Labiaplasty

One of Dr. Hutchinson’s most requested cosmetic surgeries is labiaplasty, a plastic surgery procedure of the labia designed to remove excess tissues, recontour the labia minora and majora, and reduce the clitoral hood. As a Fellowship trained, board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Hutchinson has the technical acumen, artistic eye, and proven skill to deliver personalized, elegant results.

What Can Labiaplasty Achieve?

Labiaplasty can improve the appearance and provide better symmetry of the labia, as well as reduce symptoms associated with enlarged labia. Deciding on the most appropriate option for female genital cosmetic surgery requires open communication between patient and surgeon so that the desired result is achieved. Labiaplasty may also be combined with correction of excessive clitoral hooding or vaginal rejuvenation, depending on the patient’s wishes.

What Can Labiaplasty Address?

Excessively long or thick labia minora
Asymmetry between the labia minora
Visible bulging when wearing tight clothing
Discomfort during exercise and physical activities
Rashes from friction and rubbing of the labia
Flattened, misshapen, or hanging labia majora
Irregularity from prior surgery or excisions on the labia

Why Choose Labiaplasty?

Women are very much aware of their looks and their bodies, and one aspect of the body that many women want to improve upon is the appearance of their external genitalia. Adult women and adolescent girls may have any number of labial conditions for which they seek labiaplasty.

Congenital issues, which are evident after puberty, include asymmetry of the labia minora — with one lip larger, longer, or differently shaped than the other — and hypertrophy, where the labia may be thickened or excessive in length. Acquired problems that occur later in life may also involve labial enlargement as well as loss of volume and flattening of the labia majora. This can result in embarrassment from visible bulging when wearing tight clothing, bathing suits, or underwear or discomfort during exercise and physical activities (cycling, horseback riding, sexual intercourse, etc.).

What Causes These Issues?

Enlargement and protrusion of the labia minora — the smaller external skin lips on either side of the vagina — may cause pain, irritation, and embarrassment. This condition may be genetic or it may become more pronounced after childbirth, hormonal changes, or aging.

Colloquially referred to as “butterfly wings,” the labia minora may become thickened or pendulous or the two sides may be asymmetric. The degree of enlargement is variable, and it may involve the entire length of the labia or be limited to only a shorter segment.

In some women, the tissue overlying the clitoris (called the “clitoral hood”) may also become enlarged or excessive. For these patients, clitoral hood reduction can be performed concurrently with labiaplasty in order to produce a more harmonious appearance and contour to all anatomical parts in the area.

Available Treatment Options

There are a number of different options available.

Labiaplasty with reduction (bilateral or unilateral) to correct asymmetry of the labia minora or labia majora
Clitoral hood reduction in addition to reduction and reshaping of the labia minora
Labiaplasty of the labia minora with liposuction of the labia majora
Fat injections of the labia majora or use of fillers to improve contour and correct thinning of the tissues

Dr. Hutchinson is the best! Very professional.

F.D.B.

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Preparing for Labiaplasty Surgery

Dr. Hutchinson provides her patients with detailed instructions so that they are adequately prepared for surgery. She makes recommendations for each patient, including skin preparation of the area (as well as timing of depilation) and requirements for medical clearance and bloodwork prior to surgery.

It’s important before surgery to avoid smoking, maintain a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition, and avoid taking medications that can increase the risk of complications.

Labiaplasty Surgical Details

Dr. Hutchinson performs labiaplasty in the privacy and safety of her AAAASF certified operating room on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Most often, labiaplasty surgery requires local anesthesia with intravenous sedation to maximize patient comfort. Although the technique used for labiaplasty depends on the patient’s individual body and needs, the procedure is generally performed by removing redundant tissues through incisions made on or around the labia. Many women choose to combine labiaplasty with other aesthetic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tuck, or as part of an overall mommy makeover.

Recovery and Results

Some degree of swelling is normal after surgery and bruising may occur as well.

Avoiding friction and prolonged pressure on the area will help prevent possible wound healing issues. More rigorous exercise and sexual activity may be resumed after several weeks once discomfort has subsided.

Every patient will have their own personal experience and recovery after labiaplasty. Some results are immediately noticeable but final results will depend on your body’s healing abilities and will be evident after several weeks. The results are long lasting.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Before your procedure, you will meet with Dr. Hutchinson to have a comprehensive discussion so that she can determine if labiaplasty is right for you. She will obtain into your medical history and listen carefully as you explain what bothers you about your labia and the results you hope to achieve with surgery. After this conversation, you will be seen in a private examination room where Dr. Hutchinson will perform a detailed physical examination to assess your unique physical characteristics. She will also take medical photographs, which may provide additional information when discussing your surgery.

To help you better understand what results labiaplasty can achieve, Dr. Hutchinson will discuss the details of your current physical characteristics. Factors that may impact your results include the following:

The amount of excess tissue to be removed from labia minora
The quality and bulkiness of the labial tissues
The degree of asymmetry between the labia minora
Concurrent issues such as excess clitoral hooding and appearance of labia majora
Any prior surgery or scarring of the labia or genital area

Following your examination, Dr. Hutchinson will explain your surgical options, determine the best customized surgical plan for you, and review your medical photographs with you. She will then go over your surgical plan and let you know what you’ll need to do before and after your surgery to ensure a successful operation and smooth recovery.

You will also be given plenty of time to ask any questions you have. If you decide to proceed with surgery, you will have an opportunity to schedule the procedure during this visit.

Who is a Good Candidate for Labiaplasty?

Women who make ideal patients for labiaplasty are those who:

Are unhappy with the appearance of their labia
Have discomfort in the genital area when performing regular activities
Avoid sexual intimacy due to being embarrassed about their labia
Experience pain or irritation due to the size or shape of their labia
Are restricted in clothing choices due to the size or shape of the labia

Why Choose Dr. Hutchinson for Labiaplasty?

Olivia Hutchinson, MD is a Fellowship trained, board certified plastic surgeon who has provided superb cosmetic results for patients in and beyond Manhattan’s Upper East Side for over two decades. Dr. Hutchinson’s practice is built on the cornerstones of integrity, trustworthiness, and personalized attention. Patients are seen in an elegant, quiet, and unhurried ambiance and have access to state of the art concierge services. Dr. Hutchinson’s extensive experience and skill allow her to deliver safe, effective, natural, and long-lasting results. To discover more about what labiaplasty can do for you, contact us online or call us at (212) 452-1400.