Trim or Wedge Method? Please advise me on what procedure would be best for me to achieve the neat tucked-in look.

Question

Please advise me on what procedure would be best for me to achieve the neat tucked-in look. Thank you. I have had a consultation and the surgeon offers wedge, however, I am researching and it seems to leave much more labia length and looks a little bulkier.

Ryan A. Stanton, MD · Answer

Labiaplasty, which most commonly involves surgical reduction of the labia minora (inner/thinner lips) but not infrequently trimming or tucking of the clitoral hood (aka “hoodectomy “) or labia majora (outer/thicker lips), has become a relatively common procedure over the last ten and even more so last 8+ years. Most commonly it is done under light sedation (aka twilight sleep) with local anesthesia, in which case the patient should feel no pain during the operation and experience a more speedy recovery. Whether the surgery is done using a laser, scalpel, or scissors does not really matter but what does matter is "symmetry". Symmetry is the most important aspect to the final aesthetic result. Most women, just like yourself, prefer to have as much of the darker pigmented edges removed as possible. Also, it's not how much tissue is removed but how much is left remaining because a certain amount is necessary to maintain proper form and function - typically ~10 mm or so of the dry part of the labia. Finally, I have found the scar along the edge of the labia after "Trim Method" to be much more imperceptible compared to the scar running perpendicular through the entire labia minora after "Wedge Method". Thus to achieve these four most important elements, I have found that the Trim Method satisfies best and most consistently.  One unique potential complication after Wedge Method is that the clitoris gets pulled downward which sometimes is annoying and sensory changing to women.  Another much more common  complication with Wedge method is wound separation and splitting of the suture line leaving dents or holes in the middle of the labia minora and/or complete separation between the top and bottom halves.  Thus it is extremely important to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon that specializes in this operation (does at least 1 - 2 per week). It may cost you a bit more but it is this type of result you will want to live with for the rest of your life.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. 
Both Trim and Wedge are reliable techniques used to perform Labiaplasty in the experienced hands.
Trim Labiaplasty is more commonly performed than Wedge Labiaplasty and has slightly lower risk of wound healing issue because the blood supply disruption is less than in Trim Labiaplasty. But generally speaking, depending on patient's anatomy, either technique can be used successfully to achieve cosmetically pleasing results. 
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. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. 
Best wishes and good luck. 
Best regards, 
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Mark N. Scheinberg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question There are actually two pair of labia, a lower pair that inserts into the clitoris and a second pair that forms the hood,called prepuce, which can attach and distort the lower pair which appears to be the case in your photos. The reduction of your prepuce will highly affect your results and the success of the reduction of your lower pair. The central wedge leaves a horizontal scar on a vertical organ(labia) and interferes with blood supply which can lead to notching so I avoid that option . You may also consider the natural edge technique. I strongly suggest you research your surgeon well and find one who can knows how to manage your prepuce and and will show you how your options will look so you can make an informed decision

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  I find the trim procedure to be the most reliable to achieve a tucked-in appearance as well as address the tissue hyperpigmentation.  Hope this helps.

Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question. See how a woman whose labia look exactly like yours was able to achieve the look you are seeking. The video is narrated and very clear. The other thing that is clear is that an expert tailors the procedure to your exact specifications. It's not the name of the procedure that matters. It's the skill and the eye of the surgeon every single time. It's worth travelling sometimes and it's always convenient to do a virtual consult with an expert to learn more.

Trim or Wedge Method? Please advise me on what procedure would be best for me to achieve the neat tucked-in look.

Answers (10)

Answer: Trim or Wedge Method? Please advise me on what procedure would be best for me to achieve the neat tucked-in look. (Photos)

Answer: Trim or Wedge Method? Please advise me on what procedure would be best for me to achieve the neat tucked-in look. (Photos)

Answer: How will an expert give you a neat tucked in look? See how your labiaplasty could be done

Answer: How will an expert give you a neat tucked in look? See how your labiaplasty could be done

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Everything you need to know about Labiaplasty

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Trim or Wedge Method? Please advise me on what procedure would be best for me to achieve the neat tucked-in look.

Answers (10)

Answer: Trim or Wedge Method? Please advise me on what procedure would be best for me to achieve the neat tucked-in look. (Photos)

Answer: Trim or Wedge Method? Please advise me on what procedure would be best for me to achieve the neat tucked-in look. (Photos)

Answer: How will an expert give you a neat tucked in look? See how your labiaplasty could be done

Answer: How will an expert give you a neat tucked in look? See how your labiaplasty could be done

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Labiaplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.