A labiaplasty is surgery to reduce the size of the labia minora – the flaps of skin either side of the vaginal opening.
It should not be done on girls younger than 18 because the labia continues to develop beyond puberty into early adulthood.
Some women want a labiaplasty because they do not like the look of their labia.
Vaginal rejuvenation is a broad term that encompasses a tremendous number of options for this ever-growing field of elective healthcare. New devices and treatments are entering the market almost every month, as more and more women are utilizing these treatments more frequently.
Therapies for “vaginal rejuvenation” typically include energy devices like lasers, radiofrequency and ultrasound just to name a few. Most vaginal rejuvenation procedures utilize some form of energy to accomplish a myriad of outcomes such as vaginal tightening, decreasing incontinence and eliminating vaginal dryness.
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure to reduce or increase the size of your labia. The surgery is done to improve the appearance of your labia, to reduce physical discomfort or as part of gender-affirming surgery.
Your labia are the folds of skin around your vagina opening. You have two folds of skin. The outer folds are called the labia majora, which means large lips. These folds are the larger fleshy folds that protect your external genital organs and are covered with pubic hair after puberty. The inner folds are called the labia minora, which means small lips. These skin folds protect the opening of your urethra (where your pee leaves your body) and vagina.
Medical and physical reasons
- To reduce the size of labia minora so it doesn’t protrude beyond the edges of the labia majora. Excess labial tissue can twist, turn, or get pinched or tugged, and cause physical discomfort and irritation during exercise, physical activities (such as bike riding or jogging) and intercourse.
- To improve hygiene and health since excess tissue can make cleansing more difficult and can harbor bacteria that can lead to the development of urinary tract infections.
Cosmetic and emotional reasons
- To restore a more youthful look after childbirth or aging.
- To reduce asymmetry (uneven shape) of the labia minora or labia majora when one side is longer or shaped differently than the other.
- To increase self-confidence and eliminate the visual lines, bulges or “camel toe” appearance when wearing body-conforming pants or leggings. Tight-fitting clothing can also cause physical discomfort if there’s excess labia tissue.
- To improve comfort, confidence and sexual well-being about the appearance of your genitalia during intimate contact.
