Labiaplasty

Oversized labia can be caused by a number of factors, such as age, childbirth, changes in weight or genetics. For some women, large inner or outer labia can cause physical discomfort or feelings of self-consciousness during intimacy. Labia surgery, also known as labiaplasty, resizes the labia to create a more proportional result so every woman can feel comfortable and confident both in and out of her clothes.

Dr. Jennifer Harrington is recognized as one of the best female plastic surgeons performing labiaplasty surgery. She values creating customized results for every patient who walks through her doors. In your one-on-one consultation, she’ll take the time to discuss your goals and concerns with you, determining the best approach for your needs.

Harrington + Associates Plastic Surgery has helped women from throughout the Twin Cities feel more comfortable with their bodies with labiaplasty. Contact us online or call our Plymouth office today at 651-290-7600 for more information about labia reduction surgery, including pricing, or visit My Labiaplasty Surgeon to learn more.

Labiaplasty offers both physical and emotional benefits that can significantly improve quality of life. Some of the key benefits include:

• Improved comfort. Reducing the size of enlarged labia can make everyday activities more comfortable and reduce irritation and chafing during exercise, cycling or sexual activity.
• Enhanced confidence. Many women report feeling a newfound sense of self-confidence and positive body image after labiaplasty surgery, including during intimate settings.
• Better symmetry. Labiaplasty can correct uneven or enlarged labia for a more balanced appearance.
• Improved hygiene. By reducing enlarged labia, this procedure can make daily care and hygiene easier.
• Increased sexual satisfaction. Labia reduction surgery can alleviate discomfort during intimacy and improve overall sexual satisfaction.
  

During your private, one-on-one consultation with Dr. Harrington, you will have the opportunity to explain your goals and what you hope to get out of labia reduction surgery. This is also a great time to ask any questions you might have about the procedure itself or about Dr. Harrington’s specific recommendations for your individual procedure.

In addition to carefully listening to your goals, Dr. Harrington will review your medical history and perform a physical examination to create a customized treatment plan based on your unique needs, cosmetic goals and anatomy. She will review the specific surgical techniques that she recommends for your situation, as well as explain what to expect before, during and after your procedure.

The goal of this appointment is to ensure you feel confident and comfortable making well-informed decisions about your care.

Labiaplasty can be customized based on whether you are seeking changes to the inner or outer labia. Each technique is designed to create a natural appearance while maintaining comfort and sensitivity. Depending on your anatomy and desired outcome, Dr. Harrington may recommend labia minora or labia majora reduction, or in some cases, a combination of both.

The incisions for labia reduction surgery are typically small and discreet enough to go unnoticed after healing. For women getting labia majora reduction surgery, or reduction of the outer labia, incisions are made on the inside of the outer labia. Dr. Harrington uses these incisions to remove small, football-shaped sections of skin from each side of the labia before closing the incisions for natural-looking contours.

Women getting labia minora surgery, or reduction of the inner labia, may have the edges of the inner labia excised, resulting in smaller inner labia. For this technique, incisions may either cut directly across the inner labia or travel slightly inwards in a wedge shape before folding the labia in a manner that creates natural-looking results and preserves nerve function. Dr. Harrington will help you understand the best approach for your specific goals.

Traditional trim labiaplasty can make the clitoral hood stand out unless it is incorporated carefully into the new shape and size of the surrounding lips and tissue. Dr. Harrington’s curvilinear incision trims across the inner labia before curving inward to gracefully trim the edges of the clitoral hood, resulting in youthful and natural-looking proportions. In addition to improving form and function of the labia, this specialized labia reduction procedure can help women feel more confident in their own skin.

Taking some steps to prepare in the weeks leading up to your labiaplasty can help to ensure a smooth, uncomplicated experience from start to finish. Dr. Harrington will share with you detailed preparation guidelines prior to your procedure. Below are a few general labiaplasty preparation tips to keep in mind:

• Review all medications, vitamins and supplements with Dr. Harrington, as these may need to be temporarily adjusted.
• Fill prescriptions before surgery so you do not have to stop at the pharmacy on the way home. 
• Plan to take up to 1 week off work and other obligations to recover.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home from your procedure and to stay with you for at least the first 24 hours. 
• Arrange for extra help around the house and with children and pets, if applicable, for a couple of days. 
• Prepare a comfortable, quiet recovery space at home so you can focus on resting and healing.

Labiaplasty is a same-day procedure that is usually performed under local anesthesia. The entire procedure usually takes 1 to 2 hours. If you are placed under general anesthesia, you should arrive at the surgery center 1 hour prior to your procedure start time and plan to stay for 1 hour after your surgery is finished. Patients who are put under general anesthesia will need a friend or family member to drive them home, and an adult should stay with you for at least 24 hours after your procedure. Patients that have sensitivities to narcotic medications, may benefit from our opioid-free or reduced surgery and recovery customized approach.

Depending on your comprehensive cosmetic goals, Dr. Harrington may recommend additional procedures to achieve your desired result. Women who have lost a significant amount of weight may wish to consider liposuction of the mons pubis to streamline their figures. Many women include labiaplasty as part of their mommy makeovers.

You may notice an immediate difference in the appearance of your labia following surgery, but it’s important to remember that your final results take time to fully develop. In the first days and weeks, swelling and bruising can temporarily mask your outcome. Around the two-week mark, as swelling begins to subside, you should start to see initial results.

Your body will continue to heal and your results will continue to develop over the following months. Most women are able to enjoy their final results within 4 to 6 months. With proper healing, labiaplasty can provide lasting results, often improving both comfort and confidence in daily life.

While no nonsurgical treatment is able to provide the same level of results as a surgical labiaplasty, we do offer several nonsurgical options that can help to improve sexual satisfaction and other common female health concerns without surgery.

• EMFEMME 360 uses radiofrequency energy to gently tighten vaginal tissues and labial folds. Treatments are quick, typically taking under 10 minutes, and 3 sessions spaced weekly are often recommended to see noticeable improvements.
• Emsella uses electromagnetic waves to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. You sit comfortably while HIFEM® technology creates thousands of kegel-like contractions. A typical treatment plan includes 6 sessions over 3 weeks.
• O Spot Shot is an injectable treatment that uses your own plasma (taken from a small blood draw) to enhance lubrication, improve sensitivity and support tissue healing. It’s done in about 30 minutes with minimal discomfort.