What is an oversized labia?
Your external genitalia is comprised of two sections of tissue that are designed to protect your reproductive and urinary systems: your labia majora and labia minora. Also called vaginal “lips,” these two sets of tissue provide a barrier that surrounds your vagina, your urinary orifice, and your clitoris.
When your labia minora has too much tissue, however, there are several problems that can arise, including:
- Twisting and tugging while riding a bicycle or wearing tight sports clothing
- Tissue that escapes your clothing, namely your swimsuit or underwear
- A visible “mound” in your clothes
- Difficulty with hygiene
- Asymmetry
- Irritation and itching
In many cases, pregnancy and the surge in hormones can cause the tissue of your labia minora to expand. In other cases, you may have a naturally larger labia. Whatever the case, a labiaplasty may help.
What is a labiaplasty?
A labiaplasty is a fairly simple procedure in which Dr. Chao reduces the size of your labia by removing excess tissue so that it doesn’t hang below your labia majora. Depending upon your situation, he may trim away the excess tissue or remove a wedge-shaped piece of tissue to tighten your labia minora.
Dr. Chao can perform this procedure using local anesthesia or general anesthesia, which is a decision that you can make with the doctor beforehand.
What is recovery like after a labia reduction?
Dr. Chao performs the labia reduction on an outpatient basis, which means you’re free to return home afterward. Dr. Chao and his staff ensure that you have complete aftercare instructions that will help your recovery go as smoothly as possible.
When you get home, you should count on taking it easy for the first week and avoid any activities that may aggravate the surgical site. While the surgery is relatively minor, it’s still surgery, so you should keep the area clean, according to Dr. Chao’s aftercare instructions, and ice it frequently to help with any postoperative pain or swelling.
In 4-6 weeks after your procedure, Dr. Chao will let you know if you may resume sexual intercourse and wear tampons. Within 6-8 weeks, your labia should be fully healed and any residual swelling should be gone. Each patient's recovery is different and Dr. Chao's staff will help you through the recovery process.
If you’d like to explore how a labia reduction can improve your quality of life, call Prime Plastic Surgery, or use the online scheduling tool to request a consultation.
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