Labiaplasty

What Is the Labia Minora?

The labia minora is a natural inner fold just lining the vaginal opening. This serves as a barrier to protect the vagina from dryness, irritation, and infection. It also has a role in sexual activity as it provides sensation and is connected to the clitoral hood. From childhood to puberty they become longer and thicker. This may become loose and stretch from childbirth. With age or the loss of hormone (menopause, medication), the labia minora lose elastic tissue, causing it to shrink in thickness but stay loose. It can also become dry and less sensitive to sexual stimulation.

The shape and colour of the labia minora differs from person to person. The outer edge may be darker than the inner part. The edge may be smooth or wavy. One side may be longer than the other. Some labia are larger than would be expected.

Who Can Have a Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is meant to treat issues in shape, appearance, or asymmetry. A person in good health can have a labiaplasty, if:

• Non-cigarette smoker
• Good genital health (example – healthy gynecologic examination, clean, no infections, sores, no cancer)
• There are reasonable expectations (example – labia may change over time)

Treatment Options for the Labia Minora

There are many ways that have been described to treat the labia minora.These include laser tightening without cutting, “trimming” the edge, wedge excision. The choice of treatment will depend on your discussion with Dr. Lee.

Note: This treats the outer labia minora only. Laser treatment may be added internally to address vaginal wall health.

Wedge

PROS:

• Keeps natural edge
• Preserves the colour of the edges

CONS:

• Notching if the would edge falls apart
• Should not use with thin labia

Edge “Trim”

PROS:

• Used for many decades
• Will not fall apart or create a notch at the edge

CONS:

• Scar is on the edge
• Loss of natural edge and pigment
• Does not shorten a heavy clitoral hood
• Difficult to correct if too much is trimmed

Clitoral Hood Reduction

PROS:

• Reduces extra skin over clitoris which improves appearance and sensitivity

CONS:

• Hypersensitivity of exposed clitoris
• Urine stream may change direction if pulled to tightly

Laser Assisted

PROS:

• Simple
• No surgical scars
• Minimal time for the treatment
• Minimal recovery time

CONS:

• Needs at least 2-3 sessions for effect
• Will not address severe laxity