Labiaplasty

Ocean Clinic Marbella

Labiaplasty is a general term encompassing various techniques used to modify the inner or outer labia and the external vulva, serving both aesthetic and functional purposes. Reduction and lifting procedures for the inner labia are the most commonly performed surgeries within the realm of intimate surgery.

There are numerous reasons why women opt for labial reduction surgery. These reasons include discomfort during sports or sexual intercourse, alterations in aesthetic appearance following childbirth, or simply age-related stretching of the labia. Variations in the labial folds, including slight asymmetry of the inner labia and minor protrusion of the inner lips, are common and should be considered normal variations. However, if these variations cause psychological distress, surgical correction can offer an effective and straightforward solution. Aging can lead to a loss of volume in the outer labia, resulting in reduced coverage and increased exposure of the inner labia. This discrepancy between volume loss and excess skin can be rectified through a reduction of the outer and/or inner labia and a fat transfer to the outer labia.

Following weight loss or childbirth, the mons pubis may sag or accumulate fat deposits, necessitating a pubic lift or liposuction. In today’s world, an increasing number of women seek aesthetic genital procedures to restore a more youthful appearance and regain self-confidence in their sexuality.

Labiaplasty

What You Need to Know Beforehand

What are the surgical techniques?

The right choice of a suitable technique should be made during a consultation with our surgeons. Reduction techniques of the inner labia vary from modifications of the clitoral hood, the labia minora and/or the vestibule of the vagina. Whereas simple reductions may sometimes still be indicated, so-called wedge-resections are becoming more popular, as they conserve better the labial innervation and perfusion. Reconstruction techniques aim for rebuilding of the frenulum, the hymen or even the whole inner labia. Reduction of the volume or general size of the outer labia can be performed through a combination of liposuction and skin resection. Fat grafting to the outer labia is becoming a popular and established tool, either as a stand-alone or a combination procedure.

Where are the scars placed?

All surgical techniques concerning the inner or outer labia lead to hidden or nearly invisible scars. Scars on the inner labia heal in general very well as the genitals have a good blood supply which helps with the healing. If a pubic lift should become necessary, the scar will normally be placed like a caesarian scar and will be well hidden by underwear or a bikini. A Pubic lift is usually combined with mini or full abdominoplasty, if indicated.

After Surgery and Beyond

Aftercare

Dissolvable suture material is used in most cases. Therefore, removal of sutures is normally not necessary. Daily cautious cleaning of the wound without rubbing using a povidone iodine solution is recommendable. Showering is possible from the second postoperative day onwards. Sports should be avoided for 3 weeks and sexual intercourse up to 4 weeks. With oral pain medication for the first 3-4 days, you should not experience any pain.

Procedure related risks

Rare complications include infection, asymmetry requiring revision, and prolonged recovery due to swelling and/or hematoma. Changes of sensibility of the skin are expected during the early postoperative period and disappear with time. Permanent changes of sensibility and/or persistent discomfort are extremely rare.

Alternative treatments

A very subtle modification of the inner and outer labia may be achieved with non-ablative or ablative laser or radiofrequency devices. Injectables, hyaluronic acid and lasers are often used as combination with surgery rather than stand-alone options.

Our experience

Our surgeons have a vast experience in genital surgery, including in the challenging fields of gender-re-affirmation surgery and vulva/vagina reconstruction. We perform more than 50 labioplasties every year, using advanced techniques like autologous fat grafting and RF assisted surgery. Our experience results in low complication and high satisfaction rates among our patients.