First and foremost, greater labiaplasty is a procedure to surgically reduce the outer labia.

Reasons why patients want a labiaplasty

Patients who feel their labia are too large or sagging. They may experience discomfort during activities such as riding a bike or may feel embarrassed during sexual intercourse.

Anesthesia

This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia with oral sedation or general anesthesia. Depending on the amount of tissue to be removed.

Treatment

A plastic surgeon removes two small pieces of skin from the inside of each labia. The amount to remove depends on the amount of excess tissue. In some cases where there is atrophy of fatty tissue. After liposuction, a small amount of fat may be transferred from another area of the body. The closure is usually done with self-dissolving sutures.

What are the risks of major labiaplasty?

Risks include bleeding, hematoma, infection, scarring, subresection, and overresection.

Recovery

Most patients take a week off work, during which they can reduce swelling and pain with a cold compress placed between the patient’s panties and elastic clothing. However, the patient may also lie with the buttock elevated to reduce swelling.

Patients can resume wearing tampons or having intercourse after four to six weeks.

Swelling after major labiaplasty can last six months or longer. Depending on the thickness of the tissue, although much of the swelling disappears after six weeks.

What are the results of labiaplasty?

This procedure usually results in smaller, stronger labia majora. In patients with excess skin, the drooping of the labia majora in the standing position is usually improved. In patients with excess volume, this procedure may result in a lower profile.