Labiaplasty

labiaplasty model

Women consult with me about labiaplasty for different reasons. Some seek consultation because they experience discomfort or chafing from elongated or enlarged labia rubbing on clothing during daily activities. I also perform labial reduction for cosmetic reasons, as some women seek rejuvenation to improve the appearance of the labia which can help relieve sexual inhibition that may be felt if labia are oversized, unusually shaped or uneven.

A labiaplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that reduces the size of the labia minora and/or the labia majora. The labia minora are the inner skin folds. The labia majora are the outer folds of the skin.

The size, shape, and color of the labia vary significantly from person to person. The labia minora may vary in size from one side to the other, they may be hidden under the labia majora, or they may be visible. Childbirth and aging may change the size, shape, and color of the labia.

See our labiaplasty FAQs below, and our labiaplasty before and after photo gallery


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Labiaplasty Photo Gallery Before & After

View labiaplasty before and after photos

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Labiaplasty FAQs

Am I a good candidate for a labiaplasty?

A labiaplasty reduces the amount of skin of the labia. If you have a congenital defect or you have seen a change in the size or shape of your labia with aging or childbirth, you may be a good candidate for a labiaplasty. During your consultation, we will provide you with our expert opinion on whether you are a good candidate. We will discuss the surgical process along with any possible risks and complications of the surgery.

Will I be seen by the surgeon?

Yes. Dr. Johnson will meet with you and she will discuss all your surgical options. Dr. Johnson will provide you with the necessary information so that you feel confident and comfortable with your surgical decision.

Is the plastic surgeon board certified?

Yes. Dr. Johnson is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is a proud member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Additionally, she is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, which recognizes surgeons who specialize in cosmetic plastic surgery.

Will I be charged for an initial consultation?

Yes. There is a $100 cosmetic consultation fee. If you choose to have surgery with Dr. Johnson, the $100 will go towards the surgical fee.

How is labiaplasty performed?

A labiaplasty can consist of removing redundant skin from the labia minora, labia majora, or both. The technique used is dependent on your concerns and your surgical expectations. The incisions are made along the length of each labia. The incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures that will fall out in 7-10 days after surgery.

What is the surgical process for labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty procedures can be performed in our office or at a hospital. Dr. Johnson will discuss both options with you. You can decide which option is better for you. Dr. Johnson is happy to do this procedure in whichever location you will be most comfortable.

Are there risks involved with labiaplasty?

Yes, there are risks with any surgical procedure. Some of the possible risks with a labiaplasty are pain, infection, bruising, swelling, wound healing complications, hematoma/seroma, numbness of the incision, nerve damage, asymmetry, or unsatisfactory results or scars that may require a revision surgery.

How should I prepare for a labiaplasty consultation?

Researching labiaplasty on reputable internet sites such as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons can be very informative to help provide basics about the surgery and your recovery. However, the best information will be obtained by making an appointment and speaking with Dr. Johnson. At the time of your consultation it may also be helpful to review before and after photos of patients who have had the procedure. Know your surgical expectations so you can discuss them fully. If you are a smoker, we recommend you quit to help reduce the risk of wound healing complications. We also recommend a healthy lifestyle to aid your recovery process.

Where will my labiaplasty procedure be performed?

Labiaplasty procedures can be performed in our office or at a hospital. Dr. Johnson will discuss both options with you. You can decide which option is better for you. Dr. Johnson is happy to do this procedure in whichever location you will be most comfortable. Dr. Johnson has privileges at Baystate Medical Center and Mercy Medical Center. Both are surgical facilities in Springfield, MA, accredited by the Joint Commission, and have been awarded the Gold Seal of Approval.

What is the recovery process for labiaplasty surgery?

The first few days you may have discomfort of the genital area. The extent of what is performed determines the amount of discomfort that you will have. You are sent home on pain medications which will decrease your discomfort. You will have bruising and swelling of the genital area. We will recommend that you apply antibiotic ointment to the incision for the first 72 hours after surgery. We will see you about 1 week after surgery to evaluate your healing process. We request that you do no strenuous exercise for 4 weeks after surgery.

Post-Operative Instructions for Labiaplasty (Download printable PDF)

There may be information here that contradicts information on the general Post-Operative Instructions sheet. Any time this occurs, follow these procedure specific instructions. If you have any questions, please call the office at (413) 731-7877.

  • Minimal activities for the first couple of days after surgery.
  • You may ice the groin area for the first week to decrease swelling and pain.
  • You may shower 72 hours after surgery.
  • DO NOT soak in the tub, jacuzzi, sauna, pool, or beach for 2 weeks following procedure.
  • NO driving or working while on pain medications.
  • You may take Tylenol for pain or Benadryl for itching if needed.
  • Avoid Advil, Motrin, or Ibuprofen for the first week after surgery but you may take them any time after the 1st week.

You can expect:

  • Clear and bloody drainage from the incisions for the first couple of days.
  • Sutures are dissolvable and do not need to be removed. There is also a layer of glue protecting the suture line.
  • NOT to apply bacitracin, ointments, or creams to the suture line.
  • To return to non-strenuous work within 3-7 days.
  • Moderate discomfort which should be relieved with pain medications.
  • Moderate swelling of the labia.
  • Bruising around the area.

Call the office if you experience:

  • Severe pain not relieved by pain medications.
  • Increased swelling of the labia that is not decreasing.
  • Excessive drainage or heavy bleeding.
  • A fever greater than 101.5
  • Call the office at any time with questions.

As time goes by and you are healing, the following apply:

  • Most swelling, bruising and soreness resolves within 4-6 weeks.
  • Return to strenuous activities in 3-4 weeks.
  • We require 48 hours for prescription refills. Please call in advance.

Will my insurance cover labiasplasty surgery?

Generally, labiapolasty is not a covered procedure. Labiaplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure. Most insurances do not deem this procedure medically necessary and therefore it is not a covered procedure.

Can I finance my labiaplasty procedure?

Yes. We offer patient financing through CareCredit or ALPHAEON CREDIT. See our Financing FAQs for more information.

What forms of payment are accepted?

We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, cash, money orders, and certified bank checks, or you can finance through CareCredit.

Can I make payments online?

Yes. You can make credit card payments securely online.

Labiaplasty consultations

When you book a consultation, there is a $100 consultation fee. If you choose to have surgery with Dr. Johnson the $100 will go towards the surgical fee.