What is labioplasty?
Labioplasty, also known as reduction nymphoplasty, is an operation to reduce the size of labia minora deemed too large, or to correct asymmetry. This hypertrophy of the labia minora may have appeared at puberty, during the menopause or following childbirth. It can also be congenital.
This type of hypertrophic labia minora protrudes beyond the labia majora. Patients complain that their labia minora "hang down". This can be a real complex, preventing them from wearing certain items of clothing (tight pants), underwear (thongs) or even bathing suits. Beyond the aesthetic aspect, some women suffer from functional discomfort: pain when walking or having sexual intercourse, and inability to take part in certain sporting activities such as cycling, horse-riding or rowing.
Nymphoplasty: practical information
Reduction labioplasty is performed under potentized anesthesia (i.e., a thorough local anesthetic) on an outpatient basis by a plastic surgeon. It lasts approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
It is advisable to wait until the end of growth before planning this operation.
Genital lip surgery: objectives and principles
A nymphoplasty operation gives the vulva a more harmonious appearance by reducing the size of the labia minora and/or restoring symmetry. Patients thus regain comfort in their daily lives. Freed from this complex, they feel more at ease with their bodies and gain in self-confidence.
The first step is to schedule a consultation with the plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will discuss the patient's wishes and motivations, and carry out a gynecological examination. Hypertrophy, mucous membrane, asymmetry, hyperpigmentation... The practitioner examines all these points, draws up a pre-operative assessment and requests a pre-operative blood test. He explains in detail to the patient the planned operation, how it will be carried out and the post-operative follow-up to be expected.
A precise, personalized estimate is given to the patient. This is the time for her to ask any questions she may have. It's important that no grey areas remain. This climate of trust is particularly important for this type of intimate surgery.
Prior to labia minora surgery, it is necessary to schedule an appointment with the anaesthetist, 2 weeks before the date of the operation.
As before any surgical procedure, we recommend that you stop smoking and take aspirin. As for waxing or shaving, your Clinique du Lac practitioner will give you the appropriate recommendations beforehand.
The operation is performed under a thorough local anaesthetic during an outpatient hospital stay. The patient can then return home the same evening.
As before any surgical procedure, we recommend that you stop smoking and take aspirin. As for waxing or shaving, your Clinique du Lac practitioner will give you the appropriate recommendations beforehand.
During the labioplasty procedure, the patient is positioned in the operating room in the gynecological position. The practitioner will follow the planned resection pattern, using the longitudinal technique. In other words, the excess skin of the labia minora is cut lengthwise, without touching the mucous membrane. Sutures are then applied using absorbable thread.
The operation itself is not painful. If the patient feels pain after the operation, conventional painkillers are generally sufficient.
As for post-operative care, the patient must follow specific recommendations to ensure proper healing: washing with foaming soap, careful drying and application of a healing cream. Bathing and tight-fitting clothing are not recommended. About a month after the operation, you can resume sport and sexual relations.
Considering a reduction labioplasty? At Clinique du Lac, prices start from €2,500. Contact our teams to make an appointment with a specialized plastic surgeon.