Trim vs Wedge - can I request the wedge technique?

And just look at the results of the doctor. Choosing a surgeon is like commissioning a piece of artwork. Arguably the most important and finest piece of artwork you will ever behold: yourself and your own beauty. So that makes this easy. Look at the work. Does it look pretty to you? Would you want your own body to look like that? Once you decide that the doctor has an excellent understanding of universal beauty (and there is such a thing, though I’m not sure exactly why god chose certain elements of beauty—despite some evolutionary-based and reproductive fitness clues) then the pressure is off you and on THEM. They have to do the worrying about how they are going to make you beautiful happy and safe.

That’s a great and very thoughtful question.

While both the trim (linear) and wedge techniques are commonly used for labiaplasty, the key to a beautiful, natural result isn’t just the technique — it’s the surgeon’s experience and aesthetic approach.

In our practice, we most often perform refined linear resections (also known as trim techniques), but with meticulous contouring and attention to natural anatomy. The goal is never to create a “Barbie” look, but rather a balanced, soft, and natural appearance that respects your unique features. Our patients consistently report high satisfaction and confidence with their results.

That said, the wedge technique can be a great option in certain cases, especially where pigmentation and contour allow. However, it’s not always ideal for every anatomy or desired outcome.

Since labiaplasty is a very specialized procedure, we highly recommend consulting with a cosmetic gynecologist—we focus specifically on this area, understand both function and aesthetics, and can guide you toward the technique that will give you the best, most natural result for your body.

If you’d like to schedule a consultation, we’d be happy to walk you through everything and create a plan that aligns with your goals and comfort. You're asking all the right questions — and we’re here to help you feel confident in your decision!

I invented the central wedge labiaplasty surgery in 1995 and only reported the seminal article in the plastic surgery literature in 2007. 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, I remove 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, I can reduce it at the same time. My technique is performed with magnification to ensure an accurate approximation of the normal labial edges, whereas the other technique takes 15-30 minutes and results in a linear scar as the labial edge. That scar can cause chronic discomfort and aesthetic disfigurement.

The surgery is relatively minor and is not very uncomfortable. It is performed as an outpatient in a fully accredited surgical center. General anesthesia is usually used, but sedation with local anesthesia is possible.

Above all, choose an experienced surgeon as over half of my surgeries are for reconstructing women, who have been botched by other doctors.

Sincerely,

Gary J. Alter, M.D.

Beverly Hills, CA - Manhattan, NY