Plastic surgery to correct enlarged labia minor, known as a labiaplasty or labioplasty, has been rapidly increasing in popularity over the last several years. In Labiaplasty (Labia Minora Reduction): Why? , I noted that women seek this procedure for not just aesthetic reasons but also functional ones. In fact, contrary to popular public opinion and perception, it appears that functional reasons are the predominant motivation for women to pursue this procedure which is also supported by two large studies on the subject revealing the percentages to be 85% and 63%, respectively.

What are the most common reasons that women seek labiaplasty?

It is clear that the aesthetic issue involves the dissatisfaction with the appearance of enlarged labia minora that protrude noticeably beyond the borders of the labia majora. Many women regard this as a significant deformity which can substantially and adversely affect their self-esteem and lead to diminished sexual desire or even avoidance of sexual intercourse.

The functional problems include pain, irritation, chafing, stretching, compression and dermatitis that can be related to or exacerbated by a wide array of physical activities such as running, jogging, bicycling, horseback riding, and dancing. Many women also have significant pain while having sex and can experience irritation of their labia minora for days afterward. Tight fitting clothes are not only associated with many of these issues but also can embarrassingly reveal the underlying anatomic labia minora enlargement.

Is a labiaplasty an effective procedure and are women satisfied with the results?

Assessment of the results from a variety of medical studies on labiaplasty revealed an extraordinarily high satisfaction rate in women who have had this surgery. In fact, in excess of 95% of women were quite satisfied with the outcome of their labiaplasty procedure. This rate was also independent of the particular surgical technique employed as well as whether the primary motivating factor for those seeking the procedure was aesthetic or functional. Given the choice, most women would do it again if given the option.

Clearly, this is quite an effective procedure!

For more information regarding the labiaplasty (labioplasty) procedure or for any other plastic surgery procedure that I perform, or to schedule a complimentary consultation with me, you can call my office at 480-451-3000.

Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona

A labiaplasty, or the plastic surgical reduction and improvement of the labia minora, is the Rodney Dangerfield of cosmetic surgery: “it doesn’t get no respect!” Many people who have heard of the procedure consider it to be a frivolous, incredibly unwarranted one sought out by superficial, self-absorbed women who have too much time on their hands, more money than they know what to do with and are of so little of substance that they even have to critique the anatomy of their private parts. Often, the phrase “Scottsdale women” is used in the same sentence.

Is this perception of a labiaplasty reflective of reality or is there more to the story?

As with any cosmetic procedure, there is a subset of women who obsess about any real or imagined imperfection of a part of their body. With regards to their labia minora, they want designer ones which are what a labiaplasty can offer.

However, a majority of women have real and substantial issues which this procedure can address. For example, large protruding labia minora can be painfully stretched, compressed and irritated during a variety of physical activities, particularly horseback riding and bike riding as well as with sex. This can result in skin breakdown and even chronic infections. Tight and form fitting clothing can elicit similar problems as well as create significant embarrassment by making the anatomic problem fairly evident to the general public. Finally, the considerably enlarged labial size can create a variety of hygienic problems.

When performed correctly, a labiaplasty can successfully address both the cosmetic and functional issues that are associated with atypically large and prominent labia minora. It can alleviate the issues that had been associated with a variety of activities including having sex as well as improve self-esteem.

In later posts, I will cover specifics on the procedure itself including techniques and expectations. If you would like more information on the labiaplasty procedure or for any other plastic surgery procedure that I perform, or to schedule a consultation with me, please feel free to call my office at 480-451-3000.

Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona