Labiaplasty (Labia Reduction Surgery)
Excess tissue or skin in the vaginal area, specifically to the labia minora (small vaginal lips or inner lips) is a common problem. This condition can develop following childbirth or inherited. Excess tissue in the labia minor causes them to protrude beyond the labia majora (outer or large vaginal lips). This excess tissue can cause discomfort, irritation and discomfort during physical activity, while inserting tampons or having sexual intercourse. Labiaplasty (labia reduction surgery) is a procedure that reduces skin excess of the labia minora and improves their symmetry.
How is labiaplasty performed?
Labiaplasty is usually performed under local anesthesia in the office. Dr. Grigoryants will first apply a strong numbing cream for 15 minutes. He then injects the labia with lidocaine. Following the numbing cream application, most patients report that they cannot feel the injection of lidocaine. Lidocaine injection further numbs the area, making labiaplasty procedure painless.
Labiaplasty can also be performed under general anesthesia. This is typically done when labiaplasty is combined with other procedures such as rhinoplasty, breast surgery, tummy tuck, or other procedures.
Labiaplasty takes about 40 minutes to perform. The redundant amount of skin is excised preserving only enough labia minor to ensure that the vaginal opening is closed when the person is standing. The results are immediate. Sutures are absorbable and do not need to be removed.
Labiaplasty Technique
The two most common techniques used by Los Angeles surgeons are a trim technique and wedge excision. Dr. Grigoryants performs both techniques but prefers the trim technique to remove labia minora skin excess. Some of the problems related to the wedge excision include skin edge separation resulting in a hole in the labia minora or split edges, indentation at the incision line due to scar contracture, and inability to adequately remove thickened hyperpigmented skin at the edge of labia minora. The trim technique does not result in wound separation and allows for better removal of the hyperpigmented/thickened outer edge of labia minora.
What is recovery like after labiaplasty?
Following labiaplasty, an antibiotic ointment and a pad will be applied. The patient will resume showers the following day. Sexual activity can be resumed about 1 month following this procedure. Initial swelling will resolve over the next 3-4 weeks following labial reduction. Most patients are very pleased with the results of labial reduction.
During your consultation, Dr. Grigoryants will discuss the procedure with you in detail and show you many before and after photographs of his patients.
