A study showed that only 14.3% of women like the appearance of their genitals. It’s normal to have qualms about our appearances, especially when it concerns such an intimate part of our bodies.
While most of us decide to live with what we’ve got, others take the step to correct minor issues, as this can boost their confidence. Not to mention, it can improve your quality of life too.
In this aspect, women may opt for labiaplasty. What is a labiaplasty, what does it entail, and why do people get this procedure done? Read on to learn more about this subject.
What Is a Labiaplasty?
A labiaplasty is a type of cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. It involves reshaping or reducing the size of the labia minor, which is the inner folds of the skin surrounding the vagina opening. Sometimes, the labia majora (the outer folds) are addressed too.
The goal is to improve the appearance of the patient’s labia. It can also relieve discomfort and restore function, depending on the individual’s needs.
What Is the Purpose of a Labiaplasty?
We’ve just briefly touched on the goals of labiaplasty above, but let’s go into more detail. Typically, labiaplasty can serve functional, aesthetic, and reconstructive purposes.
Functional Purposes
A study found that almost a third of women had physical complaints about their labia minora. Luckily, labiaplasty can address these issues. For example, the size can be reduced to make physical activity (such as cycling or running) more comfortable and less painful. It can also make sexual intercourse or wearing tight clothing more pleasant.
Basically, labiaplasty can address irritation or chafing that may result from friction while doing physical activities or wearing tighter clothes.
Aesthetic Purposes
In the same study from above, 6% of women had psychological complaints regarding their labia, which meant that they weren’t happy with how they looked.
Aesthetic genital plastic surgery can alter the shape and size of the labia to improve the appearance for individuals who feel self-conscious. As a result, it’ll enhance their self-confidence and comfort with their genital appearance in intimate settings.
Reconstructive Purposes
Our bodies change as we get older, and they may not always be positive ones. For instance, the labia may thin or elongate due to hormonal changes (due to menopause), or the labia may stretch or tear from childbirth. Some people are also born with congenital asymmetry or other conditions.
Labiaplasty can act as a reconstructive process to restore a more “normal” appearance for the labia.
Why Would Someone Get a Labiaplasty?
We’ve discussed the various purposes of labiaplasty. Now, let’s summarize why someone would get this procedure done.
Physical Discomfort
Long or uneven labia can tug, twist, or get pinched during exercise or movement. In addition, sitting for long periods, biking, or certain sexual positions can cause pain.
Self-Confidence and Emotional Well-Being
Some people may feel so insecure about the appearance of their labia that they may even feel embarrassed. This can cause a drop in confidence when they’re in swimwear or certain outfits, as well as when they’re intimate with their partners.
Improved Sexual Comfort
As we’ve mentioned before, long or uneven labia can cause pain during physical activity, and this includes sex. Excess tissue can decrease sensation too.
Thankfully, surgery can potentially lead to more comfortable and satisfying experiences.
Post-Childbirth or Trauma Repair
Vaginal delivery can result in stretched or torn labial tissue. This surgery can help resore pre-pregnancy appearance and function.
Gender-Affirming or Reconstructive Reasons
Some individuals undergoing gender confirmation surgery or reconstructive genital surgery may have a labiaplasty as part of their care. This can help them feel more comfortable in their bodies as women.
Types of Labiaplasty Techniques
There are two types of labiaplasty techniques: trim and wedge.
The trim method is the most common approach. As the name suggests, the edge of the labia minora is trimmed and then sutured. This reduces the size and creates a smooth contour.
In the wedge method, a V-shaped “wedge” of tissue is removed from the center of the labia minora. This preserves the natural labial edge for a more subtle result.
What to Expect From the Procedure
Typically, a labiaplasty is done under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. It’s an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll go home the same day. Surgery usually takes 1-2 hours, but it can take longer if you’re combining it with other procedures like vaginal rejuvenation.
After labia reduction surgery, you’ll have swelling, bruising, and discomfort for a few weeks. Most people return to work within a week, and most of the swelling is gone by 4-6 weeks. During this time, the following aren’t allowed:
- Sexual activity
- Tampon use
- Strenuous exercise
Full recovery from the surgery may take up to six months.
Risks and Considerations
Like any other surgery, there are risks and considerations you should keep in mind before getting a labiaplasty. They are:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring
- Altered sensation
- Asymmetry
To reduce the chances of these risks happening, choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in labiaplasty.
Is Labiaplasty Right for You?
There’s no right or wrong answer here, as the procedure is a personal decision. You should note that there’s no “normal” when it comes to labial appearance; there’s wide anatomical variation, and every body is beautiful in its own way.
However, if you’re experiencing physical discomfort, emotional distress, or low self-esteem, then you may be a good candidate for this surgery. A consultation with a qualified surgeon can help you determine if a labiaplasty is appropriate for your needs.
Feel Good About Your Body Again
Now that you’ve read this article, you know the answer to the question, “What is a labiaplasty?”
As you can see, it’s a surgery that can give you meaningful relief, as well as restore your confidence and improve your quality of life. So it’s not just a trend; it’s a powerful procedure that helps numerous individuals feel good about their bodies again.
Schedule a consultation with us today to see if a labiaplasty is right for you. Dr. Valdez has world-class expertise and credentials.
References:
- Widschwendter A, Riedl D, Freidhager K, et al. Perception of Labial Size and Objective Measurements-Is There a Correlation? A Cross-Sectional Study in a Cohort Not Seeking Labiaplasty. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2020;17(3):461-469. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.11.272
- Labiaplasty | Aesthetic Genital Plastic Surgery. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Accessed May 24, 2025. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/aesthetic-genital-plastic-surgery/labiaplasty
- Mullinax M, Herbenick D, Schick V, Sanders SA, Reece M. In their own words: a qualitative content analysis of women’s and men’s preferences for women’s genitals. Sex Educ. 2015;15(4):421-436. doi:10.1080/14681811.2015.1031884