Every woman’s anatomy is different. Although we are made of the same genetic materials, it’s perfectly normal for variations to exist in the size or shape of certain features. This is nothing to be ashamed of. However, for some women, excess tissue within the labia minora, or the “ruffled edge” outside the vagina, can cause emotional distress and physical side effects for some women. Thankfully, labiaplasty can be an ideal solution for women who experience this issue.
When a woman has an overly large labia minora, this is often referred to as labial hypertrophy. Labiaplasty is a gynecological surgery procedure where excess tissue is removed in order to reduce the size of the labia and effectively treat labial hypertrophy. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), labiaplasty is one of the fastest growing plastic surgery procedures. Last year, 12,756 labiaplasty procedures were performed in the US, marking an 18% increase from the previous year and an incredible 53% increase since 2014.
Good candidates for labiaplasty include women who experience discomfort due to the size or shape of their labia minora. This can include women who feel physical discomfort or those who are self-conscious while wearing certain tight-fitting clothing or bathing suits due to their labial hypertrophy. Labiaplasty surgery can be performed in a variety of ways including removing tissue along a linear area, in a wedge shape along the lower edge, or as a central excision to preserve the natural free edge depending on each woman’s specific needs and preferences.
Recovery after labiaplasty surgery will depend on several factors including the specific details of the procedure and each woman’s unique ability to heal and recover. Generally speaking, many women are able to return to normal daily activities five to seven days following their labiaplasty. However, additional recovery time will be required before performing more strenuous physical activity including heavy lifting or sexual intercourse.
If you experience labial hypertrophy and think you may be a good candidate for labiaplasty, don’t hesitate to request a consultation with your board-certified gynecologist at Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett. Our reproductive healthcare providers specialize in diagnosing gynecological concerns and guiding women towards the best-possible course of treatment for their needs. For more information or to request your appointment today, please contact Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett. And follow us on Facebook and Twitter for additional reproductive healthcare tips for women.