Labioplasty

We perform expert labia reduction surgery (labiaplasty, labioplasty) for women with enlarged, hypertrophic, or asymmetrical labia minora in our clean, comfortable, ultra-modern private OB/GYN office.
Some women are uncomfortable with their enlarged labia minora (lips), which can lead to self-consciousness and discomfort with wearing clothing, exercising, or having sex. The enlarged labia can have a protuberant and abnormal appearance that can be bothersome and distressful.
We have developed and refined a special reconstructive plastic surgical technique to reduce uneven or enlarged labia minora to a sleeker, thinner, more comfortable, and more appealing size and shape with typically excellent, very natural-looking results.. It is important to note that our specially developed reconstructive surgical technique is NOT simply an amputation or "trimming" of excess tissue, which a gynecologist or plastic surgeon might typically perform for a labial reduction, and which would produce an unnatural and scarred appearance. Other physicians, including gynecologists, plastic surgeons, and even general surgeons have attempted this surgery and have had typically poor results. We perform a specially developed surgical technique of labial reconstruction that preserves most of the natural contour, pigmentation, and sensitivity of the labia minora with minimal scarring. We customize the surgical procedure to the individual needs and expectations of the patient, as are discussed during the required pre-surgical consultation and thorough gynecological examination. Our expert surgeon uses an artistic eye and touch to masterfully sculpt and reshape the labia minora to the desired result. In most cases, the surgery is virtually undetectable after complete healing, and patients have been extremely pleased with our amazing results.
Labia Minora Reduction (Labioplasty, Labiaplasty or Vaginal Lip Reduction) 
 
Many women suffer from oversized or asymmetrical labia minora, the folds of skin or "lips" surrounding the entrance to the vagina. While many women are born with this condition and are affected by it throughout their lives, it can also appear later in life with aging or due to stretching during childbirth. Women who have oversized or asymmetrical labia minora often experience discomfort when wearing certain clothing, or during sexual intercourse and it can be a cause of embarrassment with a sexual partner.
The labioplasty procedure is performed in our state of the art outpatient surgery center. The labia reduction procedure is relatively pain free. Small incisions are made to remove any excess tissue or to even the edges of the labia minora. After surgery, sensation in the labia minora are normal and occasionally enhanced. The results of labioplasty are even aesthetically pleasing labia minora
Labia Minora Reduction (Labioplasty, Labiaplasty or Vaginal Lip Reduction) 
 
Many women suffer from oversized or asymmetrical labia minora, the folds of skin or "lips" surrounding the entrance to the vagina. While many women are born with this condition and are affected by it throughout their lives, it can also appear later in life with aging or due to stretching during childbirth. Women who have oversized or asymmetrical labia minora often experience discomfort when wearing certain clothing, or during sexual intercourse and it can be a cause of embarrassment with a sexual partner.
The labioplasty procedure is performed in our state of the art outpatient surgery center. The labia reduction procedure is relatively pain free. Small incisions are made to remove any excess tissue or to even the edges of the labia minora. After surgery, sensation in the labia minora are normal and occasionally enhanced. The results of labioplasty are even aesthetically pleasing labia minora

• Anesthesia is a local or light general and the procedure is done in the outpatient surgery center.
• There is virtually no pain and only mild discomfort.
• The incision is very inconspicuous and is virtually imperceptible in time.
• The procedure involves small incisions to remove the scar, or excess tissue, or even the edges. The stitches are dissolvable and do not need to be removed.
• Sensation and function are normal and well maintained, and not infrequently, enhanced.
• No dressings are needed.
• This can be combined with other plastic surgical procedures.
• Laser Reduction Labioplasty can sculpture the elongated or unequal labial minora (small inner lips) according to one's specification. Most women tell us that they do not want the small inner lips to project beyond the large outer lips. Many women bring us Playboy and say that they want to look like this. With laser reduction labioplasty, we work with women to try and accomplish their desires. Our labioplasty techniques can also reconstruct conditions that are due to the aging process, childbirth trauma, or injury.

Labioplasty (Labia Reduction) Surgery in San Francisco, California
Labioplasty, (labiaplasty), also known as labia reduction, vaginal lip reduction, or labia rejuvenation, is a procedure to decrease the size and improve the appearance of enlarged, hypertrophic or assymetrical labia minora. The enlarged labia may cause some women to experience discomfort with pinching or pulling during certain activities, or with some clothing. Sometimes childbirth may cause the labia to become stretched and enlarged, and reconstruction after childbirth may become necessary. Labioplasty can reduce this discomfort and enlargement with a simple out-patient procedure to create a smaller, thinner, more comfortable, size and shape.  
 
The Labiaplasty Procedure 
 
The labia reduction surgery is performed in our state of the art, accredited surgery center under very light anesthesia, and usually takes about one hour, with little discomfort or pain to the patient. Dr. Rajagopal strives to preserve the natural contour, pigmentation, and sensation of the labia minor with minimal scars. Small incisions are made to remove any excess tissue or to even out the edges of the labia minor. Sutures will be placed where the incisions were made and these sutures should dissolve within a few weeks.
Labioplasty sculpts the overly long lips to a more satisfactory size. This confidential and delicate procedure is done during an office visit with dissolving suture under local anesthesia. There is minimal discomfort and downtime for recovery.

The popularity of ‘Intimate Surgery’ has skyrocketed over the last few years. Public awareness of these procedures has increased because of the frequent articles in women’s magazines (Elle, Cosmopolitan, New Woman). Women request the surgery for two reasons. Some feel discomfort during sexual intercourse and desire a change. However, many women simply wish to change the appearance of the external sex organs- the Mons Pubis (fatty area under the pubic hair) or the external/ internal labia ( lips of the vagina). Most patients have labioplasty to reduce the length of the genetalia.
Some women develop elongated labia due to age or childbirth. Some women just happen to be born with an excess of labia tissue. I can safe and predictably reduce the size of a woman's labia to create a neater, more youthful appearance. The procedure is remarkable free from pain. Women who have had this surgery report some mild soreness, but this subsides in a few days. The patient is then able to quickly resume an active lifestyle.
Labioplasty (vaginal lip reduction) reduces the size of the the labia minora at the entrance to the vagina to make the vaginal "lips" more aesthetically pleasing.
Many women suffer from oversized or asymmetrical labia minora, the folds of skin or "inner lips" surrounding the entrance to the vagina.
Asymmetrical or elongated labia can cause irritation, physical discomfort, and may be a cause of embarrassment with a sexual partner. Note that, just like other parts of the body, labia are not usually perfectly symmetrical (ie. one is usually longer than the other).
If you have oversized, asymmetrical, &/or protruding inner vaginal "lips" (labia minora) that are causing symptoms or are a source of embarrassment, labioplasty surgery may be for you.
Labioplasty reduces the labia minora so that the inner "lips" don't protrude from the outer "lips" to produce a more aesthetically pleasing look.
One of the least talked about areas of cosmetic surgery is surgery of the female genitalia. Many women suffer from oversized or asymmetrical labia minora, the folds of skin or "inner lips" surrounding the entrance to the vagina. While many women are born with this condition and are affected by it throughout their lives, it can also appear later in life with aging or due to stretching during childbirth. Asymmetrical or elongated labia can causes irritation, rash, discomfort when wearing certain clothing or during sexual intercourse and it can be a cause of embarrassment with a sexual partner. 
 
Labioplasty is correction or reduction of the vaginal labia. It can correct tears, deformity or stretching that may occur as a result of childbirth or over time. It can also reduce the size of the labia, correct any scar contracture or distortion, reduce the fatty excess tissue in the pubic region and create more even appearance between your right and left labia minora.  
 
We have provided a form on the website if you would like to request further information or an appointment.
Labioplasty (Labiaplasty or Vaginal Lip Reduction) 
 
Many women suffer from oversized or asymmetrical labia minora, the folds of skin or "lips" surrounding the entrance to the vagina. While some women are born with this condition and are affected by it throughout their lives, it can also appear later in life with aging or due to stretching during childbirth. Women who have oversized or asymmetrical labia minora often experience discomfort when wearing certain clothing. During sexual intercourse, it can be a cause of embarrassment with a sexual partner. 
 
The labia reduction procedure is relatively pain free. Small incisions are made to remove any excess tissue or to even the edges of the labia minora. After surgery, sensation in the labia minora are normal. 
The ideal time for performing a vaginal surgery is immediately after menstruation. This way, when the next menstruation begins, the tissues will be completely healed. If possible, try to plan your trip to Buenos Aires accordingly. If it is calculated that your next menstruation will start before the tissues will be completely healed, there will not be any serious problems; the surgery may still be performed, but you will probably feel

• Laser Reduction Labioplasty can sculpture the elongated or unequal labial minora (small inner lips) according to ones specification. Most women tell us that they do not want the small inner lips to project beyond the large outer lips. Many women bring us Playboy and say that they want to look like this. With laser reduction labioplasty, we can accomplish the desires of the woman. Our labioplasty techniques can also reconstruct conditions that are due to the aging process, childbirth trauma, or injury.

Labiaplasty is a procedure performed on women who dislike the large size of their labia minora, which may cause embarrassment with a sexual partner or discomfort in tight pants, with sports, or during sexual intercourse. Some women are born with enlarged labia and therefore opt to have labiaplasty; whereas others develop the enlargement with age or from child-birth. Occasionally, a woman is self-conscious of her labia since childhood. A labia reduction (labiaplasty) procedure can be performed to reduce the labia minora.
Traditionally, gynecologists and plastic surgeons perform labia minora reduction (labia reduction or labiaplasty) by excising the protuberant labia minora and over sewing the raw edge. This old fashioned labia reduction (labiaplasty) technique is not ideal since the natural contour and color of labia minora edge are eliminated. Instead, an irregular scar line of more lightly colored inner labial tissue replaces the normal pigment of the labial border.
Recently, Dr. Alter developed a new technique of labia minora reduction (labiaplasty) called the "Alter labia contouring" procedure "the new labiaplasty", which preserves the normal contour, color, and anatomy of the labia minora edge. The protuberant labium is excised in a "V" manner and the upper and lower edges are sutured together. Therefore, the only suture line visible on the edge is a small transverse line instead of a longitudinal vertical suture line. This results in normal labia minora in which surgery is essentially undetectable. Excess skin on the sides of the clitoral hood can also be removed without visible scars. Several modifications of labiaplasty have aslo been made that have not yet been published.
The labia minora reduction surgery (labiaplasty) is relatively minor and is not very uncomfortable. The labia reduction surgery takes 2 hours and is performed with magnification to assure an accurate approximation of the normal labial edges, whereas the other technique takes 15-30 minutes and results in a scar line as the labial edge. That scar can cause chronic discomfort and disfigurement.
The labiaplasty surgery is performed in a fully accredited surgical center. General anesthesia is usually used, but sedation with local anesthesia is possible. The complication rate from labiaplasty is extremely low. If you have a relatively sedate job, you can probably return to work in 5 days. If you travel here, I will see you on the day before surgery, and you should plan on staying in the area for about 2-3 days after the operation. You can resume sexual relations in about 6 weeks after a labia reduction. None of my patients have complained of any loss of sensation or any decline in the ability to have orgasms.  
 
Insurance may cover the labiaplasty surgery if you have any discomfort. We are happy to assist you in obtaining preauthorization.
This labia minora procedure (labiaplasty) was published in the prestigious journal 'Annals of Plastic Surgery" in early 1998 (volume 40, page 287). It was featured in Cosmopolitan magazine in November 1998, in Playboy magazine's August 1999 Playboy Advisor; in the February 2000 and November 2003 issue of Marie Claire magazine, and in Glamour magazine, etc.
The outer lips of the vagina can be enlarged with excess skin and tissue. This enlargement causes an embarrassing bulge in pants or swimsuits. The labia majora may be enlarged from birth, secondary to childbirth, or due to aging. Dr. Alter developed a new technique to reduce their size by removing a crescent shaped portion of each inner labium. The scar is hidden in the concavity between the inner and outer labia. This surgery is also minor and takes about one and a half hours.
The surgery is relatively minor and is not very uncomfortable. It is performed in a fully accredited surgical center. General anesthesia is usually used, but sedation with local anesthesia is possible. The complication rate is extremely low. If you have a relatively sedate job, you can probably return to work in 5 days. I will see you on the day before surgery, and you can return home 2-3 days after the operation. You can resume sexual relations in about 4 weeks. None of my patients have complained of any loss of sensation or any decline in the ability to have orgasms.
Labioplasty is a procedure to reduce the size and prominence of the labia minora. Enlargement of the labia minora can be congenital or can be acquired by chronic irritation or the use of male hormones.  
 
Enlargement can cause inflammation, discomfort with some types of clothing or interference with intercourse as well as self-consciousness. 
Labioplasty removes the excess labial length while maintaining a normal sized labia minora and opening into the vagina. The incision is made in a zigzag fashion and closed with stitches that dissolve over a couple of weeks. Healing is usually uneventful. 
 
At the initial consultation, I interview and examine the patient to determine if labioplasty is indicated and if the patient’s expectations are likely to be met. Information regarding preoperative and postoperative instructions, possible complications and a written price quote are given at the time of initial consultation.

You can decide about the size of your labia yourself. However, it is important to remember the biological function of the labia minora. They protect the vaginal orifice when spreading the thighs. Therefore, over correction is best avoided. A short protective rim of labia is usually left in place, covered by the greater lips.
During the procedure, the inner lips of the vulva are reduced or made to look more symmetric. Although the procedure is usually aesthetic, in order to improve vaginal self-image, it may also be indicated because of pain during intercourse, cyc1ing or sport.
Sometimes abnormalities need to be corrected such as severe overgrowth, asymmetry or scarring. We focus on the aesthetic appeal of the labia minora. Scars are minimal and normally only visible to the trained eye. Sensitivity is normally not interfered with: psychological and relational components of dysfunctional vaginal experience can neither be caused, nor treated by surgery.
 Procedures

• Labia reduction: Most patients are happy after simple removal of the redundant labia.
• Labia reduction: Most patients are happy after simple removal of the redundant labia.
• Labioplasty: A more complicated technique preserves some of the outer, dark brown skin, by removing more of the internal skin

A new method for aesthetic reduction of labia minora (the deepithelialized reduction of labioplasty).

Choi HY, Kim KT.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine at Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea. choihy@hmc.hanyang.ac.kr

An enlarged labium minus can be bothersome for functional, aesthetic, and social reasons. Labia minora hypertrophy can be congenital or acquired by chronic irritation, exogenous androgenic hormones, or stretching with weights. This can cause inflammation, poor hygiene, interference with sexual intercourse, or intermittent urinary self-catheterization in myelodysplastic women. Aesthetically, an asymmetric or enlarged labium minus causes self-consciousness sexually and when the subject wears tight pants. Previously, labia minora reduction was performed by amputation of the protuberant segment and oversewing the edge, or a wedge of protuberant labial tissue was excised and reapproximated. However, the former technique removes the natural contour and color of the edge of the labium minus, and the latter can result in an incomplete or tight reduction. Therefore, rather than an amputation or a wedge resection, we preserved the natural contour and anatomy of the labium minus by simply reducing its central width through bilateral deepithelialization and reapproximation of the central portion with preservation of the neurovascular supply to the edge. Six patients have undergone this reduction method with excellent results without specific complications.

PMID: 10627011 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] plastic and reconstructive surgery   2000 Jan;105(1):419-22; discussion 423-4.