Learn about labiaplasty surgery

Learn how labiaplasty restores confidence, and comfort, to woman by decreasing the size of the inner labia. Dr. Hayes answers the most common questions about the surgery, recovery and results. 

Does my vagina look normal?
Like a set of fingerprints, each woman has a unique appearance of their vagina and labia. The majority of women who are considering a plastic surgery procedure (labiaplasty), are concerned about the appearance of the inner labia, or labia minora. During puberty, the labia minora grow to adult size and may protrude beyond the outer labia. The clitoral hood may become enlarged and add fullness at the top of the vulva. A labiaplasty procedure reduces the appearance of prominent inner labia and gives a "neat," or "tucked in," look.

Having a labiaplasty isn't always about appearance. Many women who have prominent labia have difficulty with exercise, wearing tight clothing, or with intercourse. It's common to have pulling, pinching, or chafing of the inner labia. This is painful and can be improved with a labiaplasty surgery.

I'm considering a labiaplasty, what's involved?

• Excess tissue from the inner labia is removed
• Labiaplasty changes the appearance of the inner labia and can help decrease the discomfort from excess labial tissue
• Dr. Hayes uses the "edge wedge technique" for most labiaplasty surgeries
• Cost: Click Here
• Outpatient surgery
  
• Recovery: Full recovery = 6 weeks
  

What type of labiaplasty does Dr. Hayes perform?
Not all labiaplasty techniques give the same results. Dr. Hayes uses techniques for labiaplasty procedures that are less commonly performed, but yield a better result with less noticeable scarring and a more natural appearance of the labia. He us an "edge-wedge" technique developed by Dr. Adam Oppenheimer (Orlando, FL). All sutures are absorbable, and no sutures need to be removed.

How do you treat clitoral hood enlargement?
Enlargement of the clitoral hood creates fullness at the top of the vulva. The clitoral hood can be "tucked in" along with the inner labia by using incisions on the sides, and upper part, of the hood to make it smaller. Whether a woman would benefit from a clitoral hood reduction is determined during that consultation in the office.

Will labiaplasty affect my nerves and sensation?
A labiaplasty surgery does not change the sensation of the clitoris or inner aspect of the labia. The surgery removes superficial skin, so deep nerves are left untouched, so there are no raw nerve endings and no nerve injury. Even when a clitoral hood reduction is performed, the delicate nerves to the clitoris are preserved.

Will my partner know that I had a labiaplasty?
The scars from a labiaplasty heal nicely and many are hidden between the inner and outer labia (minor and majora). The scars are nearly imperceptible. All sutures are absorbable and are completely buried under the skin. NO SUTURE MARKS. Compare this to other techniques using baseball stitches to close, over-resection, and an unnatural appearance. 

How can I schedule my appointment with Dr. Hayes?
Head to our contact page and put in your information. Dr. Hayes' scheduler will contact you to schedule an appointment for consultation. Dr. Hayes see patients in Portland.

Dr. Austin Hayes

Dr. Hayes is a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, breasts, and body. His office is located in Portland.