What labia reduction procedure would you recommend? (photos)

Question

Ever since my tweens I have been insecure about my private area. I have never been able to wear proper pants because they always give me camel toe and I have always had to “tuck” my labia minora to feel comfortable walking or else they pull. What procedure would you recommend?? I really just want to feel comfortable in a bathing suit and pants.

Mark N. Scheinberg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questionFirst understand what you are looking at. There 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 both excess prepuce(upper pair) as well as asymmetric lower pair. For optimum aesthetic results, this excess prepuce 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

Gary J. Alter, MD · Answer

I reviewed your photos. 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. If 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. Do your research. About 40% of my labia cases are reconstructions of other surgeons' labiaplasties.

Gary J. Alter, M.D.
Beverly Hills, CA - Manhattan, NY

Gary J. Alter, M.D.
Beverly Hills, CA - Manhattan, NY

Allyson Deziel, MD · Answer

Based on your photo and history, you would be a good candidate for a labiaplasty procedure to reduce and reshape the labia minora. Labiaplasty surgery aims to alleviate discomfort caused by an elongated or asymmetrical labia as well as improve the aesthetic appearance. I recommend you have an in-person evaluation by a board-certified or board-eligible plastic surgeon to further discuss your concerns and surgical goals.

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

Hi Nancy 292565, Based on your history and the attached photo it does appear that you would benefit from a labiaplasty procedure, specifically reduction of labia minora. There is a chance you may also benefit from reduction of labia majora, however this would be an important discussion with your surgeon. I recommend consulting with a surgeon who performs labiaplasty procedures frequently and can help you decide what is best for you and what is most likely to improve your quality of life. Hope this is helpful and good luck!

Angelica Kavouni, MD, PhD, FRCS(Eng) · Answer

Dear Nancy, I am sorry to hear about these issues, your anatomy is completely normal  but there is labia minora hypertrophy that makes life difficult . If you choose the have a procedure I would recommend a conservative reduction of the minora, the trim method is suitable for you in my opinion, for slimming down the central part of the minora. Best of luck!

Oscar A. Aguirre, MD, FPMRS · Answer

Hello Nancy,
Thank you for your post. I understand your concerns as I have operated on hundreds of women with  very similar anatomy and discomfort. You need more than a labiaplasty since you also have a very large and ptotic prepuce (droopy hood) which MUST be reduced and lifted prior to reducing the shape of your labia minora. This will result in a natural and youthful look improving your self-confidence and resolving your physical discomfort. This is a procedure performed under local anesthesia in an office setting with minimal postop discomfort.
Your camel toe appearnce may be improved since you'll no longer need to tuck yourself, but this condition may be more a factor of your large pubic mons and labia majora. My recommendation is for you to address the hood and labia initially, since you will likely be thrilled with the result and realize that further work is not necessary. This is true the majority of the time, but if the camel toe concerns persist then I would recommend liposculpture of the mons with labia majora reduction. 
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.
Best of luck,

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Labiaplasty and clitoral hood reduction may be suitable for you. The procedure would remove tissue to reduce the prominence and “bulkiness” of your labia minora and clitoral hood, so that both don’t project as much. This can improve comfort.

Mehmet Bekir Sen, MD · Answer

Hi, One of the most common problems experienced by women is the sagging of the inner lips. Unfortunately , uncomfortable process. Suitable procedures for you are labiaplasty and clithoral aesthetics. In clitoris aesthetics, we only take the extra skin folds and simplify the midline. and I also recommend you a Laser genital whitening at the same time.
Op.Dr. Mehmet Bekir ŞENGenital Aesthetic ExpertAntalya /Turkey

Burcak Tok, MD · Answer

Hello, you are right, your labia minora is quite large. The best and safest result for you is with the surgical procedure, labiaplasty and clitoral hoodoplasty. You will have a much more comfortable life. I recommend that you do.

Kalila Steen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! It is always best to obtain a consultation from a board-certified plastic surgeon who can examine you in person for the best recommendation. From the photo provided, I would recommend surgical reduction to the labia minora by completing a labiaplasty. I would suggest using an a trim labiaplasty to create an smooth even contour and reduce the excess labia minora tissue. This procedure can be completed either awake under local anesthesia or in the operating room.

What labia reduction procedure would you recommend? (photos)

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