Labiaplasty in Vancouver

Labiaplasty, also known as labia minora reduction, is a surgical procedure that reduces or reshapes excess tissue of the labia minora.

There is a wide range of normal anatomy, and having larger or asymmetric labia does not mean that anything is wrong. Some patients, however, experience physical discomfort, irritation or concerns related to excess or asymmetric labial tissue.

Patients may consider labiaplasty because of discomfort with fitted clothing, exercise, cycling or other activities. Excess tissue may also contribute to irritation or difficulties with hygiene. For others, the concern may be the size, shape or asymmetry of the labia minora.

Dr. Adelyn Ho offers labiaplasty and labia minora reduction in Vancouver and will assess your anatomy, symptoms and goals to determine whether surgery may be appropriate for you.

There are many reasons someone may consider labia minora reduction. Common concerns include:

• Are bothered by excess or elongated labia minora
• Have significant asymmetry between the two sides
• Experience pulling, pinching or irritation with clothing
• Experience discomfort with cycling, running or other physical activities
• Find that excess tissue makes hygiene more difficult
• Are concerned about the size, shape or asymmetry of the labia minora

There is no single ideal appearance of the labia. The goal of consultation is to understand what is bothering you and determine whether surgery can safely and appropriately address those concerns.

It is common for the two sides of the labia minora to be different in size or shape. For some patients the difference is subtle and causes no concerns. For others, one side may extend significantly further than the other or may cause pulling, irritation or discomfort.

Labiaplasty can be individualized to address asymmetry while preserving an appearance that is appropriate for your natural anatomy. Perfect symmetry cannot be guaranteed.

Labiaplasty is planned individually based on the amount and location of excess labia minora tissue, asymmetry between the two sides, the shape and thickness of the tissue, and the natural labial edge.

Before surgery, the areas to be reduced are carefully marked. Dr. Ho commonly uses a trim labiaplasty, where selected excess tissue is reduced along the labial edge and the remaining tissue is reshaped to improve comfort and create a more balanced contour.

Other surgical techniques may be used depending on the individual anatomy, tissue characteristics, asymmetry and surgical goals. The approach is tailored to preserve an appropriate amount of tissue while addressing the specific concerns of each patient.

Before closure, cautery is used to achieve careful hemostasis and control any small areas of bleeding. The labia are then closed in two layers with dissolving sutures. This layered closure helps refine and narrow the contour of the labia while also supporting hemostasis and the healing tissues.

Particular attention is paid throughout the procedure to tissue preservation, symmetry, blood supply and avoiding excessive reduction.

Yes. In appropriate patients, labiaplasty can be performed awake under local anesthetic.

Topical anesthetic can be applied before the procedure, followed by local anesthetic to numb the surgical area. Patients are awake while the treatment area is numb. Some patients prefer to listen to music, a podcast or watch something during the procedure.

Labiaplasty can also be performed under sedation or general anesthetic in a private surgical facility, depending on the procedure and patient preference.

Clitoral hood reduction is a separate procedure that reduces excess folds of tissue of the clitoral hood. In some patients, excess tissue in this area may be present along with excess or asymmetric labia minora.

Labiaplasty does not automatically include clitoral hood reduction. Whether this additional procedure is appropriate depends on the patient’s anatomy, concerns and surgical goals.

When both areas are being considered, it is important to assess the overall proportions of the labia minora and clitoral hood rather than treating each area in isolation. Because the clitoral hood is anatomically sensitive, careful surgical planning is important.

The cost of labiaplasty depends on the surgical plan, complexity of the procedure and whether surgery is performed under local anesthetic or in a surgical facility with sedation or general anesthetic.

Labiaplasty performed under local anesthetic typically ranges from $5,200 to $6,500, depending on the surgical plan and individual goals.

Following your consultation, you will receive a detailed quote based on your individual surgical plan.

Patients are able to go home the same day after labiaplasty. Swelling, bruising, tenderness and discomfort are expected during the early recovery period. Swelling can be significant initially, and the two sides may temporarily look different while healing. This gradually improves with time.

Bruising may persist for several weeks. You will receive specific instructions about cleaning the surgical area and caring for the incisions.

Most patients take approximately one to two weeks away from work depending on their occupation and recovery. Strenuous exercise should be avoided during the early healing period. Dissolving sutures are typically used and usually do not need to be removed.

Although much of the initial swelling improves during the first several weeks, healing continues over several months. The final result should therefore not be judged too early.

If you would like a more detailed look at healing, swelling, exercise and returning to normal activities, see Labiaplasty Recovery: What to Expect Week by Week.

There is a wide range of normal labial anatomy, and the goal of labiaplasty is not to create one standardized appearance. Surgery is individualized to the patient’s anatomy, symptoms and concerns.

Labiaplasty may address excess or elongated labia minora, differences between the two sides and tissue that contributes to pulling, irritation or discomfort.

When considering labiaplasty before-and-after results, it is important to look beyond simply making the labia smaller. Dr. Ho considers the overall shape, symmetry, tissue balance and relationship between the labia minora and surrounding anatomy.

Early postoperative appearance does not represent the final result. Swelling can temporarily exaggerate asymmetry and contour differences, and healing continues for several months.

During consultation, Dr. Ho can discuss what changes may realistically be possible based on your individual anatomy and review appropriate before-and-after photographs in the office.

As with any surgery, labiaplasty has potential risks and complications. These can include bleeding or hematoma, infection, delayed wound healing, scarring, changes in pigmentation, altered sensation or numbness, asymmetry, contour irregularities, persistent swelling, discomfort and the possibility of revision surgery.

The amount of tissue removed is also important. Excessive reduction can create functional problems, which is why the surgical plan takes both anatomy and function into consideration.

Your individual risks, expected recovery and limitations of surgery will be reviewed during consultation.

Dr. Adelyn Ho is a Royal College-certified plastic surgeon with fellowship training in microsurgery and advanced soft-tissue reconstruction.

Her approach to labiaplasty focuses on individualized surgical planning rather than creating a standardized appearance. Consultation includes careful assessment of your anatomy, symptoms and goals, with attention to tissue preservation, symmetry, scarring and function.

Patients receive detailed postoperative guidance and follow-up throughout recovery.

If you are considering labiaplasty because of discomfort, excess tissue, asymmetry or concerns about appearance, consultation provides an opportunity to discuss what is bothering you and what options may be appropriate.

Dr. Adelyn Ho is a plastic surgeon practising in Vancouver, British Columbia. Consultation includes an assessment of your anatomy, discussion of your goals and review of the expected outcome, recovery and potential risks of surgery

Prefer to contact us directly?
604-806-3650 | info@dradelynho.com

Medically reviewed by Dr. Adelyn Ho, MD, MPH, FRCSC | Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon | Last reviewed: August 2026