Hereditary traits typically influence the size and shape of a woman’s labia. Other factors, including pregnancy, weight fluctuations, hormonal fluctuations (such as those caused by the ongoing use of certain medications or pregnancy) and the natural aging process, can also cause changes in the labia over time. Whatever the cause, some women feel self-conscious or embarrassed about the size, shape or asymmetrical nature of their labia, prompting them to seek surgical correction of their intimate aesthetic concerns. Other women experience physical pain or discomfort from enlarged labia, especially when engaging in certain activities such as riding a bicycle or a horse, and seek surgical assistance to correct this.

Additional reasons women pursue labiaplasty and other types of vaginal rejuvenation surgery include:

• Chafing and discomfort caused by enlarged labia rubbing against snug-fitting clothing and / or certain fitness equipment such as bicycles

• Discomfort or pain when engaging in sexual intercourse, due to labial enlargement

• Unhappiness with the long, enlarged or unusually shaped appearance or asymmetry of the labia

• The desire to repair a tear or other injury in the vaginal area, often caused by childbirth or trauma

• The desire to rejuvenate the vaginal area as part of mommy makeover surgery

• The desire to improve clitoral sensitivity during sexual intercourse with clitoral hoodectomy

Appropriate candidates for labiaplasty include women who:

• Have an overall positive self-image but are concerned with the shape or size of their labia, due to physical discomfort and / or aesthetic concerns

• Are in good general health

• Have decided to have the procedure of their own volition

• Are not currently pregnant and have not been pregnant for at least six months to a year

• Are not currently breastfeeding and have not nursed for at least six months to a year

• Have not lost any excess weight following pregnancy

Most importantly, appropriate candidates for labiaplasty understand both the rewards and potential risks associated with the surgical procedure.

Labiaplasty is performed on an outpatient basis. It can be performed with the use of either local or general anesthesia. Due to the delicate nature of the labial tissue, the plastic surgeon employs specialized surgical instruments to excise excess labial tissue in a highly meticulous manner as well as to reshape the labia. Using precisely positioned incisions and dissolvable stitches, scarring is minimized and often unnoticeable to the naked eye.

Sometimes, during this procedure, the doctor will use a laser to tighten the internal vaginal canal, improving stress incontinence, sexual intimacy, and the aesthetic appearance of the vagina.

Labiaplasty patients usually only need to take about three days off from work or their usual schedule. For instance, if a woman undergoes labiaplasty on a Thursday, she can typically return to work the following Monday.

Bed rest is advised for the first day or two following surgery, simply as a precaution to help minimize the irritation that can occur as a result of wearing certain clothes or walking. With this in mind, postsurgical labiaplasty patients should wear loose-fitting shorts, pants or skirts for about one week following the procedure. They will also need to use a sanitary napkin during the first few days following the procedure to protect their clothing from any fluid present after surgery.

Following surgery most patients experience only mild discomfort, which can be relieved by taking oral pain medication. During the immediate postoperative period, the treated area may be swollen, bruised or bleeding slightly. Applying an icepack to the treatment area during the first day after surgery will also help alleviate any discomfort and minimize swelling.

After labiaplasty, women should abstain from vigorous activity, including sexual activity and intense exercise, for about six weeks. The plastic surgeon will let patients know when they are clear to resume these activities.

Some of the aesthetic benefits of labiaplasty are noticeable immediately following surgery, but the final results take about a month to become fully actualized. This is how long it takes for any residual swelling to subside and for the body to heal fully.