Labiaplasty

Your Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Aimé will ask about your concerns, symptoms, and goals and perform an examination of the labia. She will evaluate the length, thickness, distribution, and symmetry of the labia minora as well as the surrounding anatomy.

Choosing the Surgical Approach

Your anatomy helps determine how the tissue can be reduced while maintaining an appropriate contour and avoiding over-resection. Depending on the distribution of excess tissue, Dr. Aimé may recommend a trim technique, wedge technique, or modification of these approaches.

Considering the Surrounding Anatomy

The clitoral hood and labia majora are also evaluated as part of the overall surgical plan. When appropriate, clitoral hood reduction or fat grafting to the labia majora may be discussed. These procedures are not necessary for every patient.

Understanding What Can Be Achieved

Some anatomy is more challenging to modify than others. For example, very thick labial tissue may limit how much the tissue can be reduced while maintaining a smooth contour and appropriate blood supply. Dr. Aimé will discuss the expected changes and limitations based on your individual anatomy.

Clinical photographs may be taken for your confidential medical record and surgical planning.

Before an Awake Office Procedure

Most labiaplasty procedures can be performed in the Scottsdale office under local anesthesia. You will receive instructions before surgery regarding medications, eating and drinking, hygiene, and what to expect on the day of your procedure. A separate preoperative appointment is generally not necessary for an office procedure performed under local anesthesia.

Learn More: What Medications Are Used During an In-Office Plastic Surgery Procedure? →

If You Are Having General Anesthesia

If labiaplasty will be performed under general anesthesia, such as when it is combined with another procedure, you will return for a preoperative appointment. Your surgical plan, medications, testing when indicated, anesthesia instructions, and postoperative care will be reviewed at that visit.

Medications and Nicotine

Certain medications and supplements may need to be adjusted before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. All nicotine products should be stopped for at least 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after surgery because nicotine increases the risk of wound-healing complications.

Learn More: Why Nicotine Must Be Stopped Before and After Plastic Surgery →

Preparing for Recovery at Home

Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery. Before your procedure, have peri-pads and a peri bottle or similar rinsing bottle available at home. Loose, comfortable clothing can also make the first several days easier.

Arriving for Your Procedure

When you arrive, Dr. Aimé will review the surgical plan with you and carefully mark the areas to be treated. If your procedure is being performed awake, local anesthetic is administered to completely numb the surgical area.

Reducing and Reshaping the Labia

Dr. Aimé removes and reshapes the planned labial tissue using the technique selected for your anatomy. The goal is not simply to make the labia as small as possible, but to reduce the areas of concern while preserving appropriate tissue, contour, and function.

Additional Procedures When Planned

If included in your surgical plan, clitoral hood reduction may be performed to address excess tissue in this area. Fat transfer can also be used to add volume to the labia majora when appropriate.

Closing the Incisions

The incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures. Long-acting numbing medication can be added to help control discomfort during the early recovery period.

Going Home After Surgery

When labiaplasty is performed alone or with a limited number of additional procedures, it is typically outpatient and you will return home the same day with a responsible adult. An overnight stay may be recommended when labiaplasty is combined with more extensive surgery.

A peri-pad can be worn for expected spotting or drainage. You will take antibiotics for approximately 24 hours after surgery and receive detailed instructions for caring for the surgical area at home.

Hygiene and Incision Care

Keeping the area clean without rubbing the incisions is important during early healing. After urinating, rinse with a peri bottle or similar rinsing bottle. Some patients find it more comfortable to urinate in the shower initially. The area should also be gently rinsed or showered after a bowel movement.

Avoid rubbing the healing incisions with toilet paper or wet wipes. Once the incisions are completely closed, feminine wipes may be used if helpful for itching or hygiene. Showering can typically resume after 24 hours.

Returning to Work and Exercise

Most patients can return to light daily activities within several days and desk-based work within approximately 1–7 days, depending on swelling, discomfort, and job demands. Light exercise can generally resume at approximately 2 weeks, with activity gradually increased as healing progresses.

Sexual Activity and Direct Pressure

Sexual intercourse, tampon use, cycling, horseback riding, motorcycles, and other activities that place pressure or friction on the surgical area are generally restricted for approximately 4–6 weeks. Baths, pools, and hot tubs should also be avoided until the incisions have adequately healed.

Dissolvable Sutures

The sutures dissolve on their own. If external knots remain at the one-week postoperative visit, Dr. Aimé may trim or remove the remaining knots.

Follow-Up and Longer-Term Healing

Postoperative visits are generally scheduled at approximately 1 week, 4–6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Swelling gradually improves over the first several weeks to months, while the tissues continue to soften and the final contour develops over the following months.