Labiaplasty

The labia minora is the delicate tissue on either side of the vagina, inside of the outside hair-bearing labia majora. Labia minor reduction (Labiaplasty) is a procedure offered to women who have uneven or excess labia minora that causes physical discomfort or diminished self-esteem. A large proportion of women with enlargement of the labia minora describe discomfort or irritation with clothes, exercise/sports, and/or sexual activity. In some individuals, the excess labia may even cause challenges with hygiene. Women many find that the appearance of their labia have changed over time due to pregnancy or aging. Hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy, menopause and aging can contribute to enlarging and darkening the colour of these tissues.

You may be a candidate for labiaplasty surgery if:

• You are physically healthy
• You have realistic expectations
• You don’t smoke
• You are bothered by the size of your labia minora
• You have excess labia minora that limits your physical activity
• You have labia minor that are not the same size
• You have discomfort/pain when wearing clothing or doing exercise, such as riding a bike
• You have discomfort/pain or unable to have sexual intercourse
• You are self-conscious about the appearance of your enlarged labia minora

This procedure can be done awake under local anesthetic or under sedation or general anesthetic in a private surgical facility.  Markings will be drawn at the time of surgery, and local anesthetic will injected. If you are having this performed under local anesthetic, will will place topical anesthetic 30 min before the procedure. We encourage our patients to bring headphones so that they can listen to music or catch up on Netflix while we are performing the procedure. You will be able to go home the same day. The first day/night you may feel pain, aching and discomfort to the affected area. There will be some swelling and bruising present for a few days to weeks after your labiaplasty. The swelling if often quite significant which is bothersome and can cause anxiety, but rest assured, this swelling will decrease with time. Bruising will occur and may persist for up to 3 weeks. The incisions and surrounding area should we cleansed 3 times per day.  You will need to avoid strenuous exercise for 1-2 weeks. You will typically need 1-2 weeks off work. Sexual activity can usually resume after about 7-10 weeks after your surgery. Your stitches will be dissolving and after several months, you will be able to see the final result.

The risks with surgery are low, but still are possible. Some of the potential risks associated with labiaplasty surgery include poor scarring, hematoma (blood collection), infection, poor scarring, discolouration (darker or lighter), delayed wound healing, numbness, asymmetry, contour irregularities, persistent swelling, possible pain during intercourse, and the need for further surgery.