery is typically not too lengthy or painful as we have many patients back to their daily activities in 5-7 days and the pain is easily manageable.

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.

Michelle Jones Singer, MD · Answer

emma.mcd00, This is a question only your can answer. Your vulva is normal. If the appearance concerns you, I suggest you consultation an experienced cosmetic gynecologist or urogynecologist. Have an exam and discuss your concerns and how you want your vulva to appear.

22 female self-conscious about labia - is it worth going through all the pain and recovery? (photos)

Answers (19)

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